Visit With Secretary Of The Navy To Beaufort Bases

Floor Speech

VISIT WITH SECRETARY OF THE NAVY TO BEAUFORT BASES -- (House of Representatives - June 26, 2007)

(Mr. WILSON of South Carolina asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I had the pleasure of joining Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter on tours of the Marine Corps air station at Beaufort and the Marine Corps recruit depot at Parris Island. I was honored to have the Sergeant Major of the Marines Corps, Carlton W. Kent, join us as well. The mission at Parris Island became crystal clear as we had breakfast with the dedicated drill instructors followed by a briefing led by its commanding officer, Brigadier General Paul Lefebvre. It was inspiring to see the determined recruits in action as they practiced firing the SAW M249, learned swimming, and participated in pugle sticks. Lieutenant Colonel William Ferrell welcomed the Secretary to the air station. After visiting with the Secretary and community leaders, I am more confident than ever that the air station is uniquely suited to take on F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. County Council Chairman Weston Newton, Council Military Liaison Skeet Von Harten, Beaufort Mayor Bill Rauch, Port Royal Mayor Sam Murray, along with other chamber and civic leaders expressed support for the Marine and Navy installations.

I'd like to thank the Secretary, the Sergeant Major, Lieutenant Phil MacNaughton and their staffs for making this visit so possible.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11th.

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