[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 58 (Thursday, April 25, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E554]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




SALUTE TO COAST GUARD STATION, PORT CANAVERAL FOR SERVICE IN SUPPORT OF 
                    AMERICA'S SPACE SHUTTLE PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL POSEY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 2013

  Mr. POSEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the brave men 
and women of the Coast Guard Station, Port Canaveral on their reunion 
which is set to take place on May 4, 2013. I rise to commend the 
meritorious service and commitment of Coast Guard Station Port 
Canaveral Active Duty, Reserve, and Auxiliary personnel who supported 
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Space Shuttle 
missions. Their service was critical to the safety of the public and 
the Shuttle missions. A special thanks, also, to retired Admiral G. 
Robert Merrilees, who has kept a watchful eye on the Space Coast and 
played a significant role in this celebration of service.
  On April 12, 1981, the Coast Guard Station, Port Canaveral began 
their service in support of NASA's Space Transportation Program (STS) 
program and provided that support for 135 manned space flight missions. 
Responsible for over 550 square miles surrounding the Kennedy Space 
Center, the Port Canaveral station managed STS recovery and safety 
missions for 30 years. These resolute men and women successfully 
carried out their mission to ensure the safety not only of the Shuttle, 
but also for over 200,000 viewers per Shuttle mission.
  This dedication and mission accountability would not be possible 
without the contributions and calculated efforts of over 100 personnel 
that supported each launch.
  Coast Guard Station Port Canaveral personnel played a substantial 
role as first responders to the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy on 
January 28, 1986. Contributing 1,300 hours surveying 150,000 square 
miles of ocean surface throughout an 11 day mission and recovery 
operation, Station Port Canaveral deserves recognition for its stamina, 
professionalism, and commitment to mission execution. Their service was 
exemplary throughout their 30-year space shuttle support mission.
  I offer my sincere gratitude and thanks to Coast Guard Station Port 
Canaveral and the men and women who served active duty, reserve and 
auxiliary roles in support of our Space Shuttle program between April 
12, 1981 and February 24, 2011. May the Space Coast and our nation 
always remember the service of these brave men and women.

                          ____________________