[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 3]
[Senate]
[Pages 3182-3183]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO COLONEL JAMES S. BROWNE

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, on February 11, 2009, Mountain Home 
Air Force Base, AFB, in my home State of Idaho will bid farewell to COL 
James S. Browne and his wife Alison. Colonel Browne has been the 
Mountain Home AFB 366th Fighter Wing Commander, and Commander of the 
base, since September 15, 2007.
  Under Colonel Browne's exemplary leadership, the Gunfighters of 
Mountain Home AFB have excelled in their respective missions no small 
feat considering that the 366th Fighter Wing consists of 24 squadrons 
and over 5,000 personnel--and that doesn't include family members. A 
base commander is a little like a mayor. Along with military mission 
responsibilities, a base commander is ultimately held accountable for 
community well-being, infrastructure and services, and serves as the 
liaison with local, regional and State civilian government officials. 
Military families tend to move more often than the civilian population. 
As such, base services are critical both when families first arrive, 
and the military member is adjusting to a new job, and throughout their 
time as they make new friends and carve out a niche in what they know 
will be a long-term temporary living situation. Furthermore, when 
deployments occur, it is the responsibility of base leadership to make 
sure that families are taken care of in their loved ones' absence. 
Colonel and Mrs. Browne worked in their own capacities to help ensure 
that facilities, services and community outreach efforts came together 
to make these life transitions easier. In fact, during his time at 
Mountain Home AFB, Colonel Browne oversaw the completion of 318 new 
base housing units.
  When it came to the mission of the wing, Colonel Browne excelled in 
promoting and achieving excellence, turning challenge into success 
along the way. As a testament to his remarkable leadership 
capabilities, in March of

[[Page 3183]]

2008, the wing achieved the first passing grade for a combined phase I 
and II operational readiness inspection in 3 years in all of Air Combat 
Command. That success at the base translated into success in the global 
war on terror. Colonel Browne oversaw numerous worldwide Air 
Expeditionary Force deployments of the 72 F-15 aircraft operating from 
the base. During his tenure, over 5,200 people and over 1,500 tons of 
cargo were deployed to 18 locations worldwide. Colonel Browne's 
gunfighters demonstrated skill and precision in their outstanding 
contributions to Operation Enduring Freedom. In October of 2008, the 
391st Fighter Squadron deployed to Afghanistan, flying over 1,700 
combat sorties for an incredible 98 percent hit rate in support of 
coalition forces. Colonel Browne also oversaw the successful 
implementation of a strategic training partnership program with the 
Republic of Singapore Air Force.
  Colonel Browne's leadership tenure has been characterized by 
optimism, a firm commitment to the gravity of the mission and a 
dedication to the notion of team dynamics. He maintained a 
comprehensive view of the wing's mission within the context of the 
broader mission of the Air Force and the U.S. Military. His goal-
oriented, vision- driven approach made him a particularly outstanding 
Commander. By putting people first, Colonel Browne inspired excellence 
and achievement in others.
  My staff and I have enjoyed an extremely positive working 
relationship with Colonel Browne and his staff, on issues such as the 
training range, Indian affairs, infrastructure and ensuring that 
Mountain Home AFB not only retains critical missions, but is considered 
for others as it possesses one of the top training ranges in the nation 
and has the strong support of the local community and the State. 
Colonel and Mrs. Browne have been exemplary representatives of the Air 
Force and good friends to Idaho. On behalf of the State of Idaho, I 
wish Colonel and Alison Browne well as they move back to Washington, 
DC, and thank them for their continued service to our nation and for 
their time as gunfighters in the great State of Idaho. They will be 
missed.

                          ____________________