Recognizing 100 Years Of Military Aviation

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 445) recognizing 100 years of military aviation and expressing continued support for military aviators of the United States Armed Forces, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the resolution.

The text of the resolution is as follows:

H. Res. 445

Whereas Orville and Wilbur Wright secured the patent for their powered airplane in 1906, affording them the opportunity to compete for contracts with the Army;

Whereas the United States Army Signal Corps made its first purchase of an airplane, the Wright Military Flyer, in 1909 at a cost of $30,000;

Whereas the Wright Military Flyer carried a passenger over a distance of 125 miles;

Whereas today's military aircraft can travel around the world without landing;

Whereas the importance of military aviation and air superiority in battle was first demonstrated in World War I;

Whereas, during World War II, United States Naval aviation was decisive in reversing the Japanese advance and winning the war in the Pacific;

Whereas United States Army Air Corps played a crucial role in executing strategic bombing campaigns in both the European and Pacific theaters;

Whereas the National Security Act of 1947 established the United States Army Air Corps as a separate military branch, the United States Air Force;

Whereas the Vietnam War brought about new, more modern fighter jets and bombers, including the F-105 Thunderchief and the F-4 Phantom;

Whereas military aviators continue to provide invaluable offensive, defensive, logistical, and intelligence support to the Armed Forces;

Whereas military aviators have been on the front lines of combat and humanitarian missions in Iraq and Afghanistan;

Whereas the increase in technology over the last century has made military aircraft an essential component in the safety and security of the United States homeland; and

Whereas the National Air and Space Museum of the Smithsonian Institution will commemorate the centennial of military aviation with programs and exhibits throughout 2009: Now, therefore, be it

Resolved, That the House of Representatives recognizes 100 years of military aviation and expresses its continued support for military aviators of the United States Armed Forces.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Smith) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster) each will control 20 minutes.

The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Washington.

GENERAL LEAVE

Mr. SMITH of Washington. I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentleman from Washington?

There was no objection.

Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

I rise to support House Resolution 445 and thank my colleague from Texas (Mr. Olson) for introducing this measure.

This resolution recognizes 100 years of military aviation and expresses continued support for military aviators of the United States Armed Forces.

As a member of the House Armed Services Committee, I am privileged to be joined here today by a number of my colleagues in the House to recognize the service, sacrifice, professionalism, and commitment of all those who serve and have served our Nation as aviators in the United States Armed Forces.

Our Nation's military aviation began on August 2, 1909 when the United States Army accepted its first aircraft built by the Wright brothers. Military aviation quickly expanded to the other services. Less than 2 years later, in 1911, the Navy ordered its first aircraft. Marine Corps aviation had its inception in 1912 when the first Marine Corps officer reported for duty at the Naval Aviation Camp in Annapolis, Maryland, and qualified as a pilot less than 3 months later. Coast Guard aviation began in 1916, when its first officer received orders for flight training.

World War I focused more attention on aviation. Despite a combat record of only 9 months, February-November 1918, the Air Service made a respectable showing during World War I. The 740 American aircraft assigned to squadrons at the front on November 11, 1918, Armistice Day, represented little more than 10 percent of the total aircraft strength of Allied nations, but the Air Service had conducted 150 separate bombing attacks.

World War II began an enormous expansion of military aviation. The U.S. Army Air Forces strength in World War II would swell from 26,500 men and 2,200 aircraft in 1939 to over 2.2 million men and 63,000 aircraft by 1945. Similarly, U.S. naval aviation began the war with one small and seven large aircraft carriers, about 5,200 aircraft and about 27,000 men. During that war, this force grew to over 100 carriers of various types, over 40,000 aircraft, 160 airships, and 60,000 pilots.

After World War II, President Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947, which created today's Department of the Air Force. Since World War II, military aviation forces have played major roles in such conflicts as the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well as all major humanitarian and combat operations. America's first seven astronauts were all military aviators, paving the way for future decades of American leadership in space.

Today's military aviators have been engaged in Operation Noble Eagle since September 2001, Enduring Freedom since October 2001, and Iraqi Freedom since March 2003, and are performing with valor, distinction, and steadfast commitment to accomplish this mission.

As a Representative of the Ninth District of the State of Washington, I would also like to take a moment to especially note McChord Air Force Base. Their service is part of the Air Mobility Command, primarily flying C-17s and serving our country across the world.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor 100 years of air service in the military. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of House Resolution 445 to recognize those 100 years of military aviation and express continued support for military aviators of the United States Armed Forces.

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