[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 138 (Tuesday, October 6, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S11630]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                   TRIBUTE TO THE UNITED STATES NAVY

 Mr. GRAMS. Mr President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
courageous men and women who serve in the United States Navy.
  The origins of the Navy can be traced back to October 13, 1775, when 
the Continental Congress ordered the construction of ships for use in 
the War of Independence. It was at this time that the Continental Navy 
was formed, nine months before America declared itself independent. 
However, it wasn't until later, on April 30, 1798, that the Department 
of the Navy was established and Benjamin Stoddert was appointed its 
first Secretary. This past spring we celebrated the 200th anniversary 
of the Department of the Navy.
  Today, the United States Navy has grown to a force of nearly 400,000 
active duty and 96,000 Reserves. During times of war, these brave 
individuals join with the other Armed Forces and valiantly risk their 
lives to defend America's freedom and national interests. During times 
of peace, the Navy is engaged in promoting regional economic and 
political stability by maintaining a global presence both above and 
beneath the surface of the seas.
  The Navy is organized into three main components. The first 
component, the Navy Department, consists of the Washington, D.C. 
executive offices and the Secretary of Defense. The second component, 
the operating forces, includes the Marine Corps, the reserve components 
and during times of war, the U.S. Coast Guard. The operating component 
trains and equips naval forces. The third component, the shore 
establishment, provides intelligence support, medical and dental 
facilities, training areas, communications centers, and facilities for 
the repair of machinery and electronics. Together these components form 
a strong force ready to defend the seas whenever freedom is threatened.
  An important division of the Navy is the Naval Reserve. Today, the 
Naval Reserve comprises 20 percent of the Navy's total assets. These 
dedicated men and women have provided assistance as medical personnel 
and offered fleet intelligence support in operations such as Desert 
Shield and Desert Storm. At other times, the Naval Reserve has helped 
provide humanitarian assistance and has engaged in maritime patrol. 
Over the years, the Naval Reserve has evolved from a reactive to a 
proactive force ready to meet the challenges of the next century.
  Minnesota is home to 282 active duty Navy servicepeople, of which 35 
are officers and 247 are enlisted. In addition, Minnesota has 1,540 
Navy reservists, of which 340 are officers and 1,200 are enlisted.
  Mr. President, since its founding over 200 years ago, the Navy has 
shown the utmost dedication and service while protecting our national 
interests. I truly appreciate its commitment to defending this nation 
and am honored today to pay tribute to the men and women of the United 
States Navy.

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