[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 29, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11132]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO THE UNITED STATES NAVY FOR SWISSAIR 111 RECOVERY EFFORTS

 Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the U.S. 
Navy for their initial efforts in search and recovery operations in the 
wake of the SwissAir Flight 111 tragedy.
  At the request of the Canadian government, the U.S. Navy sent the 
Hampton Roads-based Rescue and Salvage Ship USS GRAPPLE and members of 
Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two to assist our friends and neighbors 
in this operation. The ship, commanded by Lieutenant Commander David E. 
Davis, has a lifting capability of 300 tons and employs the latest high 
technology sonar and diving equipment. This enables her to conduct 
diving operations up to 190 feet beneath the ocean's surface.
  Specifically, I'd like to commend the men and women who are carrying 
out this important mission. These sailors are highly-trained 
professionals who have experience in handling challenging and dangerous 
diving operations. Some of the team members worked with the TWA Flight 
800 recovery and can draw upon those experiences. Although the 
circumstances that sent GRAPPLE and our sailors to Nova Scotia are 
tragic and unusual, the teamwork of our Navy and that of Canada has 
been fostered for many years. This allows us to work together 
effectively in such times of crisis. It is our hope that the efforts of 
GRAPPLE and Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit Two will help provide 
comfort and closure to those people who lost loved ones in this 
accident.
  Mr. President, please join me in recognizing the significant 
contribution of America's high-tech Navy and brave sailors.

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