[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 17, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S5084]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                COMMISSIONING OF THE USS ``MISSISSIPPI''

 Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, on Saturday, June 2, 2012, I was 
present at the commissioning of the USS Mississippi in Pascagoula, MS. 
The USS Mississippi is a Virginia class submarine, part of the ``next 
generation'' of attack subs. The submarine was constructed by General 
Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, CT, as well as Newport News 
Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls in Newport News, VA
  This is a mighty submarine that bears a mighty proud name. The 
citizens of the state of Mississippi enthusiastically embrace the fifth 
Navy vessel in our Republic's history that bears the name USS 
Mississippi. The naming of the submarine as USS Mississippi recognizes 
our State's long-standing tradition of shipbuilding in support of our 
Nation's defense. It also honors the spirit of the people of 
Mississippi who have made great strides in recovering from the 
devastation of Hurricane Katrina.
  It is appropriate that this ship was completed a full year ahead of 
schedule. Mississippians have always been early to step forward in the 
service of their country. It is a fact that volunteers from our State 
have always been known to step forward quickly and eagerly to serve 
their country. So for many the words USS Mississippi will stand for 
patriotism and readiness.
  For those who remember Katrina and Deep Water Horizon, the words USS 
Mississippi may mean ``resilience'' or ``quiet resolve.'' Within the 
ranks of the U.S. Navy, USS Mississippi will be associated with the 
words ``state-of-the-art,'' the best in the world. For them, that is 
what USS Mississippi will mean. And for the Ship's Sponsor Allison 
Stiller, she will think of the word ``tenacity.'' And no doubt our 
adversaries, wherever they may be, will hear the words USS Mississippi 
and think ``strength'' and perhaps they will think the word 
``freedom.''
  Within the borders of this traditional ``Bible Belt'' state, we will 
think about our Founding Father's reliance on Almighty God. I can 
assure CPT John McGrath, his Commissioning Crew, and those who will 
serve on this submarine that you will be prayed for each and every day. 
These prayers may be a quiet whispered prayer at night or early in the 
morning or they may be the majestic words of William Whiting, who wrote 
this hymn:

     Eternal Father, strong to save,
     Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
     Who bidd'st the mighty ocean deep
     Its own appointed limits keep;
     Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
     For those in peril on the sea
     Most Holy Spirit! Who didst brood
     Upon the chaos dark and rude,
     And bid its angry tumult cease,
     And give, for wild confusion, peace;
     Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee,
     For those in peril on the sea!

  With apologies to the author and perhaps to those who know this hymn 
well, I have attempted to pen an extra verse:

     From Pascagoula's shores we send
     The finest sailors known to men,
     Proud Mississippi's name they bear;
     Lord, bless and keep them free from care,
     Protect them when they call to Thee,
     Our sons and daughters now at sea.

  Congratulations to Captain McGrath and his Commissioning Crew, God 
bless the United States, and God bless those who will serve on the USS 
Mississippi.

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