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A MEMORIAL

RECOGNIZING THE OUTSTANDING SERVICE OF THE F-117A NIGHTHAWK

AND DECLARING JANUARY 17, 2008 AS "STEALTH FIGHTER DAY" AT

THE LEGISLATURE.

WHEREAS, United States military forces have used the

F-117A Nighthawk, also known as the "stealth fighter", in

every armed conflict since its unveiling in 1988, losing only

seven of the fifty-nine jets built, and will retire the

remaining fifty-two stealth fighters by the summer of 2008;

and

WHEREAS, Holloman air force base has been home to the

stealth fighter since 1992 and the 49th fighter wing is the

only wing that operates the stealth fighter in combat; and

WHEREAS, the stealth fighter played a strategic role in

preventing any unnecessary loss of life during Operation Just

Cause in Panama and helped facilitate the surrender of Manuel

Noriega; and

WHEREAS, the stealth fighter participated in the longest

single-seat fighter mission in history, carrying 49th fighter

wing pilots from Holloman air force base to Kuwait during

Operation Desert Strike; and

WHEREAS, the stealth fighter played a significant role

in bringing about the negotiated cessation of North Korea's

nuclear arms program; and

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WHEREAS, the stealth fighter has a long history of

protecting American soldiers, preventing unnecessary loss of

life and securing the safety of United States citizens;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE

STATE OF NEW MEXICO that January 17, 2008 be proclaimed

"Stealth Fighter Day" in recognition of its great service to

this country; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be

transmitted to the commanding officer of the 49th fighter

wing, the public affairs office at Holloman air force base and

the members of New Mexico's congressional delegation.