[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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