[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 145 (Tuesday, September 15, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4731-S4732]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE NAVAL UNDERSEA WARFARE CENTER 
              DIVISION, KEYPORT'S HAWTHORNE OPERATING SITE

  Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I rise today to celebrate the 50th 
anniversary of the Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division, 
Keyport's Hawthorne Operating Site.
  For 50 years, the dedicated men and women of the Hawthorne Operating 
Site have supported the U.S. Navy from right here in the Nevada desert. 
Though they are hundreds of miles from the ocean, their work has had an 
important impact on the readiness of our Navy and the security of our 
Nation and its allies. The Hawthorne Operating Site's early work 
included helping with mine storage and maintenance, and today, it 
supports logistics and supply, demilitarization, and depot-level 
repairs for the Navy's mine force.
  This 50th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the long history 
of the installation and the community that has grown alongside it. 
Originally established as the Naval Ammunition Depot Hawthorne in 1930, 
the site has been an important part of Mineral County and Nevada for 
nearly a century. During World War II, it served as a primary staging 
ground for munitions supporting our forces in the Pacific, highlighting 
Nevada's important contribution to our Nation's defense.
  The history of this installation is inseparable from the history of 
the people who have called Hawthorne home. The nearby community of 
Babbitt grew alongside the depot, with its own

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schools, businesses, homes, and a strong sense of community. 
Generations of Hawthorne families have dedicated their careers to 
supporting the installation, building a proud tradition of hard work, 
resilience, and service.
  Today, the Hawthorne Operating Site continues that tradition as part 
of the Hawthorne Army Depot. Its close partnership with the Army is an 
example of the importance of cooperation across our Armed Forces. This 
partnership strengthens our Nation's defense while supporting the local 
economy and community.
  As we celebrate 50 years of the NUWC Division, Keyport's Operating 
Site in Hawthorne, I want to recognize the employees who have carried 
out this mission over the past five decades. Their work often happens 
far from the public eye, but it is essential to supporting our sailors 
and maintaining the strength and readiness of our Navy.
  I am proud to join the people of Mineral County and Nevadans across 
our State in celebrating this important anniversary. To the current and 
former employees of the NUWC Division, Keyport's Operating Site in 
Hawthorne, thank you for your tireless service, your commitment to our 
Navy, and your dedication to defending our Nation and promoting peace 
and security around the world. Congratulations on 50 years of 
exceptional service, and happy anniversary to the Guardians Beneath the 
Waves.

                          ____________________