TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- At the same time Travis Air Force Base is celebrating their 75th anniversary as a military base, the 349th Air Mobility Wing is celebrating their 75th anniversary as a wing. Recognizing this milestone for the largest Reserve wing in the Air Force, on Aug. 7, the Solano County Board of Supervisors read and adopted Resolution #2018-153, honoring 75 years of the wing's contributions to the defense of our nation. Board Chairman, Supervisor John Vasquez presented the Resolution to 349th AMW Commander, Col. Raymond A. Kozak.
The resolution reads:
Resolution No. 2018-153
Resolution of the Solano County Board of supervisors recognizing the 75th anniversary of the 349th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air force Base and its contribution to the safety of the United States and positive impact on Solano County
WHEREAS, the creation of the 349th Air Mobility Wing dates back to 1943 and World War II, when it was activated at Sedalia Army Air Field, Missouri. By 1944, the 349th was sent to the European Theater of Operations and began flying combat cargo missions. Flying C-46 “Commandos.” The 349th was the first unit to drop paratroopers from both doors, and
WHEREAS, over the course of 75 years, the 349th AMW has been activated to provide combat support, medical care and humanitarian relief efforts on myriad occasions. Notably, during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, the 349th AMW and each of its flying squadrons were called to active duty to airlift men and supplies to and from the Florida area. A recall to active duty was again initiated on Jan. 26, 1968, for the Vietnam War, as many hundreds of tons of cargo were carried across the Pacific. In addition to supporting Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, the 349th AMW has taken part in relief efforts following earthquakes in San Francisco and Los Angeles, typhoons in Guam as well as hurricanes Hugo, Andrew, Iniki, Mitch and others; and
WHEREAS, the 349th AMW is the largest associate reserve wing in the Air Force, with 3,000 personnel assigned. About 70 percent of the wing’s members are traditional reservists who serve at least 42 days per year – the balance are full-time Air Reserve Technicians, and civilian civil servants. A large percentage of 349th AMW member currently serving have deployed one or more times to Iraq, Afghanistan or Southwest Asia since 9/11. The 349th AMW’s active-duty partner is the 60th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base, the largest air mobility organization in the Air Force; and
WHEREAS, since 1969, the 349th AMW has called Travis Air Force Base home. Additionally, the 621st Contingency Response Wing and David Grant Medical Center units are also housed at Travis Air Force Base and add to the more than 13,400 military and civilian personnel who comprise its workforce. More than just a strategic asset in our nation’s defense, Travis Air Force Base continues to have a tremendous impact locally, not just as Solano County’s largest employer, but for the $1.6 billion it contributes annually to our economy.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Solano County Board of Supervisors hereby recognize the 75th anniversary of the 349th Air Mobility Wing at Travis Air Force Base and honor its contributions to the safety and security of the United States and positive impact on Solano County.
Dated this 7th day of August, 2018
(Signed by) JOHN M. VASQUEZ, Chair, Solano County Board of Supervisors
ATTEST: BIRGITTA E. CORSELLO, Clerk, Solano County Board of Supervisors
(Signed by) Jeanette Neiger, Chief Deputy Clerk