[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 115 (Monday, July 14, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H6419-H6421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CROSSING OF THE NORTH POLE BY
THE USS ``NAUTILUS''
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to
the resolution (H. Res. 1067) recognizing the 50th anniversary of the
crossing of the North Pole by the USS Nautilus (SSN 571) and its
significance in the history of both our Nation and the world.
The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
The text of the resolution is as follows:
H. Res. 1067
Whereas the USS Nautilus (SSN 571), built and launched at
Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, on January 21, 1954,
was the first vessel in the world to be powered by nuclear
power;
Whereas the USS Nautilus overcame extreme difficulties of
navigation and maneuverability while submerged under the
polar ice, and became the first vessel to cross the
geographic North Pole on August 3, 1958;
Whereas the USS Nautilus continued on her voyage and became
the first vessel to successfully navigate a course across the
top of the world;
Whereas the USS Nautilus, having claimed this historic
milestone and returned home to Naval Submarine Base New
London, continued to establish a series of naval records in
her distinguished 25-year career, including being the first
submarine to journey ``20,000 leagues under the sea'';
Whereas the USS Nautilus completed these significant and
laudable achievements during a critical phase of the Cold
War, providing a source of inspiration for Americans and
raising the hopes of the Free World;
Whereas the USS Nautilus was the first naval vessel in
peacetime to receive the Presidential Unit Citation for its
meritorious efforts in crossing the North Pole;
Whereas Commander William R. Anderson of the United States
Navy was awarded the Legion of Merit for his role in
commanding the USS Nautilus during its historic voyage;
Whereas the USS Nautilus and its contribution to world
history was praised by a range of American Presidents,
including President Harry Truman, President Dwight D.
Eisenhower, President Lyndon B. Johnson, President Jimmy
Carter, and President Bill Clinton; and
Whereas President Eisenhower described the voyage to the
North Pole as a ``magnificent achievement'' from which ``the
entire free world would benefit'': Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
(1) recognizes the historic significance of the journey to
the North Pole undertaken by the USS Nautilus;
(2) commends the officers and crew of the USS Nautilus on
the 50th anniversary of their magnificent achievement;
(3) recognizes the importance of the USS Nautilus' journey
to the North Pole as not only a military and scientific
accomplishment, but also in confirming America's longstanding
interest in this vital region of the world;
(4) commends the role of the USS Nautilus and the United
States Submarine Force in protecting the interests of the
free world during the Cold War; and
(5) supports the continuing role of the United States
Submarine Force in defending our Nation in the 21st century.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from
Connecticut (Mr. Courtney) and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Rogers)
each will control 20 minutes.
The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Connecticut.
General Leave
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks
on the resolution under consideration.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the
gentleman from Connecticut?
There was no objection.
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
Mr. Speaker, as the author of House Resolution 1067, I rise today in
strong support, which honors an important anniversary not only to my
district but to our Navy and our country.
In June 1958, the USS Nautilus (SSN 571), the world's first nuclear-
powered submarine, departed Seattle, Oregon, as part of a top secret
operation called Operation Sunshine. Unknown to many at the time, the
Nautilus was embarking on a historic mission that took it on a course
north to the arctic ice cap. At 11:15 p.m. on August 3, 1958, the boat
became the first vessel to cross the geographic North Pole when
Commander William Anderson, Nautilus' commanding officer, announced to
his crew: ``For the world, our country, and the Navy--the North Pole.''
This historic crossing of 90 North took place at a critical time in
our Nation's history: the Cold War was heating up; the Soviet Union had
seemingly laid claim to space with the launch of Sputnik; and many
Americans and many around the world were looking for something to rally
around, a sign that we were not ceding big ideas and notable
achievements to others. Nautilus' sonar man, Al Charette, one of my
constituents, described their journey as an effort to out-Sputnik the
Russians and they did it.
Few on board the Nautilus realized the scope of their achievement.
They were simply sailors doing their job and doing it well. However, on
reaching the North Pole, the Nautilus clearly demonstrated our undersea
superiority and opened the region to decades of scientific research and
exploration.
