[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 115 (Thursday, September 4, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1664]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




TRIBUTE TO THE EMPLOYEES, FAMILIES, AND FRIENDS OF THE LONG BEACH NAVAL 
                                SHIPYARD

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                           HON. STEPHEN HORN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 4, 1997

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the employees, 
families, and friends of the Long Beach Naval Shipyard, which will 
close in a few days after decades of service. In addition to playing an 
integral role in America's national defense, the shipyard has been a 
cornerstone of the Long Beach community.
  A half century of history, with all of the success and adversity that 
history can bring to bear, has forged strong bonds between the Long 
Beach Naval Shipyard and the city of Long Beach and its surrounding 
region. In the best sense, we have been one community where military 
and civilians have pulled together for the good of all.
  Our relationship was born in the early, frightening months of the 
Second World War, when the shipyard was added to an already 
considerable Navy presence in the area. The relationship grew and 
prospered as America's Armed Forces produced the victories of 1945 and 
the hope of lasting peace. Instead of a lasting peace, we faced the 
long, bitter, and tense years of Korea, Vietnam, and the cold war. The 
shipyard took on the task of keeping the Navy ready for actual and 
potential conflicts at any time or place. Our Nation, the shipyard, and 
its exceptional employees passed the tests of efficiency and 
effectiveness with flying colors and played a vital part in the 
ultimate victory that brought down the Berlin Wall and ended the threat 
of Communism.
  Those events and the job well done by thousands of talented men and 
women are what we will remember. And what we all should value, as we 
now bring to a close this long and highly successful partnership. For 
the past five decades, the Long Beach Naval Shipyard has played a vital 
role in our national defense and it has been a crucial part of our 
local economy. Those who have served at Long Beach's shipyard displayed 
superb skill, uncommon commitment, and an unyielding dedication. Their 
service, and the shipyard itself, will long be remembered as a source 
of pride for the U.S. Navy and for the city of Long Beach.

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