'Operation Vittles' Started June 25, 1948
The historic humanitarian efforts of the Berlin Airlift 60 years
ago demonstrated to US allies and enemies alike that the country
would not be deterred from its commitments, the Air Force secretary
said Saturday.
"It displayed a US dedication to a stable and prosperous rule of
law and international system. It demonstrated truly the ingenuity
of America's military to create sovereign options ... in response
to a changing national security environment," said Air Force
Secretary Michael Wynne, speaking at the opening ceremonies of the
Joint Service Open House at Andrews Air Force Base, MD.
This year's open house coincided with the 60th anniversary of
the airlift, the largest humanitarian mission in Air Force history.
Officially named "Operation Vittles," but known as the Berlin
Airlift, the US and its allies delivered more than 2.3 million tons
of food, fuel and other supplies to residents of the German
capital. The Soviet Union had blocked them from receiving supplies
by ground transportation.
For almost a year starting in June 1948, the US and allies
launched 750,000 flights to the beleaguered population. The flights
delivered food for the starving, but also the parts to build an
entire power plant.
Wynne likened the airlift to the humanitarian efforts the US is
providing in Burma and China today, as the result of natural
disasters in those regions. The airlift confirmed, he said, "the
absolute criticality of strategic airlift to the nation."
"It demonstrated that our national leaders require an entire
range of options to both, defend the United States and extend its
vital interests, and provide that international security
environment we all seek," Wynne said.
Klaus Scharioth, German ambassador to the United States, said
freedom was at stake 60 years ago and called the airlift "one of
the greatest humanitarian efforts of all times... I stand in awe
(of) what these Americans did for my country."
Scharioth said the airlift accomplished the impossible. "It was
a truly heroic effort inspired by the will to preserve freedom. The
common effort made allies and friends of former enemies that had
fought each other in World War II," he said.
"By keeping alive the hopes of the people of Berlin, the airlift
laid the foundation of friendship."
Scharioth said the airlift demonstrates what it takes to change
the course of history. "It takes your hand -- hard work and
ingenuity -- and it takes your heart, sacrifice and perseverance,
the will to be free and stand together as friends," he said.
The airlift inspired his generation and demonstrated that the
United States stood for freedom and democracy and also forgiveness
and generosity, the ambassador said.
"America's helping hands and humane hearts changed the course of
history for my country. The Germans will always be grateful," he
said.
Scharioth said the efforts and results of the airlift should
inspire future generations as they deal with the new challenges of
international terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass
destruction, ensuring energy security and preserving the
planet.
"Just as Germany and the United States stood together on the
freedom's front line 60 years ago ... we will confront these
challenges together," he said.
"The men and women of the airlift left us with a legacy of
friendship. They tell us our friendship is based on shared
fundamental interest and values," he said. "We will face the
challenges of the future together."
(Aero-News thanks Fred W. Baker III, American Forces Press
Service)