The crossing of the North Pole was praised by numerous world leaders
at the time, being described by President Eisenhower as a magnificent
achievement from which the entire free world would benefit. A ticker
tape parade was held in honor of the crew in New York City. The
Nautilus became the first naval vessel in peacetime to receive the
Presidential Unit Citation for its meritorious efforts in crossing the
North Pole, and Commander William R. Anderson was awarded the Legion of
Merit.
In the 50 years since, the United States Navy and Coast Guard have
repeatedly followed in the footsteps of this historic voyage. Dozens of
U.S. submarines, in addition to specially fitted vessels and general
aircraft of the United States Coast Guard, have journeyed to the top of
the world in service to their country and to reinforce our Arctic
presence. These submarines and their intrepid crews have broken through
the surface, charted new courses, and expanded our knowledge of the
Arctic.
I myself have had the unique opportunity to see this work firsthand
when I traveled aboard the USS Alexandria, a Groton-based submarine, to
observe the 2007 Ice Exercises in the Arctic Circle. While the
technology and capabilities of our submarines has changed in the 50
years since the Nautilus' journey, the unmatched skill, the dedication
and the talent of our submariners continues to allow our Nation to
retain an important presence in this critical part of the world.
I just want to add, Mr. Speaker, having the opportunity again to be
onboard a submarine under the ice just reinforces to me anyway the
incredible accomplishment of the Nautilus. At
[[Page H6420]]
the time, scientific opinion believed that it was physically impossible
for a submarine to pass under the North Pole because of blockages by
the ice and the shifting movements of the ice under the North Pole.
This was a vessel which was completely and utterly alone at the time.
If there was any accident, if there was any problem, basically they
were completely on their own and had no means of any type of rescue or
support.
Built and launched at Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, on
January 21, 1954, the Nautilus was the first vessel in the world to be
powered by nuclear power. After claiming their historic milestone at 90
North and returning home to Naval Base New London, the Nautilus
continued to establish a series of naval records in her distinguished
25-year career, including being the first submarine to journey 20,000
leagues under the sea.
The history and legacy of the Nautilus is not the only meaningful
story to my congressional district but to the entire submarine force
and to our Nation. Today, the Nautilus proudly serves as a museum where
visitors from around the world come to learn about both her history-
making service to our country and the role of the submarine force in
securing our Nation. The Nautilus truly helped set the tone as the
standard bearer for the submarine force, and achievements like the
crossing of 90 North both proved the capabilities of our Nation at a
critical time in our history and raised the bar for all who came after
her.
Too often the critical achievements of our submarine force, our
silent service, go unnoticed. The resolution today rightfully honors
not only the officers and crew of the Nautilus but all those who played
a part in her success, from the highest levels of our government, to
the countless support ships and personnel who helped her along the way,
and finally, the talented workforce at Electric Boat who gave us the
first and finest submarine in our history.
I would like to enter two articles from the New London Day into the
Record, one highlighting the opening of the new exhibit at the
Submarine Force Museum in Groton and an editorial praising the
achievements of the Nautilus and her crew.
{time} 1445
I will also enter into the Record at a later date a list of the crew
who journeyed to 90 North so that their names will be tied to the
historic achievements in today's resolution.
I want to thank the Commander of the naval submarine base in New
London, Captain Mark Ginda, who first planted the idea for this
resolution in my staff's mind. And in addition, since I introduced H.
Res. 1067, my office has received nearly 50 e-mails from individuals
all across the country who served or whose loved ones served aboard the
Nautilus' journey to 90 North. I want to thank them for their comments
and their strong support. In particular, I want to thank Captain
Anderson's widow, who I met at the Farragut Square anniversary service
for the submarine force earlier this year, who was just an incredibly
gracious, wonderful person who has done everything that she can to make
sure that the memory of this incredible achievement is brought forth to
young people all across the country and is a strong supporter of our
Navy.
