[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13776]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        AIR FORCE 66TH BIRTHDAY

  Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, today--September 18--marks the Air Force's 
66th birthday. For 66 years, our Nation has entrusted the Air Force 
with preserving peace and freedom, and defending our democracy. Since 
its beginnings on July 26, 1947, when President Harry Truman signed the 
National Security Act of 1947 on board the presidential aircraft, the 
Sacred Cow, and set the creation of the United States Air Force in 
motion, to its instrumental role in the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan, 
the Air Force has always served America admirably and I have every 
confidence that it will continue in this proud tradition.
  The Air Force tracks its origins back to 1907, when the Wright 
Brothers conducted the world's first airplane flight over the sands of 
Kitty Hawk, NC. Just like the Wright Brothers whose innovation spurred 
aviation, the vast success and numerous achievements of the Air Force 
would not be possible without the talented Airmen who fuel innovation 
today, enabling the Air Force to fly faster, further, and utilize 
technology that the Wright Brothers could not have imagined over 100 
year ago.
  Today, the United States Air Force is the largest, most capable, and 
most technologically advanced air force in the world, with about 5,300 
manned aircraft in service, 246 Unmanned Combat Air Vehicles, and 450 
intercontinental ballistic missiles. The Air Force prides itself on 
five core missions; Air and Space Superiority; Intelligence, 
Surveillance and Reconnaissance; Rapid Global Mobility; Global Strike; 
and Command and Control. The Air Force's commitment to core missions 
illustrates its vast capability and has remained steadfast since the 
Air Force's establishment as a separate service 66 years ago. Our 
amazing Airmen today are constantly adapting and improving to meet the 
challenges of a fast-paced security environment and an ever-evolving 
battlespace across the globe.
  The United States Air Force is, and will continue to be, the United 
States' key asymmetric advantage across the spectrum of conflict. 
Whether responding to a national security threat, a natural disaster, 
or crisis engagements, the Air Force provides Global Vigilance, Global 
Reach and Global Power to ensure that the U.S. is capable of responding 
to events around the world. Without the Air Force's supremacy in air, 
space and cyberspace, the U.S. would not be able to move troops and 
equipment to war zones, send relief to countries devastated by natural 
disasters, provide air support to troops on the ground, or gather 
crucial intelligence through electronic warfare and stealth technology.
  But let us not forget the true power behind the Air Force is its 
Airmen. The Air Force comprises over 330,000 personnel on active duty, 
185,000 civilian personnel, and 180,000 in the Air National Guard and 
Air Force Reserves. These flexible, adaptable, and innovative Airmen 
employ unmatched air, space, and cyberspace capabilities. Our Airmen 
today are driven by the ideals of the Warrior Ethos and commit 
themselves to succeed in any mission our Nation asks of them. Our 
Airmen believe that our Constitution and the freedom it guarantees are 
worth fighting for. They sacrifice their personal comfort and safety to 
answer a higher calling: service in the cause of freedom, both here at 
home and abroad. I am awed by our servicemen and women's ability to 
adapt and succeed in a total force mission that at various stages has 
called upon them to be scholars, teachers, policemen, farmers, bankers, 
engineers, social workers, and, of course, warriors--often all at the 
same time.
  Above all, I am perpetually thankful for their willingness to serve, 
and I have the greatest faith in their ability to face the difficult 
and dangerous missions that lie ahead. These patriots have always been 
the strength of our Nation. The unwavering dedication to duty, to our 
country, and to all Americans is embodied in the Air Force vision, 
``The World's Greatest Air Force--Powered by Airmen, fueled by 
innovation.'' For 66 years, our Air Force has been on a mission to 
protect the skies so that our society may be free. Let us remember our 
Air Force Airmen for this achievement today, and wish them a happy 66th 
birthday.

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