[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 9]
[Senate]
[Page 12326]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       USS ``NEVADA'' CENTENNIAL

 Mr. HELLER. Mr. President, I wish to recognize the 100th 
Anniversary of the commissioning of the USS Nevada Battleship. I am 
proud to be able to honor Nevada's namesake battleship today and all of 
the Americans that served aboard her.
  The anniversary of the battleship USS Nevada comes on the heels of 
Nevada celebrating its 150th year of statehood. Through her years of 
service, the Nevada suffered many blows and casualties, but remained 
dedicated to defending her country. The crew that served aboard her 
have all earned a place among the outstanding men and women who have 
valiantly defended our Nation. I, along with my fellow Nevadans, feel a 
great sense of pride that our State has been chosen as the namesake for 
this ship that is arguably one of the greatest of our navy or of any 
Navy.
  Launched on July 11, 1914, at the Fore River Shipbuilding Corporation 
in Quincy, MA, the USS Nevada was the most-advanced battleship in the 
U.S. Navy at the time. The USS Nevada saw both World Wars during her 
time in active service. During the final months of World War I, she was 
based in Bantry Bay, County Cork, Ireland, to ensure that the supply 
convoys that were sailing to and from Great Britain were protected. In 
World War II, she was the only ship to get underway during the Japanese 
attack at Pearl Harbor. After receiving one torpedo hit and several 
bomb hits, the USS Nevada had to be beached, but after vigorous salvage 
work, repairs and improvements, she was able to return to combat. 
Highly decorated for the numerous battles that she was a part of, the 
USS Nevada was present at the Attu landings against the Japanese, fired 
against German defenses during the Normandy landings, and supported 
operations in Iwo Jima and Okinawa. After over 30 years of service, the 
USS Nevada was deemed too old for retention and was assigned to serve 
as a target in the atomic bomb tests at Bikini Atoll. The experience 
left her radioactive and badly damaged, leading to her being 
decommissioned and eventually sunk during naval gunfire practice.
  It is an honor to be able to commemorate this day on behalf of my 
fellow Nevadans as we remember those who have risked their lives to 
defend freedom. Our Navy's commitment to this country, as well as their 
dedication to their families and communities, exemplified why the 
legacy of all veterans must be preserved for generations to come. These 
heroes selflessly served not for recognition, but because it was the 
right thing to do. As a member of the Senate Veterans' Affairs 
Committee, I recognize that Congress has a responsibility not only to 
honor these brave individuals, but to ensure they are cared for after 
their return home. I remain committed to upholding this promise for our 
veterans and servicemembers in Nevada and throughout the Nation.
  I ask that we recognize the commissioning of the USS Nevada and honor 
all that sailed aboard her. I am both humbled and honored to 
commemorate the brave men and women who dedicated their lives to 
serving our country and recognize them here today. May we never forget 
the legacy of this great battleship and her gallant crew.

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