[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 14 (Monday, February 1, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S390]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING THE CUTTER OAK CREW

  Mr. DeMINT. Mr. President, I would like to congratulate the 
crewmembers of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oak, a 225-foot sea-going 
Buoy Tender homeported in Charleston, SC, for their bravery, stamina, 
and fortitude in their response to the tragic aftermath of the 
earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.
  One day after the earthquake, with just a few hours' notice, the 
Oak's crewmembers departed from Charleston stocked with medical 
supplies, food provisions, and 62,880 bottles of water. Their engineers 
and food service specialists worked around the clock to ensure the ship 
had all the supplies they needed for the humanitarian rescue mission, 
and on January 18, 2010, the Coast Guard Cutter Oak arrived in Haiti.
  The crew faced a tremendous challenge both physically and mentally as 
they sought to open the port in Port-au-Prince an provide humanitarian 
assistance and evacuation for the critically injured. Working under the 
joint task force and partnering with the Haitian port officials and 
maritime community, the Oak's crew surveyed the port and placed out 
buoys to improve the conditions. Having spent time in Haiti on previous 
missions training the Haitian Coast Guard members in CPR and first aid, 
small arms maintenance, and boat maintenance, the Oak's crewmembers 
were able to quickly improve the situation. I am especially proud of 
the crew's accomplishment in reopening the port to traffic on January 
21, 2010. Because of their efforts, life-saving relief aid reached the 
Haitian people.
  In addition to opening the port, the Oak's crew distributed food, 
water, and medical supplies and aided in evacuating hundreds of 
American citizens and critically injured Haitians to the United States. 
Their quick response to a terrifying situation saved the lives of many 
people, and these impressive achievements bring great credit upon the 
Oak.
  It is with great pride that I thank Commander Mike Glander, the 
commanding officer of the Oak, and the men and women under his command.
  These crewmembers have upheld the best traditions of the Coast Guard 
and have represented the city of Charleston, the State of South 
Carolina, and this Nation with honor and distinction. They have worked 
diligently to support the values that make this Nation great. I know 
the Coast Guard is especially proud of the heroic actions of the Oak's 
crewmembers, but on behalf of the people of the State of South Carolina 
and our great country, I salute the outstanding work of the crewmembers 
of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Oak. This January, the men and women of 
the Oak were a living expression to the world of the Oak's motto--
Decora Fides Robur--Honor, Faithfulness, Strength.

                          ____________________