[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H. Res. 986 Introduced in House (IH)]

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117th CONGRESS
  2d Session
H. RES. 986

  Celebrating the centennial of United States Navy aircraft carriers.


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                    IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

                             March 16, 2022

  Mr. Courtney (for himself and Mr. Wittman) submitted the following 
   resolution; which was referred to the Committee on Armed Services

_______________________________________________________________________

                               RESOLUTION


 
  Celebrating the centennial of United States Navy aircraft carriers.

Whereas, 100 years ago, on March 20, 1922, following a 2-year conversion at 
        Norfolk Naval Yard, the former USS Jupiter (AC-3) was recommissioned as 
        the United States Navy's first aircraft carrier, USS Langley (CV-1);
Whereas the Langley began as an experimental platform, laying the foundation for 
        the future shipboard operations of aircraft;
Whereas, in fleet exercises beginning in 1924, the ship, appropriately nicknamed 
        the ``Covered Wagon'', played a pioneering role in demonstrating the 
        potential of the aircraft carrier as an invaluable weapons system that 
        would transform how the United States Navy fought at sea;
Whereas, for the past 100 years, aircraft carriers have been the Navy's 
        preeminent power projection platform and have furthered the Nation's 
        interest in times of war and peace;
Whereas, from the great naval battles in the Pacific during World War II, to 
        strike and close air support missions in the battlegrounds of Korea and 
        Vietnam, to the execution of Joint Force operations over the sands of 
        the Middle East, and to present-day deterrence in numerous locations 
        around the world, aircraft carriers have proven time and again that they 
        provide an invaluable capability in support of the strategic goals of 
        the United States;
Whereas with an unequaled ability to provide warfighting capabilities across the 
        full spectrum of conflict and to adapt in the face of ever-changing 
        threats, aircraft carriers, their embarked air wings, and associated 
        strike groups are the foundation of United States maritime strategy;
Whereas aircraft carriers enable the United States Armed Forces to carry out 
        operations from international waters, often obviating the need to obtain 
        fly-over and land-based rights from other nations;
Whereas Nimitz and Ford class aircraft carriers are modern, mobile United States 
        military bases complete with airfield, hospital, and hardened 
        communications systems from which the United States can strike at its 
        enemies, from wherever and whenever it chooses;
Whereas there are more than 2,450 companies in 48 States and over 364 
        congressional districts, and more than 13,100 Americans, who proudly 
        contribute to the construction and maintenance of these complex and 
        technologically advanced ships; and
Whereas countless members of the United States Armed Forces have served the 
        Nation aboard aircraft carriers in war, peace, and times of crisis: Now, 
        therefore, be it
    Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
            (1) recognizes that aircraft carriers continue to be a 
        cornerstone of the United States Naval Forces and play a vital 
        role in the defense of this great Nation;
            (2) recognizes that, in a time of great power competition 
        that the world has not seen for over 30 years, aircraft 
        carriers will continue to be an absolutely vital strategic 
        platform which the United States will wield to ensure security 
        and stability throughout the world, now and well into the 
        future;
            (3) recognizes, in this 100th year since the USS Langley 
        (CV-1) was commissioned at Norfolk Naval Yard, the role 
        aircraft carriers have played in securing the peace for the 
        United States, and acknowledges the continuing role they will 
        play in maintaining peace and security for the Nation; and
            (4) supports the celebration of this centennial of United 
        States Navy aircraft carriers.
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