[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 55 (Thursday, April 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E646]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          AEGIS EXCELLENCE AWARD TO LONG BEACH NAVAL SHIPYARD

                                 ______


                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 1996

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, the Long Beach Naval Shipyard has, throughout 
its history, demonstrated that it is one of the most effective, cost 
efficient yards, public or private, in the Nation. Despite this 
impressive record, the Navy recommended, as part of the 1995 base 
closure round, that the Long Beach Naval Shipyard be closed. That 
recommendation was ratified by the Base Closure and Realignment 
Commission and signed into law by President Clinton.
  The closure of the Long Beach Naval Shipyard in September 1997 will 
be a tremendous loss to the Navy and to the Nation. Just how serious 
this loss will be was demonstrated again last month when the Long Beach 
Naval Shipyard was given the AEGIS Excellence Award by Rear Adm. G. A. 
Huchting, the Navy's AEGIS program manager, ``for its outstanding 
contributions to the completion of the Regular Overhaul [ROH] of the 
USS Antietam (CG 54).''
  In his message to Cpt. John Pickering, commanding officer of the Long 
Beach Naval Shipyard, Admiral Huchting said, ``Long Beach Naval 
Shipyard's excellent support to both the crew of Antietam and the AEGIS 
Program Office was instrumental in ensuring the success of this complex 
and technically demanding availability.
  ``The execution of Antietam's overhaul was challenged by several 
unexpected difficulties, such as consistently poor weather conditions, 
which significantly delayed progress on all outside work. Long Beach 
Naval Shipyard accepted each challenge with an aggressive attitude and 
extraordinary flexibility. Through superb teamwork and perseverance, 
shipyard personnel accomplished nearly 100,000 mandays of industrial 
work, enabling Antietam to complete its availability on time and under 
budget.
  ``Long Beach Naval Shipyard's professionalism and dedication to 
qualify were key factors in the redelivery of an upgraded Antietam to 
the Fleet. In recognition of this outstanding accomplishment, I am very 
pleased to present the AEGIS Excellence Award to Long Beach Naval 
Shipyard for an effort that truly exemplifies AEGIS team spirit and the 
pursuit of excellence. Congratulations on a job well done!''
  Admiral Huchting's message confirms what those of us who fought to 
preserve the shipyard argued, that the Long Beach Naval Shipyard is a 
critical national security resource which, when closed, cannot be 
replaced. And it further reaffirms the quality, commitment, and 
dedication of the shipyard's work force. Though they are slated to lose 
their positions as the shipyard closes, the men and women who work at 
the Long Beach Naval Shipyard remain committed to doing the best 
possible job on behalf of their Nation. These dedicated men and women 
deserve our highest praise and deepest gratitude for the contribution 
they are making. The AEGIS Excellence Award is well deserved. I am 
proud to represent the employees of the Long Beach Naval Shipyard who 
earned it through their superb efforts and their commitment to 
excellence.

                          ____________________