[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16617]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO THE 389TH EXPEDITIONARY FIGHTER SQUADRON

  Mr. RISCH. Madam President, I rise today to recognize the valor and 
accomplishments of the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. The 
389th--better known as the T-Bolts--is part of the 366th Fighter Wing 
based at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. At Mountain Home, the 
squadron is composed of 80 airmen from across the United States, 
including aviators and essential ground personnel. While deployed, the 
squadron grew to over 400, including maintainers, intelligence 
personnel, and support staff from the 366th.
  In May 2011, the T-Bolts deployed to Bagram airbase in Afghanistan, 
with 18 F-15E Strike Eagles to support Operation Enduring Freedom. In 
the process, they demonstrated resolve and what can be accomplished 
through fierce loyalty to each other and to our country. The T-Bolts 
prosecuted 3,100 combat missions and dropped 800 tons of ordnance. They 
supported 3,700 ground missions by American and allied forces and 
responded to 820 ``troops in contact'' emergency combat support calls. 
In addition, they worked directly with special operations forces to 
destroy 170 enemy weapons caches and capture 620 detainees, including 
90 high-value individuals.
  The diligence of the maintainers and ground personnel ensured that 
the 389th met 100 percent of their taskings without missing a single 
sortie. And the pilots and weapons system officers broke the F-15E 
deployment record, flying more than 14,000 hours in just over 6 months.
  Through their excellence and determination, the 389th kept relentless 
pressure on the al-Qaida network, killing key members of their senior 
leadership. Additionally, they directly supported numerous large-scale 
coalition ground operations with kinetic and non-kinetic effects as 
they provided lethal close air support across Afghanistan.
  The men and women of the 389th made a real and substantial 
contribution to the safety of America, the success of the global war on 
terror, and the destruction of al-Qaida and those who would do us harm. 
By successfully taking the fight to the enemy, the T-Bolts helped write 
the history of the early 21st century through their tenacity and 
courage.
  No one summed it up better or more eloquently than the commander of 
the 366th Fighter Wing, COL Ron Buckley, who said of his airmen:
  I am incredibly proud of the professionalism and dedication our 
gunfighters displayed while flawlessly executing their mission to 
deliver precise combat air power for joint operations on the ground. 
From aircrews to maintainers to support, the T-Bolts carried on the 
incredible legacy of the gunfighters and answered our Nation's call.
  I also want to take this important opportunity to honor America's 
unsung heroes by recognizing and commending the families and loved ones 
of those who serve in the 389th. We are also proud of their service, 
their commitment, and the immense sacrifices they made and continue to 
make on behalf of our country.
  The T-Bolts served honorably in defense of a grateful nation, and I 
am pleased today to recognize the heroic members of the 389th for their 
valorous service while deployed in support of Operation Enduring 
Freedom.
  I am reminded of the core values of the Air Force: integrity first, 
service before self, and excellence in all you do. There is no better 
example than the airmen of the 389th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron. 
With consummate bravery and boldness, the T-Bolts honor every American 
through a spirit of dedication and a sense of duty to defend a cause 
larger than one's self. For their efforts, we and future generations 
are forever indebted and eternally grateful.
  Madam President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a 
quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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