[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 60 (Friday, April 11, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S2405]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                      LOSS OF THE USS ``THRESHER''

 Mrs. SHAHEEN. Mr. President, 51 years ago the USS Thresher, a 
nuclear-powered attack submarine built and maintained at Portsmouth 
Naval Shipyard, left safe harbor on what was to be her final voyage. 
She was manned by a crew of 16 officers, 96 sailors, and 17 civilians. 
Just 1 day later, on the morning of April 10, 1963, the USS Thresher 
was declared lost with all hands, the largest loss of life in a 
submarine accident to-date.
  I rise today to commemorate the loss of the Thresher and her crew, 
but also to highlight an important legacy that was borne of this 
tragedy. In the aftermath of the Thresher sinking, the United States 
Navy redoubled its submarine safety certification efforts, resulting in 
the establishment of the Submarine Safety and Quality Assurance 
Program, known as SUBSAFE. Today, SUBSAFE is regarded as one of the 
most comprehensive military safety programs in the world and safeguards 
the vessels that carry our U.S. Navy personnel to the far depths of the 
oceans in defense of our freedom. In the time since the SUBSAFE program 
was implemented, no SUBSAFE certified submarine has been lost at sea.
  The legacy of the Thresher and ensuing efforts to improve submarine 
safety is a testament to the devotion of all submariners past and 
present and to the commitment of those who support them from land. In 
order to preserve this example of duty for future generations, I have 
joined with members of the New Hampshire and Maine Congressional 
delegations, both past and present, to support the authorization of a 
memorial to the USS Thresher on the grounds of the Arlington National 
Cemetery. A memorial consistent with the Cemetery's vision of serving 
as ``A national shrine--A living history of freedom--Where dignity and 
honor rest in solemn repose'' is a fitting tribute to those lives lost.
  I ask my colleagues and all Americans to join me today in remembering 
the USS Thresher. As we remember with profound sorrow the loss of her 
gallant crew, we must also recall the countless lives that have been 
saved as a result of this sad event.

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