Senator Inhofe Honors General Moseley

Congressional Record: July 9, 2008 (Senate)
Page S6498-S6499

TRIBUTE TO GEN T. MICHAEL MOSELEY

Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, today I pay special tribute to GEN T. Michael Moseley, 18th Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force, who, completed 37 years of distinguished service to our Nation today. He is an exemplary patriot, extraordinary leader, and a close friend.

General Moseley began his accomplished career at Texas A&M and Webb AFB, where he earned his pilot's wings in 1973. He proceeded to a series of demanding assignments as flight instructor, test pilot and mission commander. His peerless operational skills were honed by the most prestigious positions, to include command at every level--most notably the Air Force Fighter Weapons School, the 9th Air Force, and the U.S. Central Command Air Forces. General Moseley led Airmen in peace, crisis and war--from Operation Southern Watch, through the harrowing days in the wake of 9/11, to victory over the Taliban in Operation Enduring Freedom and the destruction of Saddam Hussein's war machine in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The breadth and depth of General Moseley's assignments and the professionalism with which he has carried them out, reflect a keen intellect, and an unrivaled grasp of national security policies and air power's role in implementing them. General Moseley tirelessly worked to reinvigorate the innovation, flexibility, creativity, and strategic thinking that have been hallmarks of America's Airmen since the dawn of aviation. In this context, General Moseley redefined the Air Force for the 21st Century, ensuring that America's guardians will continue to fly, fight and win in both today's and tomorrow's conflicts.

General Moseley has frequently testified before Congress on a wide variety of issues critical not only to the Air Force but to this Nation and its ability to meet uncertain challenges in the future. However controversial the topic or pointed the questioning, he has always provided the Members with his honest evaluation, balancing current crises with future requirements. I have been impressed by his unwavering focus on this Nation's security and ensuring that the U.S. Air Force remains the preeminent Air Force in the world, preserving America's asymmetric advantage in the air.

It was General Moseley's exceptional grasp of warfighters' needs, born of his own combatant experience, that enabled the Air Force to provide unprecedented Global Reach, Global Vigilance and Global Power for both traditional and nontraditional missions. Under his leadership, the Air Force spread its wings over America's cities, delivered relief to victims of tsunamis and hurricanes, expanded international ties to reassure allies and deter enemies--all while flying and fighting as an indispensable part of the Joint force in Iraq, Afghanistan and other theaters of the global war on terror.

His commitment to his Airmen has been peerless. In a constrained fiscal environment--and with lives in the balance--General Moseley's uncommon courage, expertise and foresight forged a set of initiatives transforming the Air Force while simultaneously recapitalizing an aging air fleet, worn down by 18 years of continuous combat. He sought to provide his Airmen with the quality of life they deserve, while seeing to their training, education and leadership. He has refocused the Service on a single core mission: bolstering warrior ethos and fostering joint and combined synergies.

While many distinguished awards and decorations adorn his uniform--from his own grateful Nation as well as from such staunch allies as Britain, France, Korea, Brazil, Singapore, and the UAE--what stands out most and what we honor him for today is his unflinching commitment to the cause of freedom and justice. As the 18th Chief of Staff and a member of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from September 2005 to August 2008, General Moseley has been a trusted advisor on all aspects of airpower and its key role in promoting and defending America's interests at home and abroad. He remains to this day a staunch and consistent advocate of inter-Service and international cooperation as the most effective way of assuring allies, dissuading and deterring adversaries, and defeating implacable foes.

General T. Michael ``Buzz'' Moseley's 37 years of distinguished service epitomizes bold leadership, strategic vision, intellectual flexibility, innovation, honor, integrity, dignity and selfless devotion. He has earned the deepest respect from all whom he has served during his illustrious career--most notably this Congress and a grateful Nation.

I offer my sincere thanks and appreciation to GEN Buzz Moseley for his leadership, compassion, and service to the men and women of the Air Force and our country. I am honored to call you friend and pray that the Lord guard and guide you and your family as you begin the next chapter of your life.

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