[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 109 (Thursday, June 27, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E856]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USCGC ``MACKINAW'' IN 
                          CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2019

  Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize the 75th 
anniversary of the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, based out 
of Cheboygan, Michigan.
  The original Icebreaker Mackinaw (WAGB-83) was constructed during 
World War II to facilitate winter shipping over the Great Lakes and 
maintain year-round war-time production of steel. Cheboygan served as 
her home port as she played this critical role. After more than 62 
years of outstanding service facilitating commerce in support of the 
economy and security of the entire nation, the original Mackinaw was 
decommissioned in 2006 and replaced with the USCGC Mackinaw (WLBB-30). 
Performing the same critical icebreaking role as her namesake, the 
Mackinaw also serves year-round as an Aids to Navigation ship and 
conducts law enforcement, search and rescue, and environmental 
emergency response missions. Its unique design makes it exceptionally 
maneuverable and capable of breaking smooth ice up to 42 inches thick. 
Since the first ship was launched 75 years ago, the impact of the 
Mackinaw on economy and security of Michigan and the entire country 
cannot be overstated.
  The anniversary celebration for the Mackinaw will take place as a 
part of the 8th Annual Michigan Waterways festival, a 4-day community 
celebration of the Michigan Inland Waterway and Northern Michigan, 
running from June 27th to the 30th.
  Madam Speaker, the celebration of the 8th Annual Waterways Festival 
is the perfect opportunity for us to appreciate the history and service 
of the USCGC Mackinaw and her crew. Michiganders can take immense pride 
in knowing that the First District is home to such an important vessel. 
On behalf of my constituents, I wish the Mackinaw, her crew, and the 
city of Cheboygan all the best in their future endeavors.

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