Recognizing the 433rd Fighter Weapons Squadron

Floor Speech

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Mr. COTTON. Mr. President, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 433rd Fighter Weapons Squadron, which began providing advanced instructor training to experienced F-15 pilots on January 3, 1978, as part of the USAF Fighter Weapons School. The 433rd Fighter Weapons Squadron was deactivated on June 1, 1981, and designated the U.S. Air Force Fighter Weapons School, F-15 Division. On February 3, 2003, the 433rd was reactivated and designated the 433rd Weapons Squadron, once again retaining its informal name, ``The Barnyard.'' Though the squadron name has changed over the last 43 years, the tradition established by the individuals of the institution has remained consistent.

December 11, 2021, is graduation day for the pilots of the F-15 Barnyard, bringing the total to 511 F-15 patch wearers. That is 511 individuals who, over the last 43 years, have shouldered the burden of responsibility in training and preparing America's fighting force to go to war in the F-15 air superiority fighter. They are the pilots who have flown on the front lines of aerial combat when called upon by their nation. They are the warriors who lead their wingmen safely home. The graduates of the F-15 division have collectively preserved the Eagle's undefeated record in combat, suffering no losses during its time in service. Twelve of the F-15 Weapons School graduates account for 18 of the F-15's 38 air-to-air victories.

It is no surprise that those who have passed through the 433rd Weapons Squadron, F-15 Division have gone on to do great things and achieve high-ranking positions, in and out of the military. The tradition of the F-15 Division is rooted in the never-ending pursuit of excellence in aerial combat. Throughout their history, the fighter pilots of the Eagle Division have devoted themselves to a worthy cause with enthusiasm, devotion, and discipleship. They have trained and led the pilots who have enabled air supremacy for our forces around the world and in numerous conflicts.

The fighter pilots of the 433rd Weapons Squadron, F-15 Division join a long lineage that has ensured air superiority for our Nation. From DESERT STORM, to ALLIED FORCE, to SOUTHERN and NORTHERN WATCH, and IRAQI FREEDOM, the fighter pilots of the F-15 Division of the Weapons School have ensured that control of the skies is never in question. The 433rd Weapons Squadron, F-15 Division has stood on the shoulders of the giants and dared to reach higher. It has established itself in the history of this great Nation and its contributions to national defense are highly commendable. Their brave pilots now pass the torch to the next generation of air superiority warriors.

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