Since 1966, the United States Air Force at Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station has been at the forefront of our nation’s capacity to track foreign threats worldwide, providing an essential component of North American defense and global security, and today we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the full operational capability of Cheyenne Mountain.

Colorado is proud to be at the center of the effort to provide for the defense of North America, which has far-reaching consequences and whose multiuse services are critical to national and global security. Cheyenne Mountain Air Force Station is one of the greatest engineering marvels of its time, representing an $18 billion facility, unrivaled anywhere in the world. At this world-class facility, countless space and ground sensor data collections are assimilated to provide our nation’s national security leadership apparatus key information to determine threat assessments and ensure the safety and security of millions of people around the world.

The 21st Space Wing at Peterson Air Force Base in Colorado Springs provides operational support and infrastructure sustainability, the 721st Mission Support Group provides the dedicated daily sustainment to more than 13 mission partners performing the national security mission inside of the Mountain Complex, and over 1,000 U.S. and Canadian military members and civilians remain vigilant around the clock to defend our great nation at the facility.

I am proud the Senate came together to approve my resolution, which designates April 20, 2016, as Cheyenne Mountain Day, to recognize the 50th anniversary of Cheyenne Mountain achieving full operational capability. Today, we recognize the strategic importance of Cheyenne Mountain and celebrate the efforts of the 21st Space Wing, the 721st Mission Support Group and the men and women who work for the common defense of North America at Cheyenne Mountain.

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Cory Gardner is a United States senator from Colorado. He was previously the U.S. representative for Colorado’s 4th Congressional District.

Cory Gardner

Cal Thomas