[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4447]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MacDILL AIR FORCE BASE

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. DAVID W. JOLLY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 15, 2016

  Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to MacDill Air 
Force Base on its upcoming 75th anniversary. Located in Tampa, Florida, 
MacDill has played a crucial role over the past 75 years in extending 
the global reach of U.S. air power through air refueling and airlift 
operations, and is currently home to the 6th Air Mobility Wing and 39 
Mission Teammates, including U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special 
Operations Command.
  Officially activated on April 16, 1941, MacDill trained World War II 
airmen to fly and operate bombers, including the B-17 Flying Fortress 
and the B-26 Marauder. Throughout the Second World War, MacDill saw 
thousands of servicemen train to lead the force in the dangerous skies 
over Europe. From start to finish, MacDill played a critical role in 
our country's great military achievement.
  After World War II, the bombers gave way to fighters, when MacDill 
became a Tactical Air Command. The turmoil in the 1960's again 
highlighted the strategic importance of MacDill's location. Throughout 
the Vietnam war and up until the first Gulf war in 1991, MacDill was 
home to the F-4 Phantoms and later F-16 Fighting Falcons. Between 1979 
and 1993, about half of all F-16 fighter pilots trained at MacDill Air 
Force Base.
  In addition to its key role in preserving our country's national 
security, the Base also serves as an important economic driver in the 
region and the state of Florida. With over 13,000 military and civilian 
personnel on MacDill and approximately 170,000 military retirees 
calling the Tampa area home, MacDill has been found to inject $14 
billion a year into the regional economy. MacDill is vital to the Tampa 
Bay region's economic well-being.
  MacDill's strategic location in Tampa has encouraged its growth and 
expansion, and serves as a testament to our nation's military might and 
Tampa's dedication to supporting the brave men and women of the Armed 
Services. I am honored to support MacDill Air Force Base's mission in 
Congress and am proud of the critical role our hometown plays in 
protecting our nation and her people.

                          ____________________