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House Resolution praises Berlin Airlift effort

  • Published
  • By Laura McAndrews
  • Headquarters AMC Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The 60th anniversary of the lift of the soviet blockade on West Berlin took place this week, shortly after the House of Representatives formally recognized the 60th anniversary of the Berlin Airlift May 4, 2009.

The blockade was lifted May 12, 1949. According to Air Mobility Command Historians "what's important is that the airlift continued after the blockade was lifted."

Introduced during the first session of the 111th Congress, House Resolution 398 "honors the men and women of the United States military whose continued dedication to the ideals of integrity, compassion, and liberty upholds the honorable legacy of the United States Armed Forces, as illustrated by the Berlin Airlift, and renews our faith in the power and goodness to prevail over tyranny."

The resolution also commends U.S. veterans for their efforts in defeating the Iron Curtain over Berlin, teamwork displayed between the countries involved in the humanitarian operation and those who lost their lives supporting the Berlin Airlift.

The historic operation exemplified the United States' resolve and remains a hallmark of Air Force airlift capabilities. The success of the Berlin Airlift set the standard of air mobility and paved the way for today's Air Mobility Command.

"Today's AMC Airmen continue to provide the full spectrum of mobility operations: from lifesaving care to humanitarian airlift; from air drop to air refueling; from port opening to expeditionary combat support," said Gen. Arthur J. Lichte, AMC commander.

In the past year alone, AMC delivered equipment for United Nations peacekeeping operations in Darfur and airlifted nearly 600 tons of humanitarian supplies for the citizens of the Republic of Georgia who were displaced by conflict. Also, after another active hurricane season along the Gulf Coast last year, AMC evacuated more than 9,000 residents and 600 medical patients and delivered more than 1,300 tons of relief supplies in the wake of Hurricanes Ike and Gustav.

"We respond to crises at home and abroad, supporting the warfighter and providing humanitarian assistance around the world," said General Lichte. "AMC Airmen proudly continue the legacy of those heroic Airmen who sustained the Berlin Airlift."

The resolution was submitted by Representatives Jeff Fortenberry; Gus Bilirakis; Eni Faleomavaega; Thaddeus McCotter; Bob Inglis; and Spencer Bachus.