[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2343-E2344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE ENLISTED MEN AND WOMEN OF THE UNITED STATES NAVY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. ROB SIMMONS

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2001

  Mr. SIMMONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to announce legislation that I 
have introduced to request that the Secretary of the Navy name a U.S. 
Navy warship the ``U.S.S. Bluejacket'' in honor of the courageous 
Americans who have served as enlisted members in the United States 
Navy.
  My resolution also requests that this vessel bear the hull 
designation number ``1776'' to reflect the freedom and independence 
protected and preserved by the millions of enlisted men and women who 
have proudly served in the United States Navy. Our Navy, as well as for 
the nation, would be well served to have a ship bearing the hull number 
1776.

[[Page E2344]]

  Mr. Speaker, the Second District of Connecticut, which I have the 
privilege of representing, has a long and proud Naval and seafaring 
history, We are home to the ``The First and Finest,'' the Naval 
Submarine Base New London, homeport to Submarine Squadron Two, Four, 
and Development Squadron Twelve, the Naval Submarine School, and Naval 
Submarine Support Facility. Thousands of men and women in my district 
are part of the ``silent service'' and its support and training 
structure. They are dedicating their lives, risking their lives 
everyday in our great Navy. I believe that we should honor their 
service and sacrifice by naming a ship the ``U.S.S Bluejacket.''
  I urge all of my colleagues to join me in this effort to forever 
honor the bravery, dedication and service of the millions of men and 
women who have fought to defend this country in our Navy.
  Finally, I would like to thank the efforts of Mr. John Thor Newlander 
of Gales Ferry, Connecticut. Mr. Newlander has served this country in 
several of our military services, both active and reserve duty, and has 
worked tirelessly on behalf of our enlisted military personnel and on 
this resolution. I thank him for his service and his commitment to this 
worthy endeavor.

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