[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15591]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING THE UNITED STATES NAVY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER S. MURPHY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 13, 2011

  Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
United States Navy and the extraordinary service of all of its members. 
Today marks the 236th year of the Navy's existence. Since its birth in 
1775, our sailors have bravely served our Nation here at home and in 
all corners of the globe. Whether it is protecting Americans and our 
allies, to keeping the seas open for commerce or assisting other 
nations after global disasters, the United States Navy has truly been a 
global force for good.
  My own state of Connecticut has a proud naval tradition. We are 
fortunate enough to be home to the Naval Submarine Base New London, 
which is known as the ``First and Finest Submarine Base''. Originally 
commissioned as a navy yard on April 11th, 1868, our base now boasts 15 
home ported submarines and employs over 7,500 service members and 
civilians. As a result, the base is one of the largest employers in 
southeastern Connecticut. Over the years, and with the establishment of 
naval schools and training facilities, the base has become a symbol of 
strength and pride for Connecticut, and for the entire Navy. Not only 
was the first diesel powered submarine commissioned in Groton, but our 
New London base was the first in the history of the Navy.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe that we can all agree the Navy deserves 
recognition for their continued and constant service to our country. 
From skirmishes with the Royal Navy in 1776 to today's operations in 
the Middle East, the Navy has remained an organization that all 
Americans can be proud of. I ask my colleagues to join me, and the 
people of Connecticut, in applauding the current and former sailors 
around the world for their service in the U.S. Navy.

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