[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 11 (Thursday, January 19, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E138]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  CONGRATULATIONS TO THE U.S. NAVAL SHIP REPAIR FACILITY ON GUAM: 50 
                          YEARS OF EXCELLENCE

                                 ______


                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 19, 1995

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, 50 years ago, in January 1945, the U.S. 
Navy formally inaugurated the Naval Ship Repair Facility on Guam. In 
the years that have followed, SRF-Guam has demonstrated a standard of 
excellence and of service beyond the call of duty.
  SRF-Guam was originally established during World War II as the 
industrial department of the naval operation base to meet the defense 
needs of the Western Pacific. It played a vital role in U.S. military 
successes to end the war in the Pacific by giving the U.S. Navy the 
flexibility and speed to meet its repair needs.
  By the close of World War II, the naval operating base was staffed by 
over 4,000 personnel, utilized 11 floating drydocks and had as many as 
166 commissioned vessels undergoing repairs at any given time. These 
repairs ranged from minor operational maintenance to rehab of major 
battle, storm and collision damage on aircraft carriers, battleships 
and cruisers. Since 1945, SRF-Guam has continued to perform these 
functions both in times of crises, such as the Korean and Vietnam 
conflicts, and peace.
  Today, SRF-Guam is under the immediate command of Commander in Chief, 
U.S. Pacific Fleet and under the area coordination of Commander, U.S. 
Naval Forces Marianas. With its strategic location in the Western 
Pacific, SRF-Guam contributes vital repair, maintenance, overhaul, and 
shore support, including phased maintenance capabilities to the U.S. 
7th Fleet, U.S. Coast Guard, Military Sealift Command and local Federal 
activities. Additionally, SRF-Guam provides authorized repair and shore 
support services to the Government of Guam and private agencies.
  SRF-Guam is the only facility of its kind on U.S. soil in the Western 
Pacific. The jobs at SRF-Guam are being performed by U.S. citizens, and 
the investment we make in the workers is an investment in our future 
competitiveness.
  The SRF-Guam Apprenticeship Program is a perfect example of an 
investment that has paid off and where the role of government has been 
constructive. Over the years, hundreds of young men and women have 
benefited from the skills they acquired during their training, which 
has enabled them to secure high-paying jobs that would not have been 
available to them otherwise.
  On this 50th anniversary, I heartily commend the men and women who 
have served at SRF-Guam. Congratulations on your 50th anniversary and 
for a job well done.

                          ____________________