[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 69 (Tuesday, April 29, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E758]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO HONOR THE COMMANDING OFFICER AND CREW OF THE USS ``NORTH 
                               CAROLINA''

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                           HON. MIKE McINTYRE

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 29, 2008

  Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Commander 
Mark E. Davis, as well as the officers and crew of the USS North 
Carolina, as the first to serve on the newest attack submarine, which 
will be commissioned by the United States Navy in Wilmington, North 
Carolina, this weekend. This strong, state-of-the art warrior joins an 
impressive group of ships on deployment protecting our Nation and 
defending our freedoms and national security interests.
  As a senior member of the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services and 
a long time supporter of our great Nation's military and those who have 
served our country, it is my honor to recognize that this submarine 
joins a distinguished list of five military ships named ``North 
Carolina''--four from the U.S. Navy and one from the Civil War. The USS 
North Carolina represents a long-standing commitment and tradition of 
service in our Nation's armed services by the citizens of North 
Carolina.
  The people of southeastern North Carolina are honored to welcome and 
host Commander Davis and his crew for the commissioning festivities for 
this new vessel and hope they will consider the coastline of this state 
as a special home for them. I am especially appreciative of the 
Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter, for granting 
my request for this commissioning to occur in North Carolina and his 
willingness to be our honored guest speaker for this historic occasion. 
This, in fact, will not only be the first submarine, but also the first 
warship, ever commissioned in the ``Tar Heel State.'' The State of 
North Carolina and this Nation are deeply proud of the personal talent 
and ability represented by the officers and crew of this new submarine. 
It is their spirit, service, and sacrifice for which we all are 
extremely grateful.
  Madam Speaker, may we also never forget the bravery and dedication of 
those who have served before, as well as those who currently serve--and 
those who will serve our country--and may we continue to receive 
inspiration from their courageous words and deeds. May God's blessings 
be with the USS North Carolina, her officers, and her crew as she 
begins her time in service to this wonderful Nation--the United States 
of America!

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