[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 106 (Thursday, June 28, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1430]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     U.S.S. BUNKER HILL RECIPIENT OF THE 2006 SPOKANE NAVAL TROPHY

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 27, 2007

  Mrs. McMORRIS ROGERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the U.S.S. 
Bunker Hill, the winner of the 2006 Spokane Naval Trophy. The U.S.S. 
Bunker Hill, a guided-missile cruiser homeported in San Diego, CA, was 
recently awarded the trophy for being the most combat ready ship in the 
Pacific Fleet.
  The U.S.S. Bunker Hill was commissioned on September 20, 1986, and 
holds the longest active streak of Battle ``E'' awards for a guided-
missile cruiser. Also known as ``The Sword of the Fleet,'' the Bunker 
Hill is capable of maintaining herself at sea for months at a time. The 
mission of the ship is to conduct prompt and sustained combat 
operations at sea in support of U.S. national policy. Manned by nearly 
400 officers and crew, Bunker Hill is readily equipped for immediate 
deployment in support of our national interests. The ship and its crew 
also provided humanitarian assistance and disaster relief to the 
victims of the December 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia.
  The trophy, which was commissioned by the citizens of Spokane in 1906 
to embody the spirit of the Spokane community and their pride in the 
Navy, was originally presented to the first winning ship in 1907 by the 
city of Spokane and the Spokane Chamber of Commerce. At the time, the 
Spokane Naval Trophy was selected by the Secretary of the Navy to be 
awarded to the battleship or armored cruiser in the fleet that 
demonstrated the highest attributes in Naval gunnery marksmanship. 
Today, the Spokane Naval Trophy is stewarded by the Spokane Council of 
the Navy League of the United States. This year, as the Navy League 
celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Spokane Naval Trophy, they are 
proud of the excellence in combat systems readiness and warfare 
operations that the U.S.S. Bunker Hill has shown.
  Madam Speaker, I invite my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the U.S.S. Bunker Hill on receiving the Spokane Naval Trophy and 
thanking the Spokane community for their support of the Navy.

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