And most especially, I want to recognize the veterans of the
Nautilus' journey to 90 North that I am privileged to represent here in
Congress. We are all proud of them and the legacy they have established
for our submarine force and our Nation.
H. Res. 1067 is a much-deserved recognition of the important role the
submarine force plays in the security of our Nation, and I urge its
passage.
[From the New London Day, June 30, 2008]
50 Years Later, ``Nautilus'' Crew Still Feels It Could Repeat Polar
Feat
(By Jennifer Grogan)
Groton.--Former USS Nautilus crew members say it does not
seem like 50 years have passed since they made their historic
crossing of the North Pole under the ice cap, and that if the
Navy would kindly give them another nuclear power plant, they
could man their ship and head back out to sea.
``When you first join the Navy and look forward to 20 years
and retirement, you say, `That's forever.' I put 28 in and it
seems like it all happened just yesterday,'' said Al
Charette, a sonarman on board for the North Pole trip.
``Every time we have a reunion, the crew thinks we should go
out and get that ship underway. We're ready. We're still a
crew.''
``We remember each little feature of rigging it for dive.
We feel very confident we could do that again,'' said Jack
Kurrus, an engineman also on the trip. ``Wouldn't it be nice
to go to sea one more time?''
Nautilus (SSN 571) left Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on July 23,
1958, under top-secret orders to conduct Operation Sunshine,
the first crossing of the North Pole by a ship. About 10
months earlier, the Soviet Union had launched the first
artificial satellite into space.
``We wanted to out-Sputnik the Russians,'' Charette said.
The crew of 116 men reached the North Pole at 11:15 p.m. on
Aug. 3, 1958. They received the Presidential Unit Citation,
the first ever issued in peacetime.
Charette, Kurrus and another former crew member, Joe
Degnan, were at the U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum Friday
for the unveiling of a new exhibit that commemorates the 50th
anniversary of their voyage. The exhibit, which includes
artifacts and previously unpublished color images, runs
through March 2009.
The successful 1958 trip was not the Nautilus' first
attempt to cross from the Pacific to the Atlantic over the
top of the world.
The crew was in the Arctic a year earlier to see how the
submarine would operate under the ice. When the ship lost
power to its gyrocompasses, Cmdr. William R. Anderson gave
the order to turn back because there was no way to fix the
ship's position.
``We spent 72 hours trying to find our way out and that was
really, really scary,'' Kurrus said.
Nautilus visited the Pacific in 1958, under the cover of
teaching those in the Pacific Fleet about nuclear submarines.
The submarine headed to the North Pole but encountered heavy
ice and shallow water on the way. At one point, the 320-foot
submarine had just a few feet of water over its sail and
about 20 feet below the keel.
The crew returned to Pearl Harbor and waited a month for
the ice to break up and melt before making another attempt to
go to Portland, England, by way of the North Pole.
Kenneth Carr, who was then a lieutenant and later retired
as a vice admiral, said it was ``pretty routine on board'' as
they neared 90 degrees North on Aug. 3, 1958.
Carr said he asked the scientist on the trip, ``how will we
know we crossed the pole?'' Dr. Waldo K. Lyon pointed to a
machine with a green dot going around in a circle.
``He said the dot would stop and go in the other direction,
and it did,'' Carr said. ``It wasn't anything dramatic.''
Once the Nautilus surfaced, Anderson sent a message to the
Navy--``Nautilus 90 North.''
``I'm not sure we really appreciated the depth of what had
just happened, and I think it was a long time before any of
us realized it,'' Charette said. ``All we knew was when we
ended up in England, everyone and their brother wanted an
autograph.''
Those on board nicknamed themselves PANOPOs, an acronym
from the phrase from the Pacific to the Atlantic via the
North Pole. A ``Welcome Home PANOPOs'' banner is one of the
artifacts on display in the new exhibit. Sarah Martin, who
works at the Naval Submarine Base, was the graphic designer
for the exhibit.
Several events are planned at the museum leading up to the
anniversary, including a book signing and lecture by Alfred
McLaren about the USS Queenfish on July 12 and by Don Keith
about the Nautilus on Aug. 2, and a ceremony on the Nautilus
Aug. 3.
