TITLE: Commemorating the delivery of the final C-130J Super Hercules to Dyess Air Force Base.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the delivery of the final C-130J Super Hercules to Dyess Air Force Base.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The men and women of Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene are celebrating the completion of their fleet of C-130J Super Hercules aircraft with the delivery of the final airplane on July 25, 2013; and WHEREAS, The C-130 military transport aircraft is the versatile workhorse of the American military, capable of landing and taking off on unprepared runways; first put into service in 1957, generations of these airplanes have since been deployed around the world transporting troops and cargo to combat zones, evacuating the wounded, delivering medical supplies and food during natural disasters, fighting wildfires, and performing search and rescue operations, among other tasks; and WHEREAS, On February 8, 1961, the 64th Troop Carrier Wing was activated at Dyess Air Force Base, initiating a half-century tradition of providing support to America's defenders all around the globe; early versions of the C-130 from the base responded to the Cuban Missile Crisis and delivered supplies to Distant Early Warning radar sites in the Arctic; later models of the plane from Dyess have flown missions under fire to Vietnam, Grenada, and Bosnia; and WHEREAS, Over the years, the torch has been passed to the 516th Tactical Airlift Wing, the 463rd Airlift Wing, the 7th Wing, and, most recently, the 317th Airlift Group; more than 17,000 aircrew and maintenance personnel have kept the planes flying over the years, and between December 2003 and March 2013, Dyess C-130s were deployed for 3,378 consecutive days in support of operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, flying more than 95,000 hours and 57,000 sorties; and WHEREAS, Dyess personnel and aircraft have also provided invaluable support to many humanitarian missions, supplying famine relief in Mali, delivering cholera vaccine in the Sudan, airlifting refugees to safety in Central America and the Middle East, providing earthquake assistance to Mexico City, Pakistan, and Haiti, fighting forest fires in the Rockies, and responding to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and WHEREAS, Since April 2010, the fleet at Dyess has been replaced with the latest model, the C-130J Super Hercules, and the delivery of the 28th and final aircraft represents the moment of "Fleet Complete," not only for the military and civilian personnel at Dyess, but also for the leaders and citizens of Abilene, who have steadfastly supported the base's airmen and airwomen and their families over the years; and WHEREAS, For 52 years, Dyess Air Force Base and its C-130s have played a key role in the nation's defense and provided aid and comfort to countless people in need, and the receipt of the base's full complement represents a fitting opportunity to celebrate this legendary aircraft and the men and women who keep it flying; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the 83rd Legislature of the State of Texas, 2nd Called Session, hereby commemorate the delivery of the final C-130J Super Hercules to Dyess Air Force Base and extend to the base's personnel and supporters sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Dyess Air Force Base as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives and Senate. King of Taylor President of the Senate Speaker of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 18 was adopted by the House on July 15, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House I certify that H.C.R. No. 18 was adopted by the Senate on July 17, 2013, by a viva-voce vote. Secretary of the Senate APPROVED: Date Governor