[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 1407]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    U.S. AIRWAYS FLIGHT 1549 HEROES

  Mr. BURR. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize the heroic efforts 
of the pilots, crew, passengers, emergency responders, and volunteer 
organizations that led to the extraordinary outcome of U.S. Airways 
flight 1549, which was bound for Charlotte, NC, on January 15, 2009.
  U.S. Airways flight 1549 departed New York's LaGuardia Airport on the 
afternoon of January 15 with 150 passengers and 5 crew, including 2 
pilots and 3 flight attendants, aboard. Charlotte was the final 
destination of 104 of the passengers, many of whom are my constituents.
  Within minutes of take-off, the aircraft experienced engine trouble 
forcing the pilot, Captain Chesley B. ``Sully'' Sullenberger, to 
perform an emergency landing on the Hudson River.
  I understand that a water landing of this sort is rare and 
technically challenging, making it extremely dangerous for all aboard. 
But Captain Sullenberger executed the difficult landing expertly. His 
skill and decisiveness have been heralded with saving the lives of all 
on board.
  As passengers emerged from the plane onto emergency life rafts and 
the wings of the still buoyant aircraft, boats were on the scene to 
assist with the rescue in minutes. Vessels were dispatched from the New 
York police and fire departments, the Port Authority of New York and 
New Jersey, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the New York Waterway, which 
reportedly sent all 14 of its boats to the scene.
  Without the immediate assistance of these boats, I am certain the 
passengers and crew on board would not have fared as well as they did, 
given the extreme temperatures in New York City on the day of the 
incident. All participating rescue parties are to be commended for 
their swift and professional response.
  In fact, the tales of heroism emerging from this event are numerous. 
For example, I was moved by the story of Josh Peltz, a Charlotte 
resident, husband, and father of two. Flying home to Charlotte from a 
business meeting, Josh was seated in the emergency row's window seat. 
Not only was Josh integral in opening the emergency hatch after impact, 
but he was also helpful in reassuring passengers and assisting others, 
including a mother and her 9-month-old baby, up the ladder and onto the 
awaiting ferry. And as rescuers assisted passengers, I understand that 
Captain Sullenberger continued to demonstrate true heroism as he 
refused to deplane until all others onboard had been safely evacuated.
  I again commend all who contributed to making this disastrous event a 
true miracle, including the first responders; volunteer organizations, 
such as the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army; and most of all 
the crew and passengers of 1549. The acts of heroism and the stories of 
selflessness that have emerged from this event are truly inspiring.

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