[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 121 (Tuesday, July 15, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E673]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE ALPENA COMMUNITY COLLEGE REMOTELY 
                         OPERATED VEHICLE TEAM

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                           HON. JACK BERGMAN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 15, 2025

  Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary 
achievements of the Alpena Community College remotely operated vehicle 
(ROV) team, known as the Aquajacks, who recently represented Michigan's 
First Congressional District with distinction at the 2025 Marine 
Advanced Technology Education Remotely Operated Vehicle World 
Championship hosted in Alpena, Michigan.
  These talented students, who both live and study in Northern 
Michigan, demonstrated remarkable ingenuity, teamwork, and technical 
skill on the international stage, earning an impressive third-place 
finish against nearly 80 teams from 22 states and 18 countries. After 
months of designing, testing, and problem-solving, at the competition, 
the Aquajacks' ROV successfully completed complex technical tasks while 
the team impressed judges with their professional presentations and 
real-time strategic thinking.
  Their performance stands as a testament to Alpena Community College's 
commitment to hands-on STEM education and development of real-world 
skills. I want to commend the Aquajacks' mentor, David Cummins, and the 
entire Alpena Community College Faculty for fostering such excellence.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize the Alpena 
Community College Aquajacks. These students not only represent the 
future of my district but also highlight the critical role skilled 
innovators play in strengthening our nation's infrastructure and 
advancing our national security. Their achievements remind us that 
effective investment into STEM education is essential to maintaining 
America's leadership and resilience on a rapidly changing world stage.

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