[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 99 (Wednesday, July 26, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         CHINA LAKE NAVY MUSEUM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. WILLIAM M. THOMAS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 25, 2000

  Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, on July 28th supporters of the Naval Air 
Warfare Center, Weapons Division, China Lake will gather together in 
Ridgecrest, California for the ribbon cutting of a new Navy museum 
dedicated to the history and achievements of the people who have worked 
at China Lake since the 1940s. As a Life Member of the Museum 
Foundation that is collecting private funds to create this monument, I 
support this effort to preserve a complete record of China Lake's 
record for future generations.
  Those of us familiar with China Lake have a strong sense of what the 
Navy personnel and employees there have done for this Nation's defense. 
China Lake personnel developed the first Sidewinder air to air missile. 
China Lake has been the source of technological advances in cruise 
missiles, fuel-air munitions, infrared and other technologies that 
Americans in uniform rely on in their quest to defend the nation. It is 
a remarkable story proving what exceptional dedication can accomplish.
  By building this museum, we can preserve a record of the achievements 
of people at China Lake. Those achievements are a source of justifiable 
pride in eastern Kern County, California. With this museum, they become 
a source of inspiration to visitors and to those important future 
Americans who will come to China Lake to solve new problems.

                          ____________________