[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16185]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


 RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE 165TH AIRLIFT WING OF THE GEORGIA AIR 
                             NATIONAL GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 23, 2013

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 165th Airlift 
Wing of the Georgia Air National Guard, marking their tenth anniversary 
of mobilization for wartime missions.
  Since 2003, the 165th Airlift Wing has served in Operation Iraqi 
Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation New Dawn, with more 
than 80 percent of the wing's 900 airmen deploying during that time. 
Over the last ten years, the eight C-130H2 aircraft operated by the 
wing have seen 11,363 flying hours and 7,441 combat sorties.
  When the 165th Airlift Wing was activated for the first time since 
the Korean War, its unit members responded admirably. Their first unit 
aircraft dispatched within 72 hours of notification. In 2004, the 165th 
Airlift Wing was the first C-130 unit to deploy and operate out of 
Iraq, flying under the famous ``Red Tail'' markings of the 332nd Air 
Expeditionary Wing.
  In 2005, the 165th Airlift Wing had the solemn honor of supporting 
the rescue mission of the 16 Navy SEALs and Army Special Operation 
Aviation Regiment troops whose MH-47D was shot down while attempting to 
reinforce four SEALs under attack by the Taliban.
  The 165th continued its tradition of excellence in 2011 as a part of 
the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, during which time the 774th 
was recognized as the only squadron in the United States Central 
Command Area of Responsibility tasked at 100 percent. All 15 squadron 
aircraft flew every day for over 60 days.
  In tribute to its outstanding service during wartime mobilizations, I 
am honored today to recognize the 165th Airlift Wing and its 
contributions to the United States of America.

                          ____________________