[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]

 
                  U.S. COAST GUARD'S 204TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______


                         HON. THOMAS J. MANTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 4, 1994

  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, today is the 204th anniversary of the 
founding of the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service, the predecessor of the 
U.S. Coast Guard. At the time of its inception in 1790, the Revenue 
Cutter Service began with the authorization to operate 10 revenue 
cutters. Since then, through periods of war and peace, the Coast Guard 
has held a proud place in history. The 30 battle streamers awarded to 
the Coast Guard honor the service's involvement in every major war of 
the Nation, including Vietnam and the Grenada expedition. They exhibit 
the proud history of this, the oldest continuous seagoing service.
  The many missions successfully undertaken by the Coast Guard over the 
last 204 years, clearly demonstrate how this small but valuable group 
of men and women have served our Nation. Under the current leadership 
of Adm. Robert E. Kramek, I am confident the Coast Guard will continue 
to serve as the premiere protector of life and property at sea. The 
Coast Guard's ongoing commitment to excellence is most clearly 
evidenced in its response to the recent surge of migrant rescues. 
Regardless of our views on the policy on Haitian migrants, all surely 
agree that the Coast Guard has done a remarkable job in protecting 
lives and providing essential humanitarian assistance to these 
frightened refugees. In addition, the Coast Guard continues without 
interruption--daily search and rescue missions, ongoing drug 
interdiction initiatives, environmental response efforts, waterways 
management, and defense operations. Each of these mission areas 
provides essential services to our taxpayers.
  It is a pleasure to offer my congratulations and commend the Coast 
Guard on a job well done and to honor the Coast Guard for 204 years of 
dedicated service.

                          ____________________