[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 153 (Wednesday, October 30, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1601]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST

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                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 30, 2013

  Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the 50th anniversary of the founding of the City of Ridgecrest in my 
district.
   Located in the southern portion of the Indian Wells Valley, 
Ridgecrest embodies what makes America exceptional--love of country, 
hard work, and dedication. The roots of Ridgecrest began much earlier 
than 1963, when the city was incorporated. In 1912, local dairymen 
James and Robert Crum established a small farming settlement named 
Crumville. As more farming families settled the Naval Ordnance Testing 
Station was created, the community continued to grow. By 1963, the town 
was officially incorporated as Ridgecrest and experienced exponential 
growth as the demand for expertise in the naval station's programs for 
weapons development increased during the Cold War. Today, the Naval 
Ordnance Test Station is now the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake 
(NAWS) and home to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division.
   Growing together with China Lake, the Ridgecrest community also 
grew, supporting the tireless mission of our nation's defense with 
zeal. One of the most patriotic communities in America, Ridgecrest 
remains dedicated to the defense of American ideals and helping members 
of the armed forces.
   Ridgecrest boasts a rich historic and educational history. The city 
has many cultural and recreational activities, such as the Maturango 
Museum, the China Lake Naval Museum of Armament and Technology, and the 
Petroglyph Canyons. Boasting National Blue Ribbon and California 
Distinguished Schools, Ridgecrest schools, served by the Sierra Sands 
Unified School District, consistently perform at the highest academic 
levels. Additionally, with the establishment of Cerro Coso Community 
College in 1973, Ridgecrest carries a statewide reputation for hosting 
one of the top community colleges in California, serving over 8,500 
students.
   Over half a century, Ridgecrest remains a California jewel, honoring 
and supporting America's great warfighter, and sharing in the success 
of one of the Navy's premier research, testing, development, and 
evaluation installations. Such success cannot be replicated without the 
hardworking people and the close-knit community that is unique to 
Ridgecrest. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me and my friends 
in the Ridgecrest community as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of its 
incorporation as a city in the great state of California.

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