[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 102 (Monday, June 12, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E549]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 12, 2023

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend 
Fairfield's Travis Air Force Base upon celebrating 80 years of diligent 
service to the United States military and the American public. This 
outstanding achievement is a testament to the vital role that Travis 
Air Force Base plays in the critical duties of the United States Air 
Force and the immense presence it has in the Solano community.
  Originally founded on May 11, 1943, as Fairfield-Suisum Army Air 
Base, the Base began as only a single airstrip and a few temporary 
buildings. Despite its small footprint, the Base spearheaded the 
essential mission of servicing and ferrying tactical aircraft from 
California to active war zones across the Pacific.
  Travis Air Force Base quickly became integral to the crucial missions 
of the United States military and became the West Coast's largest 
aerial port by 1945. During World War II, Travis Airforce Base met a 
challenge of colossal scale, directly facilitating the mission of 
airlifting troops to Asia and then supporting the return of war-weary 
servicemembers.
  Today, Travis Air Force Base is widely known as the ``Gateway to the 
Pacific,'' as it handles more cargo and passengers through its aerial 
port than any other military air terminal in the United States. The 
Base continues to support humanitarian airlift efforts around the world 
and played a critical role in the largest noncombatant evacuation 
operation in history, Operation Allies Refuge, which ultimately saved 
over 124,000 lives. I have listened to countless stories from the 
valiant servicemembers of Travis Air Force Base that exemplify the 
character, leadership, and bravery that is cultivated in the United 
States Air Force.
  The critical role that Travis Air Force Base has in the greater 
Solano County community does not go unnoticed. Currently, the Travis 
team includes over 15,000 active-duty servicemembers, civilians, and 
reservists, every one of whom is a vital and valued member of the 
Solano community. Travis Air Force Base's dedication to the United 
States military and Americans around the world is not only impressive, 
but essential to the safety of families across the country.
  On behalf of a grateful country and all the constituents of 
California's Eighth Congressional District, I would like to 
congratulate Travis Air Force Base upon its 80th anniversary and extend 
my sincere gratitude for the Base's sacrifices and contributions in the 
defense of this great country.

                          ____________________