[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 117 (Friday, September 24, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE 60TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE COMMISSIONING OF THE USS 
            ``OZARK'' IN PORTLAND, OR, AND HONORING ITS CREW

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EARL BLUMENAUER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 23, 2004

  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure today that I 
welcome the crewmembers of the USS Ozark back to Portland, OR to 
celebrate the 60th anniversary of the ship's commissioning on September 
23, 1944. The Ozark, built by the Willamette Iron and Steel Corporation 
here in Portland, crossed the Columbia River bar less than 2 weeks 
later and played a vital role in our Nation's victory in the Pacific 
Theater during World War II. The Pacific Theater saw some of the war's 
most dangerous naval encounters, and the commitment of the USS Ozark's 
crewmembers is a testimony of their bravery and sacrifice.
  In the Pacific Theater, the ship and its crew transported troops for 
the invasion of Iwo Jima and evacuated wounded Marines to hospitals in 
Guam. After seeing further action in the Pacific Theater, the USS Ozark 
was present in Tokyo Harbor during the historic ceremony where the 
Japanese surrendered on board the USS Missouri. The ship then returned 
950 recovered American prisoners of war to the United States via Guam 
and Pearl Harbor.
  I want to take this opportunity to thank those who served aboard the 
USS Ozark for their brave efforts in the defense of our Nation. I wish 
them a festive 60th anniversary celebration this week in Portland.

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