[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 3 (Tuesday, January 7, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S54]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING THE USS ``PITTSBURGH''

  Mr. TOOMEY. Madam President, I wish to recognize the service of the 
USS Pittsburgh and her crew for our country since the ship's 
commissioning on November 23, 1985.
  A Los Angeles-class, fast-attack nuclear submarine, the Pittsburgh 
served for 35 years as an anti-submarine, strike, and anti-surface ship 
warfare vessel that also specialized in surveillance and 
reconnaissance. The Pittsburgh deployed during Operation Desert Storm 
in 1991 and again during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2002, conducting 
Tomahawk missile strikes in both campaigns. While most of the vessel's 
missions remain classified, the Pittsburgh logged over 1,000 dives all 
over the world, including in the Arctic, Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific 
oceans.
  The Pittsburgh was the U.S. Navy's fourth ship to be named after the 
Steel City and during its time in service retained a number of 
connections to its namesake. Over the years, multiple civic 
organizations have used the ship for outreach efforts, fundraisers, and 
crew visits to increase the public's appreciation for the Navy and the 
submarine service. Local groups, such as the Pittsburgh Council of the 
Navy League and the Leetsdale, PA, chapter of the U.S. Submarine 
Veterans Incorporated, have kept in regular contact with the ship's 
crew. Another local organization, called the Pittsburgh Foundation, 
even administers a scholarship fund for the Pittsburgh's crew and their 
families.
  The vessel's motto, ``Heart of Steel,'' paid homage to the city's 
cultural and industrial roots. The slogan is apt given that researchers 
at the Bettis Atomic Power Laboratory in West Mifflin, PA, just outside 
of Pittsburgh, are credited with designing portions of the nuclear 
technology outfitted on nuclear-propelled Navy vessels, including the 
Pittsburgh.
  On February 25, 2019, the submarine completed her final deployment, 
during which she traveled over 39,000 nautical miles and conducted 
three foreign port visits. Subsequently, the Pittsburgh departed 
Groton, CT, for Bremerton, WA, for her final homeport change. On this 
final voyage, she became the first submarine of her variant to complete 
an arctic transit. She is now undergoing the months-long 
decommissioning and inactivation process that will culminate in a 
ceremony on January 17, 2020. I send everyone involved in the ceremony 
the best of wishes.
  After 35 years of distinguished service, I commend the USS Pittsburgh 
and her crew for their sustained commitment to upholding our Nation's 
defense. I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognition of the 
USS Pittsburgh upon her inactivation from the Navy.

                          ____________________