[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 13]
[Senate]
[Page 17850]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




SENATE RESOLUTION 648--RECOGNIZING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE CROSSING 
OF THE NORTH POLE BY THE USS NAUTILUS (SSN 571) AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE IN 
              THE HISTORY OF BOTH OUR NATION AND THE WORLD

  Mr. DODD (for himself, Mr. Lieberman, Mr. Reed, and Mr. Whitehouse) 
submitted the following resolution; which was referred to the committee 
on Armed Services:

                              S. Res. 648

       Whereas the USS Nautilus (SSN 571), built and launched at 
     Electric Boat in Groton, Connecticut, on January 21, 1954, 
     was the first vessel in the world to be powered by nuclear 
     power;
       Whereas the USS Nautilus overcame extreme difficulties of 
     navigation and maneuverability while submerged under the 
     polar ice, and became the first vessel to cross the 
     geographic North Pole on August 3, 1958;
       Whereas the USS Nautilus continued on her voyage and became 
     the first vessel to successfully navigate a course across the 
     top of the world;
       Whereas the USS Nautilus, having claimed this historic 
     milestone and returned home to Naval Submarine Base New 
     London, continued to establish a series of naval records in 
     her distinguished 25-year career, including being the first 
     submarine to journey ``20,000 leagues under the sea'';
       Whereas the USS Nautilus completed these significant and 
     laudable achievements during a critical phase of the Cold 
     War, providing a source of inspiration for Americans and 
     raising the hopes of the Free World;
       Whereas the USS Nautilus was the first naval vessel in 
     peacetime to receive the Presidential Unit Citation for its 
     meritorious efforts in crossing the North Pole;
       Whereas Commander William R. Anderson of the United States 
     Navy was awarded the Legion of Merit for his role in 
     commanding the USS Nautilus during its historic voyage;
       Whereas the USS Nautilus and its contribution to world 
     history was praised by a range of American Presidents, 
     including President Harry Truman, President Dwight D. 
     Eisenhower, President Lyndon B. Johnson, President Jimmy 
     Carter, and President Bill Clinton; and
       Whereas President Eisenhower described the voyage to the 
     North Pole as a ``magnificent achievement'' from which ``the 
     entire free world would benefit'': Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) recognizes the historic significance of the journey to 
     the North Pole undertaken by the USS Nautilus;
       (2) commends the officers and crew of the USS Nautilus on 
     the 50th anniversary of their magnificent achievement;
       (3) recognizes the importance of the USS Nautilus' journey 
     to the North Pole as not only a military and scientific 
     accomplishment, but also in confirming America's longstanding 
     interest in this vital region of the world;
       (4) commends the role of the USS Nautilus and the United 
     States Submarine Force in protecting the interests of the 
     free world during the Cold War; and
       (5) supports the continuing role of the United States 
     Submarine Force in defending our Nation in the 21st century.

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