Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard

RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE PEARL HARBOR NAVAL SHIPYARD -- (House of Representatives - July 22, 2008)

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Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in strong support of House Resolution 1139, recognizing the 100th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

The mission of this outstanding shipyard, ``We keep them fit to fight,'' demonstrates the pride and professionalism of the men and women who serve our Nation in Pearl Harbor. The unified shipyard team is committed to the on-time delivery of the high quality submarine and surface ship maintenance at or below expected costs. The Pearl Harbor shipyard's culture of continuous improvement and extremely high standards for safety, security, and environmental protection are paramount in maintaining the readiness of our fleet and our military's mission. Properly maintaining nuclear-powered submarines and conventionally powered warships is instrumental in enabling our fighting forces to conduct operations in the global war on terror.

Our national defense demands that we have a strong and capable Naval Fleet, and the officers and crews of these fine warships, as well as the men and women of the shipyards, make this possible. Our Nation would not have the world's most technologically advanced combat ships without the talent and dedication of the military-industrial team and the public and private shipyards.

In honoring the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, I note that now, just as 100 years ago, both quality and quantity matter with respect to our Naval Fleet. That is why I voted to increase the funding for the Virginia Class Submarine program to enable the construction of two nuclear-powered submarines per year by fiscal year 2010. It is, again, time for our Nation to have a strategic outlook on the future role of our naval forces, and our Navy should establish a 313-ship fleet, at a minimum, to maintain our maritime dominance and forward presence around the globe.

Moreover, such a fleet is only sustainable if we continue to invest in the people, skills and infrastructure of our public shipyards.

The 100th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Shipyard is historically significant as the United States Navy continues to set the international standard of excellence. I urge your support in continuing to promote the role of shipbuilding and ship repair and defending our Nation in the 21st century. Maintaining the skills and strength of the industrial base and providing the necessary resources for future construction and repair will enable our country to benefit from the tremendous scientific and military achievements as the ships that have been repaired in Pearl Harbor have for over a century.

So, Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard and congratulate the men and women who provide exceptional service to our military, keeping our fleet ``fit to fight'' as they demonstrate honor, courage and commitment on a daily basis.

I call upon all Americans to pause and honor the service and sacrifice of not only those brave Americans who have served in our shipyards, but also those who have served and continue to serve in the defense of our Nation and its values.

I urge my colleagues to support this most worthy resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I just wanted to thank the gentleman from Hawaii for his kind words. And I know that this Nation looks forward to having our Virginia Class submarines being maintained ``fit to fight'' there at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. So I truly appreciate that.

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