[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 211 (Tuesday, December 7, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Page S8960]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE 433RD FIGHTER WEAPONS SQUADRON

  Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
433rd Fighter Weapons Squadron, which began providing advanced 
instructor training to experienced F-15 pilots on January 3, 1978, as 
part of the USAF Fighter Weapons School. The 433rd Fighter Weapons 
Squadron was deactivated on June 1, 1981, and designated the U.S. Air 
Force Fighter Weapons School, F-15 Division. On February 3, 2003, the 
433rd was reactivated and designated the 433rd Weapons Squadron, once 
again retaining its informal name, ``The Barnyard.'' Though the 
squadron name has changed over the last 43 years, the tradition 
established by the individuals of the institution has remained 
consistent.
  December 11, 2021, is graduation day for the pilots of the F-15 
Barnyard, bringing the total to 511 F-15 patch wearers. That is 511 
individuals who, over the last 43 years, have shouldered the burden of 
responsibility in training and preparing America's fighting force to go 
to war in the F-15 air superiority fighter. They are the pilots who 
have flown on the front lines of aerial combat when called upon by 
their nation. They are the warriors who lead their wingmen safely home. 
The graduates of the F-15 division have collectively preserved the 
Eagle's undefeated record in combat, suffering no losses during its 
time in service. Twelve of the F-15 Weapons School graduates account 
for 18 of the F-15's 38 air-to-air victories.
  It is no surprise that those who have passed through the 433rd 
Weapons Squadron, F-15 Division have gone on to do great things and 
achieve high-ranking positions, in and out of the military. The 
tradition of the F-15 Division is rooted in the never-ending pursuit of 
excellence in aerial combat. Throughout their history, the fighter 
pilots of the Eagle Division have devoted themselves to a worthy cause 
with enthusiasm, devotion, and discipleship. They have trained and led 
the pilots who have enabled air supremacy for our forces around the 
world and in numerous conflicts.
  The fighter pilots of the 433rd Weapons Squadron, F-15 Division join 
a long lineage that has ensured air superiority for our Nation. From 
DESERT STORM, to ALLIED FORCE, to SOUTHERN and NORTHERN WATCH, and 
IRAQI FREEDOM, the fighter pilots of the F-15 Division of the Weapons 
School have ensured that control of the skies is never in question. The 
433rd Weapons Squadron, F-15 Division has stood on the shoulders of the 
giants and dared to reach higher. It has established itself in the 
history of this great Nation and its contributions to national defense 
are highly commendable. Their brave pilots now pass the torch to the 
next generation of air superiority warriors.

                          ____________________