[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF ELECTRIC BOAT

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                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 9, 1999

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer congratulations to 
Electric Boat of Groton, Connecticut, on the occasion of its 100th 
anniversary. On February 7, 1899, the Electric Boat Company was 
incorporated, heralding the beginning of an enterprise that has 
performed an invaluable service to our nation. As Electric Boat 
celebrates its centennial, I would like to pay tribute to this national 
treasure and thank the men and women who have done so much to ensure 
our national security.
  Beginning with the development of the Holland (S-1), the world's 
first practical submarine, Electric Boat has led the way in submarine 
innovation. The working men and women of Electric Boat have created an 
impressive historical record. They delivered the USS Cuttlefish--the 
first all-welded submarine--to the Navy in 1933. They produced 
submarines at an incredible pace paving the way to America's victory in 
the Pacific in World War II. The company's craftsmen and designers 
ushered in a new era of Naval technology in the mid-1950s with the USS 
Nautilus (SSN571)--the world's first nuclear-powered submarine. The 
list of accomplishments goes on and on: development of the first fleet 
ballistic missile submarine in 1959; design and modular construction of 
the Trident ballistic missile submarines that provide the undetectable 
leg of America's strategic nuclear triad; delivery of Seawolf class of 
submarines, the most capable attack submarine ever built; and 
continuing innovation with the New Attack Submarine. Simply put, 
Electric Boat has played the defining role in every innovation in 
submarine design and construction over the past century.
  More impressive than the company's list of accomplishments, however, 
are the people who work there. I have an incredible sense of pride in 
these patriots. I wish more of my colleagues had the opportunity to 
visit them, to talk to them, and to get to know what great Americans 
they are. That's truly why I rise today. To make sure that the entire 
House, the collective representatives of his nation, know about the 
unique contributions of the men and women of Electric Boat. Our 
submarine force is often referred to as the ``Silent Service.'' 
Nevertheless, if ever there was a time to set silence and modesty 
aside, it's to pay tribute to this great group of people on the 
occasion of the centennial of the company they have built.
  Happy 100th Anniversary, Electric Boat!

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