[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 101 (Tuesday, July 20, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1428]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




A TRIBUTE TO THE USS ``RONALD REAGAN'' ON ARRIVING AT ITS NEW HOME PORT 
                        OF SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA

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                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 20, 2004

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the USS 
Ronald Reagan and its crew on their arrival this week at their new home 
port of San Diego, California.
  I am pleased that one of the President Reagan's many legacies is the 
Navy's newest nuclear carrier, the USS Ronald Reagan. The ship recently 
set sail from Norfolk for its rightful home in San Diego. Throughout 
his political career, President Reagan always concluded his campaign in 
San Diego. He called it his ``Lucky City.'' It is only fitting that our 
shining city on the hill, San Diego, will be home to the USS Ronald 
Reagan.
  This ship is perhaps the most fitting tribute to Ronald Reagan's 
legacy of strength and security, to the imprint he had on our past, and 
the promise that we hold for the future. The ship's motto, ``Peace 
Through Strength,'' was borrowed from one of President Reagan's radio 
addresses and embodies the essence of his vision of national security.
  The USS Ronald Reagan is the most advanced aircraft carrier in the 
world. It has the newest hull design, two nuclear reactors, a length of 
1,092 feet, a top speed over 30 knots, over 6,000 highly-trained 
service members, and more than 80 of the world's top aircraft. Finally, 
its 4.5 acres of flight deck are American territory that can be used to 
project our presence anywhere in the world.
  A United States ship is a powerful symbol and the USS Ronald Reagan 
stands to be the most powerful of all. It will be a welcome sight to 
many around the world who see it as an example of America's strength 
and protection of freedom. It will also bring caution to people and 
nations who would deny that freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you urge our colleagues to join me in 
recognizing the outstanding service of the USS Ronald Reagan and its 
crew and wish them the best in all their future endeavors. San Diego 
anxiously awaits the arrival of the USS Ronald Reagan and our 
opportunity to welcome it home to its ``Lucky City.''

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