[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 86 (Wednesday, June 15, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN RECOGNITION OF THE SAILORS MOBILIZED FROM THE NAVY OPERATIONAL 
                       SUPPORT CENTER SACRAMENTO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 15, 2011

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the men and women of 
the Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 9, Naval Mobile 
Construction Battalion 18, Detachment 0818 and other mobilized Sailors 
from the Navy Operational Support Center Sacramento, as they gather for 
a welcome home ceremony. I ask all my colleagues to join with me and 
recognize the dedication that each of these men and women have shown 
their country.
  Since 2008, 215 Sailors have been deployed to Iraq in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom, to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring 
Freedom, and across the world in support of U.S. operations. These men 
and women have displayed the honor, courage, commitment, and teamwork 
that we have come to expect from those that serve in our military.
  Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 9, also known as MSRON 9, 
provided over 18,000 days of operational support to protect the Al 
Basrah Oil Terminal, which lies just offshore of the Iraqi coast. The 
oil terminal is one of the most important assets to the people of Iraq, 
accounts for over 85 percent of Iraq's gross domestic product, and is 
key to the country's future. For nearly a year, MSRON 9 provided 
vigilant security for the facility, and without their presence the 
people of Iraq would not have experienced much of the stability they 
have seen in recent years.
  In Afghanistan, Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 18, Detachment 
0818 provided over 16,000 days of operational support building schools, 
airfields, electrical infrastructure, and other such facilities across 
the country. Facing constant danger, they have brought hope and modern 
infrastructure to many Afghanis. One Sailor, UT1 Ronald Christopher 
Marquart, was hit by rocket shrapnel while working at Kandahar Airfield 
and was awarded a Purple Heart.
  All of the Sailors of MSRON 9, NMCB 18, and the subordinate commands 
at the Naval Operations Support Center Sacramento are Reservists, 
called up to serve their nation. They have spent a great deal of time 
away from their families, often at extraordinary personal sacrifice. 
For this reason, we must also thank and acknowledge the families and 
friends of these Sailors who stood by them while they were deployed. 
Their sacrifices, along with the sacrifices of their loved ones, should 
not be lost on Congress or our constituents.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending my sincere 
thanks for a job well done, and welcome home to the men and women of 
Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 9, Naval Mobile Construction 
Battalion 18, Detachment 0818 and all Naval Reservists that have been 
called to serve.

                          ____________________