[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 132 (Thursday, July 31, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S4991]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS
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RECOGNIZING THE FLYING RAZORBACKS
Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate an
exceptional achievement of the 184th Attack Squadron, based out of
Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Fort Smith, AR, which was honored
with the 2024 General Atomics Remotely Piloted Aircraft, RPA, Trophy.
Known as the ``Flying Razorbacks,'' the 184th is part of the 188th
Wing and merited recognition for its outstanding performance
contributing to our national defense and providing cutting-edge,
resilient air capabilities.
Awarded to the top RPA squadron across all U.S. Air Force Active-
Duty, Reserve, and Guard units, the servicemembers of the 184th Attack
Squadron consistently demonstrate their critical skills and
effectiveness. The squadron completed 314 combat sorties, providing
nearly 6,000 hours of intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance--
ISR--missions. This footage is extremely important for monitoring and
identifying threats, protecting civilians and ground forces, and can
provide real-time updates that enable immediate response. These efforts
are crucial to achieve mission success and protect our Nation and
interests.
The squadron has fostered a reputation for excellence. In 2024, it
became the first Presidentially selected unit to ensure the security of
humanitarian airdrops by protecting cargo and units delivering aid, as
well as ensuring safe and precise delivery. This distinction
represented confidence in the 184th as a hallmark of mission readiness
and professionalism.
Additionally, the Flying Razorbacks led the U.S. Air Force in
conducting MQ-9 Reaper operations, utilizing the remotely piloted
aircraft to complete 66 percent of all nontraditional defense counter-
air and counter-small unmanned aerial system engagements.
I am proud to recognize the men and women of the 184th Attack
Squadron for earning this prestigious award and the trust of our
national security leaders. Arkansas is proud to commend their
dedication and hard work and congratulate them on their world-class
commitment to bolstering our national defense.
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