[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 81 (Friday, June 23, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD CUTTER CONIFER

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. STEVEN T. KUYKENDALL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 23, 2000

  Mr. KUYKENDALL. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize the United States 
Coast Guard Cutter CONIFER, currently homeported on Terminal Island in 
San Pedro, California. Today the CONIFER will be decommissioned after 
57 years of distinguished service.
  A member of the Coast Guard's Buoy Tender fleet, the CONIFER was 
commissioned on May 4, 1943. Throughout the years, many have relied 
upon the Coast Guard Cutter CONIFER to perform lighthouse service 
visits and renovations, service weather data gathering buoys, perform 
law enforcement operations, assist with national defense, protect the 
environment, and perform search and rescue missions.
  The CONIFER has had an illustrious history, patrolling the nation's 
waterways and ensuring the safety of those navigating the high seas. 
Shortly after being commissioned, the Conifer was called upon to patrol 
the North Atlantic during World War II. Nearly six decades later, it 
was the CONIFER serving as the On Scene Commander in charge of search 
and rescue efforts following the crash of Alaska Airlines flight 261 
off Point Mugu in January. She and her crew have served the country 
with honor and distinction.
  Based in San Pedro the last 14 years, the CONIFER has patrolled the 
waters of southern California. The seafaring men and women of the 
Conifer have touched the lives of many during her tenure in San Pedro. 
We are grateful for her service.
  Honor, Respect, and Devotion to Duty, these are the core values of 
the United States Coast Guard. The CONIFER exemplified these values 
during her service to the nation and southern California over the last 
57 years.
  For nearly six decades, the CONIFER has served the nation with great 
diligence and distinction. I commend the men and women who have served 
aboard the CONIFER over the years. I also commend Lieutenant Commander 
Jeff Loftus and his crew for their service to southern California. Your 
contributions to the community are deeply appreciated. We look forward 
to the Coast Guard's continued presence in the region when the Coast 
Guard Cutter George COBB assumes the CONIFER's duties this fall.

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