[Congressional Bills 107th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 80 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







107th CONGRESS
  1st Session
S. RES. 80

  Honoring the ``Whidbey 24'' for their professionalism, bravery, and 
                                courage.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                              May 2, 2001

   Mrs. Murray (for herself, Mr. Bond, Mr. McCain, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. 
   Warner, Mr. Levin, Mr. Kennedy, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Thurmond, Mr. 
Akaka, Ms. Collins, Mr. Nelson of Nebraska, Mr. Durbin, and Mr. Dayton) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                           on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Honoring the ``Whidbey 24'' for their professionalism, bravery, and 
                                courage.

Whereas the Electronic Countermeasures Squadron One (VQ-1) at Whidbey Island 
        Naval Air Station performs an electronic reconnaissance mission for the 
        defense of our Nation;
Whereas on April 1, 2001, a VQ-1 EP-3E Aries II electronic surveillance plane 
        collided with a Chinese fighter jet and made an emergency landing at the 
        Chinese military airfield on Hainan Island;
Whereas the 24 crew members on board the plane (referred to in this resolution 
        as the ``Whidbey 24'') displayed exemplary bravery and courage and the 
        highest standards of professionalism in responding to the collision and 
        during the ensuing 11 days in detention in the People's Republic of 
        China;
Whereas Navy Lieutenant, Shane J. Osborn, displayed courage and extraordinary 
        skill by safely landing the badly damaged EP-3E; and
Whereas each member of the ``Whidbey 24'' embodies the selfless dedication it 
        takes to defend our Nation: Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) expresses relief at the release and safe return of the 
        ``Whidbey 24'' and shares in their families' joy;
            (2) applauds the selfless devotion to duty of the ``Whidbey 
        24'' who risked their lives to defend our Nation;
            (3) praises the ``Whidbey 24'' for their professionalism 
        and bravery and expresses the admiration and gratitude of our 
        Nation; and
            (4) acknowledges the sacrifices made every day by the 
        members of our Nation's Armed Forces as they defend and 
        preserve our Nation.
                                 <all>