[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 15917-15918]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO THE 187TH AIR NATIONAL GUARD FIGHTER WING

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2016

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, Alabama is a state rich with 
tradition and legacies of excellence. Yet, one that stands out is the 
legacy of military excellence exhibited by the 187th Air National Guard 
Fighter Wing, located at Dannelly Field in Montgomery, Alabama.
  The 187th Air National Guard Fighter Wing has an unparalleled legacy 
of excellence worthy of praise and worth protecting for the future. 
Currently, the guard unit is a prime candidate to fly the new F-35A 
Lightning II fighter

[[Page 15918]]

jets, known as the Joint Strike Fighter. The 187th currently flies the 
oldest F-16s in the U.S. Air Force's inventory; however, it is among 
eighteen Air National Guard units competing for the coveted new 
aircraft.
  The Alabama delegation in Congress is unanimous and steadfast in our 
support of the 187th Air National Guard Fighter Wing winning this new 
assignment. Nothing helps us make the case more than the long history 
of outstanding military service that has been the proud legacy of the 
187th.
  The 187th Fighter Wing has a proven combat track record and an 
unparalleled military heritage. It is home to the 100th Fighter 
Squadron--the famed ``Red Tails.'' This squadron's lineage traces back 
to World War II and the renowned Tuskegee Airmen, America's first black 
military pilots and support personnel.
  The 187th benefits from being a key strategic resource--only five 
miles from Maxwell Air Force Base, and twenty-five minutes flying time 
from Eglin, Tyndall, Hurlburt, and Moody Air Force Bases. This presents 
numerous opportunities for joint air-to-air and air-to-ground training. 
F-35 pilots of the 187th may also utilize the electronic ranges on 
Eglin AFB. This is all contingent, however, on the unit being outfitted 
with the new fighter jets. During my tenure in office, I have been and 
will continue to be a stalwart advocate for this vital national 
resource located in my district.
  As a Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, 
I have a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities that 
confront our nation. I am also keenly aware that the world we live in 
is filled with potential threats that are constantly developing and 
changing. We have to remain ever vigilant and be prepared to not only 
confront ongoing threats but those emerging as well. A major key to our 
success requires that we maintain air-superiority and provide effective 
air-cover for our men and women deployed in combat zones. This is the 
defining legacy of the 187th from World War II to today.
  Given its rich history and superior service to this nation, the 187th 
Air National Guard Fighter Wing stands poised and well-equipped to 
bring the next generation of air power to the Alabama Air National 
Guard.

                          ____________________