[Congressional Bills 110th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. Res. 648 Introduced in Senate (IS)]







110th CONGRESS
  2d Session
S. RES. 648

 Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the crossing of the North Pole by 
the USS Nautilus (SSN 571) and its significance in the history of both 
                       our Nation and the world.


_______________________________________________________________________


                   IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

                             August 1, 2008

  Mr. Dodd (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Reed, and Mr. Whitehouse) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
                           on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
 Recognizing the 50th anniversary of the crossing of the North Pole by 
the USS Nautilus (SSN 571) and its significance in the history of both 
                       our Nation and the world.

Whereas the USS Nautilus (SSN 571), built and launched at Electric Boat in 
        Groton, Connecticut, on January 21, 1954, was the first vessel in the 
        world to be powered by nuclear power;
Whereas the USS Nautilus overcame extreme difficulties of navigation and 
        maneuverability while submerged under the polar ice, and became the 
        first vessel to cross the geographic North Pole on August 3, 1958;
Whereas the USS Nautilus continued on her voyage and became the first vessel to 
        successfully navigate a course across the top of the world;
Whereas the USS Nautilus, having claimed this historic milestone and returned 
        home to Naval Submarine Base New London, continued to establish a series 
        of naval records in her distinguished 25-year career, including being 
        the first submarine to journey ``20,000 leagues under the sea'';
Whereas the USS Nautilus completed these significant and laudable achievements 
        during a critical phase of the Cold War, providing a source of 
        inspiration for Americans and raising the hopes of the Free World;
Whereas the USS Nautilus was the first naval vessel in peacetime to receive the 
        Presidential Unit Citation for its meritorious efforts in crossing the 
        North Pole;
Whereas Commander William R. Anderson of the United States Navy was awarded the 
        Legion of Merit for his role in commanding the USS Nautilus during its 
        historic voyage;
Whereas the USS Nautilus and its contribution to world history was praised by a 
        range of American Presidents, including President Harry Truman, 
        President Dwight D. Eisenhower, President Lyndon B. Johnson, President 
        Jimmy Carter, and President Bill Clinton; and
Whereas President Eisenhower described the voyage to the North Pole as a 
        ``magnificent achievement'' from which ``the entire free world would 
        benefit'': Now, therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the Senate--
            (1) recognizes the historic significance of the journey to 
        the North Pole undertaken by the USS Nautilus;
            (2) commends the officers and crew of the USS Nautilus on 
        the 50th anniversary of their magnificent achievement;
            (3) recognizes the importance of the USS Nautilus' journey 
        to the North Pole as not only a military and scientific 
        accomplishment, but also in confirming America's longstanding 
        interest in this vital region of the world;
            (4) commends the role of the USS Nautilus and the United 
        States Submarine Force in protecting the interests of the free 
        world during the Cold War; and
            (5) supports the continuing role of the United States 
        Submarine Force in defending our Nation in the 21st century.
                                 <all>