[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 86 (Monday, May 22, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING THE 55TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE USS SCORPION'S DISAPPEARANCE

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                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 22, 2023

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 55th anniversary 
of the tragic loss of the USS Scorpion and its crew of 99. On this 
solemn occasion, we remember the valiant submariners who made the 
ultimate sacrifice while serving our great Nation.
  The USS Scorpion, a distinguished vessel within the Skipjack-class of 
nuclear-powered submarines, disappeared on May 22, 1968, during a 
deployment in the Atlantic Ocean. It took several months to locate its 
remains, and despite multiple investigations from the Department of 
Defense, we may never know what truly resulted in this steep loss to 
our Nation's fighting force. This somber event serves as a stark 
reminder of the inherent risks and sacrifices associated with submarine 
operations, and the bravery of Americans who step up to serve underseas 
in the Silent Service.
  The USS Scorpion was a vessel that symbolized American strength, 
technological prowess, and the courageous spirit of our servicemen. It 
was manned by a highly skilled and dedicated crew who embarked on 
perilous missions in defense of our Nation. As we honor the 55th 
anniversary of the USS Scorpion's disappearance, let us reaffirm our 
commitment to the safety, readiness, and well-being of our submariners. 
We must ensure that those who choose to serve are equipped with the 
resources, training, and support necessary to carry out their vital 
missions.
  Mr. Speaker, the USS Scorpion crew's unwavering dedication to duty 
and defending our Nation overseas deserves our eternal gratitude. We 
must continue to remember their legacy. To that end, I ask that my 
colleagues in the House join me in honoring the 55th anniversary of the 
loss of the USS Scorpion and etching the sacrifice of its 99 
servicemembers into our collective memory.

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