[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 118 (Tuesday, September 20, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 62ND ANNIVERSARY OF THE USS ``ELOKOMIN'' (AO)

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                         HON. STEPHEN F. LYNCH

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2005

  Mr. LYNCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the plaque 
dedication for the USS Elokomin, AO, an auxiliary oiler of the United 
States Navy whose keel was laid on March 9, 1943 and--served our Nation 
with honor until its decommission in March of 1970. I am here to honor 
the men who served on the Elokomin and to celebrate the 62nd 
anniversary of this extraordinary vessel.
  The USS Elokomin served with distinction and received numerous Naval 
commendations for her service. During World War II, the Elokomin was 
more heavily armed than a destroyer-escort, having one 5-inch 38 
caliber dual-purpose gun, four 3-inch 50 caliber dual-purpose guns, 
four 40-millimeter twin-mount guns and eight 20-millimeter guns.
  However, the story of the Elokomin is really the story of the men who 
served aboard her. The USS Elokomin, AO-50 Crewmembers Association was 
established in the 1980s and it is my understanding that since its 
first reunion in 1986, the Association has met regularly to keep the 
memory of this ship and her crew alive. These men and their families 
should be proud of their commitment not only to our country but also to 
each other. Their dedication and loyalty is commendable.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to take the floor of the House 
today to join with the veterans, their family and friends who will 
gather later this month for a celebration and dedication of the USS 
Elokomin at the Navy Memorial here in Washington, DC. I hope my 
colleagues will join me in celebrating this distinguished ship and the 
men who so ably served aboard her to defend this Nation.

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