[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 186 (Friday, October 30, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1000]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               SALUTING COAST GUARD SECTOR ST. PETERSBURG

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHARLIE CRIST

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 30, 2020

  Mr. CRIST. Madam Speaker, I am honored to express my gratitude to the 
brave men and women of the United States Coast Guard stationed at Coast 
Guard Sector Saint Petersburg, and all the units within Pinellas 
County. They consistently perform with honor, respect, and devotion to 
duty throughout Florida, our nation, and among our international 
maritime community; even in times of crisis, uncertainty, and emerging 
threats.
  Between fiscal years 2019 and 2020 alone, Sector St. Petersburg ran 
over 1400 Search and Rescue cases, the third highest across the nation. 
More importantly, they saved 320 and assisted 1858 lives. In addition, 
they helped keep our waterways beautiful and clean by conducting 726 
Marine Environmental Protection cases. To keep the Marine 
Transportation System moving safely and efficiently, often described as 
the lifeblood or our economy, with $5.4 trillion in annual impact, they 
expertly conducted 294 Marine Safety cases. And, among the many other 
accomplishments, Sector St. Pete helped maintain our security by 
leading 173 Security missions, and 761 Law enforcement missions.
  If that body of work was not impressive enough, I am particularly 
proud of how they've managed to step up to the plate in the face of 
adversity. From our ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, 
increasing frequency and severity of natural disasters and hurricanes, 
or an uncertain budgetary environment--they continue to live up to 
their motto of ``Semper Paratus''--Always Ready.

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