[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 11]
[Senate]
[Pages 14550-14551]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                         USS ``RONALD REAGAN''

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, last month California bid farewell to 
President Ronald Reagan. This month, on a happier note, we are greeting 
a great new ship named in his honor. On July 23, 2004, the people of 
California will welcome the USS Ronald Reagan, CVN 76, to her new 
homeport in San Diego.
  As the Navy's newest and most technologically sophisticated aircraft 
carrier, the Reagan will project tactical airpower over the sea and 
inland while providing critical sea-based air defense and antisubmarine 
warfare capabilities.
  It is proper and fitting that the new carrier be based in our State: 
Ronald Reagan was one of California's own. Though he traveled the world 
and served two terms in the White House, he always called California 
his home.
  The Reagan crew will find a warm welcome in San Diego, a beautiful 
and vibrant city that is proud to be a navy town. San Diego is a 
cornerstone of America's national defense, and the Navy is a 
cornerstone of San Diego.

[[Page 14551]]

  On behalf of the people of California, I want to welcome the USS 
Ronald Reagan and her crew to your new homeport. We are pleased and 
proud to have you with us, and we will do all we can to make you feel 
at home.

                          ____________________