[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 163 (Wednesday, November 4, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     UNITED STATES SUBMARINE FORCE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK KINGSTON

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 4, 2009

  Mr. KINGSTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Res. 773 that 
expresses respect for the United States Submarine Force. I rise to 
commemorate the service of the USS NARWHAL (SS 167) for her outstanding 
service. USS NARWHAL served our country for nearly fifteen years.
  NARWHAL was one of five submarines docked for overhaul at Pearl 
Harbor on December 7, 1941. Gunners from the NARWHAL were in action 
that resulted in the destruction of two torpedo planes. NARWHAL 
suffered no damage.
  Due to the size and unique design of the NARWHAL she was selected to 
carry out unconventional missions that led to the defeat of Imperial 
Japan. NARWHAL served in humanitarian and special operations roles in 
the campaign against Imperial Japan.
  On May 11th, 1943 NARWHAL and NAUTILUS launched Army Scouts to regain 
control of the Aleutian Islands in Alaska. On July 15th, 1943 NARWHAL 
shelled the airfield on Matsuwa Island in northern Japan allowing 
LAPON, PERMIT and PLUNGER to escape from the waters of the Japanese 
Home Islands. NARWHAL played a vital role in assisting the Filipino 
resistance to the Imperial Japanese Army. In 1943 NARWHAL transported 
hundreds of tons of ammunition and stores. On one voyage NARWHAL 
evacuated eight women, two children and a baby from the Philippines to 
Darwin, Australia. In 1944 NARWHAL continued to provide vital supplies 
in support of the liberation of the Philippines.
  Submarine Sailors such as my childhood mentor, Coburn Kelley, served 
valiantly on boats like the NARWHAL. Coburn Kelley enlisted on December 
23, 1941. He served 22 months on NARWHAL where he was qualified in 
submarine warfare and served on five war patrols.
  I rise today to recognize the courage and sacrifice of our nation's 
Submarine Sailors who protected the liberties and freedoms of the 
United States during World War II. I am honored to keep alive their 
memory on this day November 4, 2009.

                          ____________________