Recognizing the Achievements of the Alpena Community College Remotely Operated Vehicle Team

Floor Speech

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Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary achievements of the Alpena Community College remotely operated vehicle (ROV) team, known as the Aquajacks, who recently represented Michigan's First Congressional District with distinction at the 2025 Marine Advanced Technology Education Remotely Operated Vehicle World Championship hosted in Alpena, Michigan.

These talented students, who both live and study in Northern Michigan, demonstrated remarkable ingenuity, teamwork, and technical skill on the international stage, earning an impressive third-place finish against nearly 80 teams from 22 states and 18 countries. After months of designing, testing, and problem-solving, at the competition, the Aquajacks' ROV successfully completed complex technical tasks while the team impressed judges with their professional presentations and real-time strategic thinking.

Their performance stands as a testament to Alpena Community College's commitment to hands-on STEM education and development of real-world skills. I want to commend the Aquajacks' mentor, David Cummins, and the entire Alpena Community College Faculty for fostering such excellence.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize the Alpena Community College Aquajacks. These students not only represent the future of my district but also highlight the critical role skilled innovators play in strengthening our nation's infrastructure and advancing our national security. Their achievements remind us that effective investment into STEM education is essential to maintaining America's leadership and resilience on a rapidly changing world stage.

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