[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]

 
     HONORING COAST GUARD CUTTER ``MACKINAW'S'' 50 YEARS OF SERVICE

                                 ______


                            HON. BART STUPAK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 4, 1994

  Mr. STUPAK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a piece of 
history which sails the Great Lakes and which is stationed in the First 
Congressional District of Michigan, which I represent. I am here today 
to honor the Coast Guard cutter Mackinaw's 50 years of service to the 
State of Michigan and to America.
  The cutter Mackinaw was commissioned on December 20, 1944, in Toledo, 
OH. At 290 feet long, the Mackinaw is the largest and most powerful 
Coast Guard ship on the Great Lakes.
  Throughout the last 50 years the cutter Mackinaw, affectionately 
known as Big Mack or Queen of the Lakes, has been a driving force 
behind the economic growth of Michigan and America. Tirelessly toiling 
during the bitter winter months, Big Mack and her crew have ensured the 
safe passage of tankers through the ice-infested waters of the Great 
Lakes. In the 1940's the cutter Mackinaw kept the shipping lanes open, 
allowing America's mighty war machine to continue its high level of 
production. Since World War II, the cutter Mackinaw has ensured the 
safe arrival of vital raw materials for the steel and auto industries 
of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. The Big Mack's relentless 
efforts over the last 50 years have helped develop America's industrial 
base into one of the world's largest.
  The cutter Mackinaw has not only helped save the economy, but has 
also saved lives as well. On numerous occasions the Big Mack and her 
crew have braved the icy waters to save wayward boaters. A vital part 
of the Coast Guard's search and rescue missions, I am sure there are 
more than a few sailors and their families who are eternally grateful 
to the cutter Mackinaw and her crew.

  Over the years, the Mackinaw has been a friend to many. Trustworthy 
and dependable, she has performed her duties without question.
  Today, we are recognizing the cutter Mackinaw for its 50 years of 
service. This would not be possible, however, if it were not for the 
dedication and loyalty her crewmembers have displayed over the years. 
As the Mackinaw celebrates its 50 years of service, I ask the crew to 
join and celebrate their tireless dedication to the Mackinaw,  to 
Michigan, and to America.
  Mr. Speaker, the cutter Mackinaw, and her numerous crewmembers over 
the years, rarely receive the gratitude they deserve. Together they 
have embodied the spirit and dedication that has made America the great 
Nation it is today. I would like to thank the U.S. Coast Guard cutter 
Mackinaw and everyone who has served on her in the Great Lakes over the 
last 50 years. Congratulations, and best wishes.

                          ____________________