[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 58 (Wednesday, May 2, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4183-S4184]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  STATEMENTS ON SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS

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      SENATE RESOLUTION 80--HONORING THE ``WHIDBEY 24'' FOR THEIR 
                 PROFESSIONALISM, BRAVERY, AND COURAGE

  Mrs. MURRAY (for herself, Mr. Bond, Mr. McCain, Ms. Cantwell, Mr. 
Warner, Mr. Levin, Mr. Kennedy, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Thurmond, Mr. 
Akaka, Ms. Collins, Mr. Nelson of Nebraska, Mr. Durbin, and Mr. Dayton) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the Committee 
on Armed Services:

                               S. Res. 80

       Whereas the Electronic Countermeasures Squadron One (VQ-1) 
     at Whidbey Island Naval Air Station performs an electronic 
     reconnaissance mission for the defense of our Nation;
       Whereas on April 1, 2001, a VQ-1 EP-3E Aries II electronic 
     surveillance plane collided with a Chinese fighter jet and 
     made an emergency landing at the Chinese military airfield on 
     Hainan Island;
       Whereas the 24 crew members on board the plane (referred to 
     in this resolution as the ``Whidbey 24'') displayed exemplary 
     bravery and courage and the highest standards of 
     professionalism in responding to the collision and during the 
     ensuing 11 days in detention in the People's Republic of 
     China;
       Whereas Navy Lieutenant, Shane J. Osborn, displayed courage 
     and extraordinary skill by safely landing the badly damaged 
     EP-3E; and
       Whereas each member of the ``Whidbey 24'' embodies the 
     selfless dedication it takes to defend our Nation: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) expresses relief at the release and safe return of the 
     ``Whidbey 24'' and shares in their families' joy;
       (2) applauds the selfless devotion to duty of the ``Whidbey 
     24'' who risked their lives to defend our Nation;
       (3) praises the ``Whidbey 24'' for their professionalism 
     and bravery and expresses the admiration and gratitude of our 
     Nation; and
       (4) acknowledges the sacrifices made every day by the 
     members of our Nation's Armed Forces as they defend and 
     preserve our Nation.

  Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, today I introduce a resolution honoring 
the Whidbey 24, the brave crewmembers of an EP-3 aircraft stationed at 
Whidbey Island Naval Air Station in my home State of Washington.
  On April 1, 2001, a United States EP-3 surveillance aircraft on 
routine patrol in international airspace over the South China Sea 
collided with a Chinese fighter jet. The plane carried a crew of 22 
Navy personnel, one Air Force officer, and one Marine. Following the 
accident, the U.S. aircraft and crew plunged as much as 8,000 feet 
before the crew regained control of the severely damaged aircraft. Navy 
Lieutenant Shane Osborne, the pilot, and his entire crew displayed 
extraordinary skill and courage as the aircraft made an emergency 
landing at the Chinese military airfield on Hainan Island. The 24 crew 
members were detained on Hainan Island in the People's Republic of 
China for 11 days as the United States and China negotiated a 
diplomatic resolution to the aircraft collision and the emergency 
landing.
  When I first heard that an American plane was forced to make an 
emergency landing in China, like all Americans, I was very concerned. 
Then I learned that the crew was based on Whidbey Island, and I 
realized that these men and women were my neighbors--the people I see 
at the grocery store. The city of Oak Harbor, which is

[[Page S4184]]

home to the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station, was immensely supportive 
of the airmen and their families during this incident. The community 
commenced a ``Bring Back VQ-1'' campaign to show their support and deep 
appreciation for the crewmembers and their families. Residents of the 
city wrapped trees and light poles with yellow ribbons. My Washington 
D.C. office distributed yellow ribbons to visitors and other Senate 
offices in an effort to demonstrate our support in the halls of 
Congress.
  On April 14, 2001, the crew returned safely to Washington State to an 
emotional ``Welcome Home VQ-1'' celebration at the Ault Field Hangar at 
Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. These brave men and women displayed 
uncommon courage, professionalism, and selfless dedication to duty in 
the service of our country, from the time of the collision and 
throughout their 11-day detention. While my resolution seeks to 
recognize the Whidbey 24, it is equally important to note that 
thousands of Americans serve just as honorably in service to our 
country each and every day.
  I am so proud of the Whidbey Island community for it handled this 
incident with great compassion for the families and NAS Whidbey 
personnel. But we also know that all across America, military families 
and the American people were standing behind our military personnel. 
The Whidbey Island community stood tall, proud and patriotic on behalf 
of the families and the country.
  I ask the Senate to join me in recognizing the bravery and 
determination of the Whidbey 24 throughout a delicate and dangerous 
ordeal. On behalf of all Americans, I proudly honor them and once again 
welcome them home.

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