[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14774]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 14774]]

           COMMISSIONING OF THE COAST GUARD CUTTER ``GANNET''

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 26, 2001

  Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, this weekend I have the honor of attending the 
commissioning of the Coast Guard Cutter Gannet, whose sponsor is Mrs. 
Dorothy Fuller Kleiderlein, mother of the late Robert Fuller, who died 
earlier this year in service to the U.S. Coast Guard as an auxiliarist. 
I am honored to be invited to such a ceremony, not only because the 
U.S. Coast Guard represents the best in public service and selfless 
sacrifice for our fellow Americans, but because I have always been a 
strong supporter of the Coast Guard's vital mission.
  The occasion: An occasion such as this serves to remind us of the 
important role the Coast Guard plays in defending our national security 
and protecting the public safety. Many have sacrificed for the benefit 
of protecting our shores, for the safety of those who travel to and 
from our coastlines, and for the general support our law enforcement 
and maritime communities gain from key cooperation with the U.S. Coast 
Guard. But the commissioning of a new ship gives us more than a moment 
of reflection on the past. It is a call for renewal: renewed technology 
and modernized hardware, yes; but moreover, a renewed commitment to the 
mission, the ideals, and the goals embodied in the U.S. Coast Guard.
  The Coast Guard's important mission and traditions: ``Group Miami'' 
is one of the Coast Guard's busiest and most active commands. Anyone 
who has resided in South Florida--or even visited--can see why. Search 
& rescue cases, counter-drug operations, migrant interdiction, and 
marine environmental protection are constant, ongoing demands. This new 
``Marine Protector'' class coastal patrol boat, a state-of-the-art 87-
foot cutter, the Gannet, will contribute to each of the duties we call 
on the Coast Guard to perform. We expect those who serve our country in 
uniform, in every service branch, to have the benefit of the best 
equipment and technology available. The Gannet is a renewal of that 
commitment.
  Giving the best our best: The Coast Guard's biggest asset is the 
people who serve, whether in active duty, as reservists, or as 
auxiliarists. The best people deserve the best equipment and technology 
we can provide. Sometimes, even the most modern support isn't enough. 
We know the tragedy that befell Rob Fuller and Casey Purvis. We know 
that even with modern technology, the Coast Guard must constantly fight 
the elements of nature while striving to protect us all when nature--or 
in some cases, human nature--strikes. But their courage and that of 
their colleagues must be evenly met with our unwavering support for 
putting the best tools into the hands of those who risk their own lives 
to protect us.
  That is why I am pleased to call myself a supporter of the United 
States Coast Guard and honored to be attending a gathering to 
commission the Gannet. If we are to continue to have a strong maritime 
industry, waters safe for recreational boating and streets safe from 
the scourge of drugs, we must put the resources where they matter most. 
I look forward to working with other leaders to make that vision a 
reality.

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