[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 170 (Tuesday, October 17, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E985-E986]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 HONORING THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 349TH AIR MOBILITY WING (RESERVE)

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN GARAMENDI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 17, 2023

  Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore, I rise to recognize the 349th 
Air Mobility Wing (Reserve), assigned to the Air Mobility Command, 
Scott Air Force Base, II. The 349th, celebrated its 80th anniversary on 
October 14, 2023.
  The 349th AMW (Reserve). located at Travis Air Force Base, 
California, is the largest associate wing in the United States Air 
Force Reserve. 349th AMW personnel fly the C-5 Galaxy, the C-17 
Globemaster III, and the KC-10 Extender, and are now transitioning to 
the KC-46 Pegasus. The missions of the wing's aircrews include 
airlifting personnel and material worldwide as well as aerial refueling 
a wide variety of aircraft.
  The 349th AMW is also home to the 349th Aeromedical Evacuation 
Squadron, responsible for treating patients during medical airlift; the 
349th Airlift Control Flight, tasked to enter austere locations and 
prepare for USAF aircraft arrival; and the 349th Medical Squadron, 
capable of providing hospital services worldwide, in a contingency 
environment.
  The mission of the 349th AMW is to ``generate and sustain combat-
ready mobility Airmen.'' This makes the wing responsible for training 
almost 3,500 Reservists who, in turn, work side-by-side their active-
duty counterparts in the 60th AMW, also stationed at Travis.
  In November 1943, 349th Troop Carrier Group was activated at Sedalia 
Army Air Field, Missouri. The 349th TCG had five troop carrier 
squadrons assigned, including what is now the 312th Airlift Squadron, 
which is still assigned to the 349th.
  The 349th, like the other reserve troop carrier wings, was completely 
equipped and ready to move with only a few hours' notice as was the 
case during the Cuban call-up. Only four hours after the first call to 
report for duty was made, 95 percent of the wing's flying personnel had 
checked in and were ready to move. This proved the value of the Air 
Force Reserve's ``Ready Now'' concept and the wing's motto ``In Omnia 
Paratus.'' In all things prepared.
  A recall to active duty was again initiated on January 26, 1968, for 
the Vietnam War, and many hundreds of tons of cargo were carried across 
the Pacific. Upon deactivation in 1969, the 349th moved to Travis AFB, 
CA.
  In 1972, the 349th joined the active component in flying and 
maintaining the C-5 ``Galaxy'' making the 349th a two-weapon system 
reserve strategic airlift wing.
  On February 1, 1992, the 349th was re-designated the 349th Airlift 
Wing, deleting the word ``military'' from its name to conform with the 
active-duty Air Force's reorganization and realignment policies.
  In September 1994, the KC-10 ``Extender'' tanker mission was added to 
the Wing and became an ``Air Mobility Wing,'' the only Air Force 
Reserve unit at the time to fly three types of aircraft: the C-141 
``Starlifter,'' the C-5 ``Galaxy,'' and the KC-10.
  With the C-17 ``Globemaster III'' arrival at Travis in Summer 2006, 
the wing and its host became the only units in the country to fly three 
major weapons systems. On May 25, 2006, the 301st Airlift Squadron 
converted from the C-5 to the C-17 and on June 25, 2006, the 945th 
Aircraft Maintenance Squadron was activated to support the Globemaster 
III.
  Most recently the 349th Aeromedicine Squadron deployed reserve 
medical personnel in support of New York City's response to the

[[Page E986]]

Covid-19 pandemic, and 61 Wing Airmen deployed in support of Operation 
Allies Refuge.
  Mr. Speaker Pro Tempore and colleagues, please join me in praising 
the dedicated service of the Air Force reservist assigned to the 349th 
Air Mobility Wing (Reserve), Travis AFB, CA, who give and have given of 
their time and talents to serve our Nation and support our military 
readiness. I thank them for their commitment and sacrifice to help keep 
our U.S. Air Force strong and prepared for action when called upon.

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