[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 160 (Thursday, November 13, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2400-E2401]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 HONORING THE U.S.S. ``GEORGE WASHINGTON'' AND THE U.S.S. ``MARYLAND''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 1997

  Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, during the August recess, I had the good 
fortune to spend some time with members of our naval forces, 
specifically the officers and crews of the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. 
``George Washington'' and the ballistic missile submarine, U.S.S. 
``Maryland''. I was joined on the ``George Washington'' visit by 
Congressman Gil Gutknecht. Congressman Ben Cardin and I were together 
on the ``Maryland'' visit.
  We were able to stay for an overnight on each vessel and observe the 
ship's personnel, as they went about their normal duties.
  Mr. Speaker, it was a distinct pleasure and source of pride watching 
our Navy in action. You would truly be amazed at the amount of 
coordination and communication that is required to safely and 
effectively utilize all of their ship's warfighting capabilities. Yet, 
these crews carried out their duties with great skill, making it all 
look easy.
  In the case of the U.S.S. ``George Washington'', the advertisements 
are correct and possibly even understated. At almost 1,100 feet long, 
257 feet wide, 244 feet high, and capable of housing and feeding over 
5,000 sailors and marines, she really is 4\1/2\ acres of sovereign 
territory.
  A cornerstone of our national defense strategy, ``George'' can 
transport over 70 combat aircraft almost anywhere in the world.
  Such an important capability becomes even more invaluable as budgets 
and politics dictate that we vacate our forward bases. It is easy to 
see why our Nation's aircraft carriers have played a major role in 
almost every world crisis. Their forward presence is invaluable to our 
national defense.

[[Page E2401]]

  Much less apparent--by design, I might add--but certainly no less 
important in its role, is the U.S.S. ``Maryland'', a strategic 
ballistic missile submarine. The ``Maryland'' is over 560 feet long 
with a hull diameter of 42 feet. She carries a complement of 
approximately 157 officers and enlisted personnel. For armament, she 
has 24 missile tubes carrying the Trident II D-5 missile and 4 torpedo 
tubes capable of firing the Mark 48 antisubmarine torpedo.
  As an undersea launching platform, the Maryland is virtually 
undetectable. Her state-of-the-art mobility, speed, and quietness makes 
her one of our most survivable and cost-effective strategic systems.
  As you know, the Navy is a very important part of my southern 
Maryland constituency. The Fifth Congressional District is home to the 
Naval Air Systems Command at Patuxent River Naval Air Station and St. 
Inigoes. We also have the Indian Head Division of the Naval Surface 
Warfare Center.
  Pax River personnel are trained to develop and test a host of systems 
designed to enhance the safety and reliability of all naval aircraft. 
In addition, St. Inigoes develops communications and radar systems 
designed to provide the fleet with state-of-the-art eyes and ears.
  Similarly, Indian Head is a leading developer of insensitive missile 
and gun propellants for the fleet. As a result of their efforts, 
sailors can literally sleep on their munitions without concern.
  The research and development conducted at Pax River, St. Inigoes, and 
Indian Head is absolutely critical to our national defense. It is their 
creativity and support that contributes to the excellence of our Navy.
  When you combine their know how with the quality of our sailors, you 
have an unbeatable combination.
  As good as our hardware is, it still requires human intervention. I 
was extraordinarily impressed by the professionalism and the dedication 
of the naval personnel assigned to the George Washington and the 
Maryland. Their days are long and the work is demanding. In addition, 
they endure long absences from their families.
  I witnessed two separate crews with vastly different assignments, but 
with the common goal of being the best in the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I was pleased to have the opportunity to talk to the 
members of the crew. They are young, insightful, professional, and most 
of all, enthusiastic about their jobs and the Navy.
  Their training is first rate and constantly updated. It gives them a 
confidence that is unmistakable and it shows in the way that they carry 
themselves. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the officers 
and crews of the George Washington and the Maryland and their families 
that provide so much inspiration and support. You are the best.

  I would like to acknowledge the following naval personnel whose 
participation in my visits made them so memorable:
  U.S.S. George Washington visit: RADM Tim Ziemer, Commander, Naval 
Base, Norfolk; RADM Mike Mullen, Commander, George Washington Battle 
Group; Capt. Lindell ``Yank'' Rutherford, Commanding Officer, U.S.S. 
George Washington; Capt. John ``Boomer'' Stuffelbeem, Commander, 
Carrier Air Wing One; Command Master Chief Kevin Lavin; and Lt. Steve 
West, House Navy Liaison Office.
  U.S.S. Maryland visit: RADM Chuck Beers, Commander, Submarine Group 
Ten; Capt. Randy Zeller, Commanding Officer, Trident Refit Facility; 
Comdr. Scott Gray, Commanding Officer, U.S.S. Maryland; Lt. Comdr. Tim 
Luffy, Executive Officer, U.S.S. Maryland; Lt. Comdr. Travis Hayes, 
House Navy Liaison Office; and Sonar Technician Senior Chief Tom 
Tribble, Chief of the Boat, U.S.S. Maryland.
  Mr. Speaker, we owe the men and women of our Navy the best of 
everything--the best training, the best equipment, and the best 
support. I can assure you that they will use it wisely.

                          ____________________