Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the U.S. Airborne Reconnaissance Mission into Berlin, Germany

Floor Speech

Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, Tuesday, September 29th marks the 25th anniversary of the last covert U.S. airborne reconnaissance mission flown into Berlin, Germany, by the U.S. Air Force aircrews affectionately known as the ``Berlin for Lunch Bunch.'' From the beginning of the Cold War, these aircrews flew combat reconnaissance missions within the Russian-controlled airspace of the Berlin access corridors and the Berlin Control Zone. From 1946 to 1990, these Airmen conducted over fifteen thousand unarmed reconnaissance flights, monitoring the massed forces of the Group Soviet Forces in Germany and the East German military. The highly modified aircraft flew low and slow over the many Soviet and East German military facilities, collecting photographic and other intelligence that provided NATO the indications and warning information necessary to prepare for a Central European war. Their accomplishments are truly part of our proud American and allied intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance history, and it is my honor to acknowledge their sacrifices for all of us.

Thank you, and well done ``Berlin for Lunch Bunch!''

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