[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 59 (Thursday, April 12, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF THE 29TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE EXPLOSION ABOARD USS 
                                ``IOWA''

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHRIS COLLINS

                             of new York -

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 12, 2018

  Mr. COLLINS of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
47 brave young men who lost their lives on April 19, 1989 aboard the 
USS Iowa. It is important to remember those who were killed in the line 
of duty especially those serving in the United States Armed Forces. The 
deaths of the 47 sailors aboard the USS Iowa are truly a tragic and 
upsetting story.
  The USS Iowa, originally constructed to fight in World War II, was 
modernized and recommissioned for battle in 1984. However, during the 
overhaul of the ship, many of the necessary repairs were either rushed 
or instead used to upgrade the ship's power plant. This led to serious 
maintenance issues with the main gun turrets.
  On April 19, 1989, there were a series of explosions aboard the USS 
Iowa during a live-fire exercise off the coast of Puerto Rico. The 
first explosion came from the ship's second turret resulting from a 
maintenance problem, and due to a buildup of carbon monoxide gas, there 
was a second explosion and a fire. Tragically, all 47 members aboard 
the USS Iowa lost their lives.
  One of the victims was Buffalo native, Nathaniel Clifford Jones, Jr. 
I want to take this opportunity to express my deepest condolences to 
the Jones family for the passing of Nathaniel. His service on behalf of 
the men and women of this country will not be forgotten. We should all 
commend the service that these brave young men made on behalf of the 
United States of America.

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