[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 78 (Tuesday, May 13, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E891]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE RECOGNITION OF THE PEARL HARBOR NAVAL SHIPYARD'S 
                           100TH ANNIVERSARY

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                         HON. NEIL ABERCROMBIE

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 2008

  Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Pearl 
Harbor Naval Shipyard on its 100th anniversary. On this important 
centennial, I would like to commemorate the men and women who have 
served and continue to serve in the shipyard. In their honor, I have 
introduced H. Res. 1193.
  Congress established the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard on May 13, 1908, 
and it has grown from a ``coaling and repair station'' to being known 
as the ``No Ka Oi Shipyard'' and a national treasure that is 
strategically important to our Nation and equally vital to Hawaii. 
During World War II, shipyard workers earned the motto, ``We keep them 
fit to fight'', by resurrecting the United States Pacific Fleet from 
the bottom of Pearl Harbor, helping turn the tide of the war at Midway, 
and maintaining the ships that would ultimately win victory at sea and 
sail triumphantly into Tokyo Bay.
  Throughout the decades, the shipyard has demonstrated its diverse 
capabilities by supporting America's space exploration, Antarctic 
expeditions, and national missile defense. It continues to support the 
United States Pacific Fleet as the largest ship repair facility between 
the western coast of the United States and the Far East, providing 
full-service maintenance for Pacific Fleet ships and submarines 
throughout the Asia-Pacific theater.
  The shipyard has become the largest single industrial employer in 
Hawaii and is the largest fully integrated military-civilian workforce 
involved in full-service shipyard work in the United States. The 
shipyard has a direct annual economic impact of more than $600,000,000 
in Hawaii, and through its apprentice, engineer co-op, and other 
student-hire programs, provides extraordinary training, employment, and 
career opportunities for residents. Moreover, the shipyard has earned 
multiple national awards for its dedicated environmental stewardship 
and excellent safety programs, such as the prestigious Occupational 
Safety and Health Administration's Star award in May 2007.
  On this historic day, I would like to recognize the 100th anniversary 
of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and congratulate the men and women 
who provide exceptional service to our military and keep our Pacific 
Fleet ``fit to fight.''

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