The Nautilus Alumni Association is planning a reunion Sept.
25-28 at the Groton Inn and Suites.
____
[From the New London Day, July 9, 2008]
Wonder of ``Nautilus''
Even after 50 years, the feat of the men and their boat,
USS Nautilus, is astounding. Crossing the North Pole under
the polar ice cap in a nuclear-powered submarine constituted
much more than the single event itself. The voyage unlocked
the tremendous potential of submersibles powered in a way
that they could travel indefinitely on a mission. And
imaginations soared.
There has followed one generation after another of nuclear
submarines, each more capable than its predecessors, but the
pioneering brilliance of Nautilus remains a marker for naval
historians. So, too, does the relentless pursuit of
excellence that characterized Adm. Hyman G. Rickover's
direction of the Navy's nuclear power program.
As reporter Jennifer Grogan's feature story June 30
revealed, the voyage also created an impenetrable bond among
the crew and officers of Nautilus. At the time of the trip,
few in civilian life quite understood the magnitude of the
Nautilus' accomplishment. But succeeding classes of
submarines have made clear the almost limitless capabilities
of these boats.
The self-confidence and optimism displayed by the veterans
in Ms. Grogan's story is a modem expression of the morale of
the crew that ventured north in 1958. Those men and the
imagination that conceptualized their voyage are a credit to
the Navy's versatility and technical skills.
That is why it is especially fitting that the Nautilus,
open to the public, resides here next to the Submarine Base,
an interesting naval laboratory for all to see. If you
haven't yet taken the time to pay a visit, we urge you to do
so.
[[Page H6421]]
Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may
consume.
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of House Resolution 1067,
recognizing the 50th anniversary of the crossing of the North Pole by
the USS Nautilus and its significance in the history of both our Nation
and the world.
I want to commend my colleague on the House Armed Services Committee,
Representative Joe Courtney of Connecticut, for sponsoring this
important resolution, as well as the 20 other cosponsors, including
Representative Roscoe Bartlett, the ranking member of the Seapower and
Expeditionary Forces Subcommittee.
Submarines have been a central component of our Nation's naval forces
for over a century. Congress authorized the construction of the
Nautilus in July 1951. After merely 26 months of construction, unheard
of by today's standards, the first nuclear-powered submarine--indeed,
the first nuclear-powered vessel in the world--was commissioned into
the United States Navy. Shortly thereafter, on the morning of January
17, 1955, Nautilus' first Commanding Officer, Commander Eugene P.
Wilkinson, ordered the boat away from the pier and signaled the
historic message, ``Underway on Nuclear Power.'' From that day forward,
Nautilus continued to break all submerged speed and distance records.
This included the historic mission to the North Pole on August 3, 1958.
In honoring the USS Nautilus, I note that now, just as 50 years ago,
both quality and quantity matter with respect to our naval fleet.
Although our current military conflicts have caused us to rightly focus
on the health of our ground forces, it is again time for the Nation to
have a strategic outlook on the future role of our naval forces. We
should do our level best to maintain our maritime dominance and forward
presence around the globe.
I will conclude by noting that the USS Nautilus' journey from the
North Pole is historically significant and a magnificent scientific and
military achievement. I am proud that the United States Navy has set an
international standard of excellence.
So, Mr. Speaker, I call upon all Americans to pause and honor the
service and sacrifice of not only those brave Americans who crossed the
North Pole 50 years ago, but all those who have served and continue to
serve in the defense of our Nation and its values.
I urge my colleagues to support this most worthy resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman for his
strong support for this measure, and just for the record indicate that
on August 3 the Nautilus Museum will be holding a formal event to
celebrate the 50th anniversary of this, again, incredible scientific
and historic achievement by the U.S. Navy. Again, I just want to salute
the efforts of all those people involved and urge passage of the
resolution.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the
gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Courtney) that the House suspend the
rules and agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1067.
The question was taken.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
The yeas and nays were ordered.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be
postponed.
____________________