[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 106 (Thursday, August 4, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 4, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         TRIBUTE TO THE U.S. COAST GUARD ON ITS 204TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______


                            HON. JACK FIELDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 4, 1994

  Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today, the U.S. Coast Guard 
celebrates its 204th birthday--and Americans honor the courage, 
patriotism and professionalism of the men and women who formerly served 
and who currently serve as members of the Coast Guard.
  As the ranking Republican member of the House Merchant Marine and 
Fisheries Committee, I have been impressed that Coast Guard members 
have carried out, and continue to carry out, their many varied 
responsibilities with quiet dedication, honor and courage. I have been 
equally impressed with the concern that Coast Guard personnel 
demonstrate on a daily basis not only for the well-being of their 
fellow man, but for the well-being and protection of our marine 
environment as well.
  This has been a busy, and difficult, year for the men and women of 
the Coast Guard. The audible alarm that notifies Coast Guard personnel 
when an individual is in distress and needs assistance has sounded at a 
record pace this year. As that alarm has sounded, the Coast Guard has 
responded quickly, completely, competently and compassionately.
  This year, the alarm has sounded for the humanitarian rescue of 
record numbers of refugees from Haiti and Cuba.
  The alarm has sounded for the continued vigorous enforcement of our 
Nation's fisheries laws--particularly in areas that are being 
dangerously overfished.

  The alarm has sounded for ice-breaking assistance during one of our 
Nation's worst winters on record.
  The alarm has sounded when pollution has threatened our Nation's 
coastlines--and when the Coast Guard's considerable expertise and rapid 
response was needed to avert several major environmental disasters.
  The alarm has sounded--and it has sounded an average of 144 times 
each and every day of the year, Mr. Speaker--for search and rescue 
missions, as boaters, swimmers, surfers and others have found 
themselves in emergency, life-threatening situations.
  The alarm has sounded when the Coast Guard's assistance was needed 
for drug interdiction, for vessel inspection, and to service aids to 
navigation.
  On July 12 and July 13 of this year, an another alarm sounded--an 
alarm that none of us hopes we will ever have to hear again. It was an 
alarm informing us that six Coast Guard personnel had been killed in 
the line of duty, in service to their country, in two separate 
incidents in California and over the Gulf of Mexico. Those two tragic 
incidents reminded Coast Guard personnel that their work is not without 
risk--and reminded all Americans of the invaluable service Coast Guard 
personnel perform on a daily basis despite the risks involved. We 
extend our condolences to the families and loved ones of the six men 
killed last month, and we pray for the safety and well-being of those 
Coast Guard personnel on whom so many Americans continue to depend.

  Tragedies such as occurred in July might cause some people to become 
hesitant, tentative, and more concerned about their own safety than 
about the safety of others--but not the men and women of the U.S. Coast 
Guard.
  Despite these tragic reminders of their own mortality, and with a 
solemn nod to the sometimes life-threatening nature of their chosen 
career, the men and women of the U.S. Coast Guard continue to answer 
the call whenever, and wherever, the alarm for help sounds. With 
renewed resolve to honor the memory of their fellow ``Coasties'' who 
died last month, and those who have given their lives to save others 
during the 204-year history of the U.S. Coast Guard, the men and women 
of the Coast Guard continue to live up to words of their song, Semper 
Paratus: ``We're always ready for the call. We place our trust in Thee. 
Through surf and storm and howling gale, high shall our purpose be.''

                          ____________________