[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 41 (Monday, March 9, 2009)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2916-S2917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           CONGRATULATING SAILORS OF THE U.S. SUBMARINE FORCE

  Mr. DURBIN. I ask unanimous consent that the Senate proceed to the 
immediate consideration of S. Con. Res. 10 submitted earlier today.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will report the resolution by title.
  The assistant legislative clerk read as follows:

       A concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 10) congratulating 
     the Sailors of the United States Submarine Force upon the 
     completion of 1,000 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine 
     (SSBN) deterrent patrols.

  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
concurrent resolution.
  Mr. DODD. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I cosponsor 
this concurrent resolution with the Senator from Washington to 
congratulate the sailors of the United States submarine force upon 
their completion of 1,000 Ohio-class ballistic missile submarine 
deterrent patrols. Ballistic missile submarines serve as our Nation's 
primary and most secure nuclear deterrent. This milestone is a 
testament to the hard work and dedication of the sailors who provide 
our security against the rising threats that are permeating the globe. 
I stand here today to urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
concurrent resolution in honor of all those who made this milestone 
possible.
  The strategic deterrence capability provided by the Ohio class 
remains as critical to our national security today as it did when we 
commissioned the first Ohio-class submarine in 1981. As result of the 
rapid advancements in the information and technology industries, our 
adversaries across the globe are developing weaponry at a much faster 
rate than they were two decades ago. Because of this, we must always be 
prepared for the next generation of threats. No other weapon can 
provide deterrence against these threats like the ballistic missile 
submarine. It is imperative that we continue to fund the research and 
development to maintain this fleet, thereby ensuring the future of 
ballistic missile submarines in our naval force. I, along with many of 
my colleagues, am committed to improving and embracing new technologies 
that will allow us to maintain and operate the finest submarine force 
in the world.
  The successful completion of 1,000 patrols is a testament to the 
achievements and hard work of the sailors who support and operate this 
incredible fleet of submarines. At the same time, we realize that this 
security is not provided without cost and sacrifice. Thousands of 
submariners in our Navy spend months and possibly years of their lives 
underneath the sea to ensure our safety and our freedom. Additionally, 
we must remember the countless hours spent by Connecticut laborers to 
design and construct the Trident submarines, also made possible by 
vendor support from all around the country. It is extremely important 
that we take the time to thank those service members and those American 
workers for their sacrifice and their service to our great Nation.
  Again, my sincerest congratulations go to all the sailors who made 
the successful completion of 1,000 deterrent patrols possible. I hope 
that my colleagues will join me in supporting this resolution in their 
honor.
  Mr. DURBIN. I ask unanimous consent that the resolution be agreed to,

[[Page S2917]]

the preamble be agreed to, the motions to reconsider be laid upon the 
table, with no intervening action or debate, and any statements related 
to the measure be printed in the Record.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 10) was agreed to.
  The preamble was agreed to.
  The concurrent resolution, with its preamble, reads as follows:

                            S. Con. Res. 10

       Whereas the Sailors of the United States Submarine Force 
     recently completed the 1,000th deterrent patrol of the Ohio-
     class ballistic missile submarine (SSBN);
       Whereas this milestone is significant for the Submarine 
     Force, its crews and their families, the United States Navy, 
     and the entire country;
       Whereas this milestone was reached through the combined 
     efforts and impressive achievements of all of the submariners 
     who have participated in such patrols since the first patrol 
     of USS Ohio (SSBN 726) in 1982;
       Whereas, as a result of the dedication and commitment to 
     excellence of the Sailors of the United States Submarine 
     Force, ballistic missile submarines have always been ready 
     and vigilant, reassuring United States allies and deterring 
     anyone who might seek to do harm to the United States or 
     United States allies;
       Whereas the national maritime strategy of the United States 
     recognizes the critical need for strategic deterrence in 
     today's uncertain world;
       Whereas the true strength of the ballistic missile 
     submarine lies in the extremely talented and motivated 
     Sailors who have voluntarily chosen to serve in the submarine 
     community; and
       Whereas the inherent stealth, unparalleled firepower, and 
     nearly limitless endurance of the ballistic missile submarine 
     provide a credible deterrence for any enemies that would seek 
     to use force against the United States or United States 
     allies: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives 
     concurring), That Congress--
       (1) congratulates the Sailors of the United States 
     Submarine Force upon the completion of 1,000 Ohio-class 
     ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) deterrent patrols; and
       (2) honors and thanks the crews of ballistic missile 
     submarines and their devoted families for their continued 
     dedication and sacrifice.

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