[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 102 (Thursday, June 15, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E832]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           U.S.S. ``HOBSON''

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2017

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it's been over 66 years since the 
sinking of the USS Hobson. However, for those involved, that fateful 
day feels like it was just yesterday. The Hobson was a Destroyer as 
well as a minesweeping ship that survived multiple battles during World 
War II, including the invasion of Normandy and the assault on Okinawa. 
Yet, it was not an enemy ship or plane that took the Hobson down, but a 
U.S. aircraft carrier.
  Late in the night of April 26, 1952, the Hobson was participating in 
a naval exercise with the carriers Wasp and Rodman. The USS Wasp, in 
preparation for airplanes to land on its deck, turned into the wind. In 
order to avoid the Wasp's new position, the Hobson needed to maneuver 
out of its path. Instead of slowing down and passing behind the Wasp, 
the Hobson cut across the Wasp's bow. This proved to be a fatal 
mistake.
  The Wasp struck the Hobson in its middle. The impact caused the 
Hobson to split in two. Within four minutes, the ship had sunk to the 
bottom of the ocean, taking 176 crew members with it. Most of the crew 
was asleep at the time of the accident, thus having no chance at 
surviving the crash. Fortunately, sixty-one crew members were able to 
be rescued from the sea by the Wasp and the Rodman.
  The sinking of the USS Hobson and its crew members was a terrible 
tragedy for our country. The crew members who lost their lives that 
night will forever be remembered for their bravery and dedication. We 
must do our best to keep our heroes safe, both in and out of war.
  And that's just the way it is.

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