[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 81 (Wednesday, June 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1200]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE U.S.S. ``NEW JERSEY''

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 9, 1999

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the U.S.S. New 
Jersey, which has honorably served the United States in times of both 
peace and war for over 50 years.
  Today, along with many of my colleagues from New Jersey, I introduced 
the ``U.S.S. New Jersey Commemorative Coin Act.` This bill authorizes 
the minting of a commemorative coin to honor the Battleship New 
Jersey's contribution to our country.
  The New Jersey was first launched December 7, 1942, and was 
immediately sent off to the Pacific Theater. There, the Battleship New 
Jersey played a key role in operations in the Marshalls, Marianas, 
Carolines, Philippines, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa.
  After the Allied victory, the U.S.S. New Jersey was deactivated in 
1948 until being called to service again in November, 1950. The ship 
served two tours in the Western Pacific during the Korean War, and was 
the flagship for Commander 7th Fleet.
  After her service, the U.S.S. New Jersey was again mothballed in 
1957, only to be pressed into service again in 1968 to serve as the 
only active-duty Navy battleship. She provided critical firepower to 
friendly troops before again being decommissioned in 1969.
  The Battleship New Jersey's service did not end with Vietnam. She 
continued to serve our Navy in a number of the roles in the Pacific, 
the Mediterranean and off the coast of Central America.
  Her brave and honorable service finally came to an end in February 
1991, when the U.S.S. New Jersey was decommissioned for the fourth and 
final time.
  Last year, Congress passed legislation directing that U.S.S. New 
Jersey be brought home and permanently berthed in her namesake state. 
Mr. Speaker, Governor Whitman, the state legislature and the people of 
New Jersey all strongly endorse bringing the Battleship home. We are 
all united in our desire to have the U.S.S. New Jersey come home.
  This legislation would help raise money to offset the costs of 
bringing the Battleship home, where she can serve as a permanent 
reminder of the brave men who served aboard her, and the important role 
the U.S.S. New Jersey has played on our nation's history.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to join me in cosponsoring this 
bill to honor the memory of the Battleship New Jersey.

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