[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E901-E902]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
INTRODUCING A JOINT RESOLUTION HONORING THE 102ND FIGHTER WING OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS AIR NATIONAL GUARD
______
HON. MICHAEL E. CAPUANO
of massachusetts
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, May 22, 2002
Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. Speaker, without question, September 11th, 2001 was
one of the most tragic days in our nation's history. Millions of lives
were adversely affected by the terrorist acts that were perpetrated in
New York City, Washington, DC and Pennsylvania. However, like so many
times before, Americans from across the country rose to the challenge
of defending this great nation. Out of this dark period came amazing
stories of heroism, patriotism and selflessness. Today, I rise to
introduce a joint resolution, on behalf of the Massachusetts
Congressional delegation, that pays tribute to a group of men and women
who played an indispensable role in defense of the nation during and
following September's terrorist attacks.
Before most of America could come to grips with what was happening on
the morning of September 11th, the 102nd Fighter Wing of the
Massachusetts Air National Guard, located at Otis Air National Guard
Base, had assumed its position as the tip of the spear in defense of
the nation's skies. Known as the Minutemen, in honor of their
Revolutionary War forefathers, the 102nd became the nation's first
airborne responders when it scrambled two F-15s just six minutes after
being informed of the hijackings. Within the first hour, the wing
launched six armed aircraft on Combat Air Patrol over New York City and
Boston. Incredibly, with significantly fewer pilots and maintainers
than their active duty counterparts, the 102nd generated, loaded and
accepted fourteen aircraft in less than seventeen hours for around-the-
clock combat operations. As a result of its ability to respond so
quickly and effectively, the 102nd Fighter Wing became the country's
lead air defense squadron for Operation Noble Eagle.
In the first three days of the national crisis, the 102nd flew forty-
six sorties and better than 160 hours protecting every major city in
the Northeast Air Defense Sector. During this period, the 102nd was the
country's sole clearance and identification authority and their
flawless execution expedited the flow of medevac
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and recovery aircraft to the World Trade Center site. By day sixteen,
the squadron had tripled its alert commitment, flying 144 sorties
totaling 450 hours, and expanded its area of responsibility to include
the entire mid-Atlantic coast.
From September 11th until receiving orders to stand down on February
1, 2002, the 102nd Fighter Wing flew a total of 770 sorties, compiling
over 3200 hours in direct support of Operation Noble Eagle and Combat
Air Patrols over New York, Washington DC, and Boston. During this
nearly five-month period, the unit came close to surpassing their
annual flying hour allocation and witnessed an astounding 300 percent
increase in operational tempo. The operation tempo increase included
such tasking as escorting Air Force 1 and Air Force 2, providing air
support when the President addressed the United Nations, and patrolling
the skies over New York City during baseball's World Series. Hopefully,
that venue will be in Boston this fall!
Especially noteworthy was the twenty-four hours a day, seven days a
week aspect of the operation. Normally, major aircraft maintenance can
be accomplished during non-flying periods, and all maintenance
personnel can concentrate on fixing the jets instead of flying.
Naturally, this is not possible with an around-the-clock flying
commitment. However, the 102nd's maintenance crews rose to the
challenge and were able to provide fully mission capable aircraft that
enabled the squadron to meet 100 percent of its Combat Air Patrol and
alert tasking. If that were not amazing enough, in addition to
fulfilling its own missions, the 102nd, as a result of the superior
maintenance efforts, were able to fill in for other units when those
units could not meet their tasking.
When you take into account the accomplishments of the unit during
this period, you cannot help but have a deep sense of honor and
appreciation for the 1000 men and women that make up the 102nd Fighter
Wing. No single flying organization has ever been tasked with this
level of responsibility for such a long period of time. Make no
mistake; every American owes each one of these citizen air-men and
women a debt of gratitude to them for their hard work, dedication and
tireless commitment to ensuring the operational success of each and
every mission.
Earlier this month the 102nd's achievements were properly recognized
when the wing was selected as the 2002 recipient of the Winston P.
Wilson Trophy, given to the country's most outstanding Air National
Guard fighter unit. Additionally, the 102nd is a finalist for the 2002
Hughes award, which recognizes the top fighter unit in the entire
United States Air Force. The professional qualities and dedication to
duty demonstrated this year by the unit were without equal and it is
this Member's opinion the 102nd Fighter Wing is deserving of this honor
as well.
Mr. Speaker, in closing, let me say that even before the events of
September 11th, the men and women of the 102nd Fighter Wing personified
the true meaning of patriotism. The Fighter Wing has a long and
distinguished history of service to the people of Massachusetts and the
nation. I am extremely honored to have the 102nd Fighter Wing in my
state and particularly proud to know that when the nation called for
its most capable fighters to protect America's skies, the 102nd Fighter
Wing responded in true Minuteman fashion. It is my hope that Congress
will acknowledge the tremendous efforts of the 102nd Fighter Wing by
considering and ultimately passing this resolution.
____________________