[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 189 (Wednesday, November 29, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S17741]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      ONE MARINE'S WILL TO SURVIVE

  Mr. KEMPTHORNE. Mr. President, Lance Cpl. Zachary Mayo, from Osburn, 
ID, population 2,000, is a marine aboard the U.S.S. America. In the 
early morning hours of November 25, just a couple days ago, he was 
swept overboard from his assignment on the U.S.S. America. The Navy 
conducted 3 extensive days of searching, utilizing different ships and 
helicopters to locate Lance Cpl. Mayo. His mother and father had been 
notified that their son was missing at sea.
  I just got off the phone with Mr. Stanley Mayo, the father, who 
received a call at 4 a.m. this morning that his son is OK. In fact, he 
spoke with his son. After 36 hours in the water, Zachary was picked up 
by a Pakistani fishing boat. He has been taken to Pakistan and is now 
in transit to the United States Embassy and will be returned shortly.
  In speaking with his father and learning a little bit about what it 
must have been like to be swept over and spend 36 hours without a 
flotation device, he described the survival technique utilized by this 
tough marine of utilizing the clothing and tying knots in both the 
sleeves of the uniform jacket, as well as the pants, and creating an 
air chamber. I think this, again, shows the quality of the people that 
we have, and this is a testament to a young man's determination to 
survive--which he did, after 36 hours in I believe the Arabian Sea. 
Also, it demonstrates the faith of a family that never gave up hope, 
and all in the Silver Valley were determined that they would receive 
that good news.
  Stanley Mayo told me moments ago that he went to bed last night with 
the prayer that in the morning he would hear from his son, and that 
prayer was answered. So I know that all of us rejoice in what will be 
an outstanding reunion. Stan Mayo said that he cannot remember when he 
ever had such news that brought him such joy, except perhaps when it 
was the birth of Zachary. So now to have the news that his son will be 
returned is something we can all rejoice in.
  Again, this is a testament to the ability of our U.S. military 
personnel and their dedication to survival and carrying out their 
assignments. Again, I think it is something that we need to make note 
of. I say to the Mayo family, God bless all of them.
  With that, I yield the floor.
  Mr. COHEN addressed the Chair.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Maine.

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