Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025

Floor Speech

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Mr. SELF. Mr. Chair, today, I rise in support of my amendment, which would name a Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport vessel after Lieutenant General Richard E. Carey, U.S. Marine Corps.

During General Carey's 38-year military career, he served during World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. He rose from enlisted man to lieutenant by the age of 20.

Carey participated in the Inchon landing, captured communist forces, and led his rifle platoon to Seoul. Three months later at the infamous Chosin Reservoir, Carey and his fellow marines were outnumbered 8-1 but they held their ground and broke through the Chinese trap.

While in Korea, Carey was badly wounded. Over his decorated career, General Carey became a pilot, flew 204 combat sorties, received 41 medals, and earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.

He later commanded the evacuation from Saigon, received promotion to lieutenant general, and was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal.

Mr. Chair, I urge my colleagues to support this en bloc package to honor General Carey and his service to America.

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