The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THOSE WHO FOUGHT THE HONDA CANYON FIRE
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HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Mr. CARBAJAL. Madam Speaker, I want to honor those who served diligently to combat the Honda Canyon Fire that occurred on Vandenberg Space Force Base, California on December 20, 1977 on its 44th Anniversary.
The Base, which at the time was known as Vandenberg Air Force Base, had strategic, scientific, and military significance to our military readiness and national security as the Western Space and Missile Center.
In persistently safeguarding the Base, four individuals lost their lives. These heroes include the Base Commander Col. Joseph G. Turner, the Base Fire Chief Billy J. Bell, the Base Assistant Fire Chief Eugene Cooper, and a heavy equipment operator, Clarence McCauley.
Furthermore, sixty-five active duty, government, civilian, and contract workers were injured when they were overrun by the Honda Canyon Fire.
Despite these losses, active duty, government, and contract workers--
augmented with local civilian fire fighting forces--continued to battle the flames to prevent the loss of vital military equipment, launch facilities, communications sites, and satellite test facilities.
These personnel encountered an additional seven fire overruns of their personnel and equipment. They rescued injured and burned personnel, then regrouped to modify their tactics and strategies before heroically continuing to fight until the fire was subdued.
Following this tragic fire, military commanders assessed their losses and their response to the fire, prepared a comprehensive mishap report, convened a planning group, and prepared an Operation Plan to address the findings of the mishap report. They enhanced training, firefighting capabilities, and support roles for all base operations groups to help manage similar events in the future.
Unfortunately, the efforts of all those who fought the Honda Canyon Fire--whether active duty or civilian--have never been recognized.
I want to acknowledge the loyalty, integrity, and resourcefulness of the active duty, government civilian, and contract workers who assisted in fighting this fire. I ask all members of the House of Representatives to recognize them for service to their country and specifically for their efforts to quell the historic Honda Canyon Fire and protect critical infrastructure at the Base, which is located in the California's 24th Congressional District and is an asset to the community and integral to our national security.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 213
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