House Concurrent Resolution 70

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CREW OF VIRGINIA-CLASS ATTACK SUBMARINE PRE-COMMISSIONING UNIT (PCU) MISSISSIPPI (SSN 782) IN ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF ITS COMMITMENT TO NAVAL AND MARITIME SERVICE IN OBSERVANCE AND COMMEMORATION OF MISSISSIPPI NAVY WEEK ON MARCH 19-27, 2011.

     WHEREAS, one year after rolling out the red carpet of Southern hospitality for the Officer-in-Charge of the Navy's Virginia-class attack submarine named for Mississippi, the state and its leaders will again showcase the warm and welcoming spirit which has become synonymous with the state's hospitable disposition, during the observance and commemoration of Mississippi Navy Week on March 19-27, 2011, as we receive Commander John McGrath of the Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Mississippi (SSN 782) to the Magnolia State; and
     WHEREAS, inspired by the level of enthusiasm evidenced by Mississippians with respect to the groundwork for the vessel's commissioning, Commander McGrath's return marks a triumphant day for the State of Mississippi and the United States Navy, which is celebrating Naval Aviation's Centennial Anniversary, as he privies us with the most recent updates on the submarine's construction; and
     WHEREAS, PCU Mississippi (SSN 782) becomes the fifth Navy vessel called Mississippi, and promises to carry on the enduring legacy of its predecessors, which have all shared the tremendous honor and recognition associated with the dedicated service for which Mississippians have been known throughout history; and
     WHEREAS, in addition to gaining a new ship with the PCU Mississippi (SSN 782), Commander McGrath and the Navy are also gaining the support of approximately three million friends in the Magnolia State; and
     WHEREAS, sponsored by Allison Stiller, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development and Acquisition) Ship Programs, PCU Mississippi (SSN 782) is on schedule for delivery and commissioning in early 2012, five years after construction began on February 18, 2007; and

WHEREAS, upon completion and commissioning, PCU Mississippi (SSN 782) will join the other subs of her class as flexible, multi-mission platforms designed to carry out the seven core competencies of the Submarine Force: anti-submarine warfare; anti-surface warfare; special operations forces; strike; irregular warfare; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; and mine warfare; and

WHEREAS, in addition to Commander McGrath's in-state presence in further promotion of Mississippi Navy Week 2011, other notable dignitaries such as The Honorable Ray Mabus (Secretary of the Navy), Rear Admiral Arthur J. Johnson (Commander, Naval Safety Center) and Rear Admiral Ted N. Branch (Prospective Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic) are among those scheduled to serve as leading spokespersons for the festivities, which are geared toward affording area residents the opportunity to meet Navy sailors and learn of the division's critical missions and broad ranging capabilities; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to acknowledge the meritorious and valiant commitment of individuals who render their selfless service to the upkeep and protection of our nation's defenses and freedoms, as those members of the United States Navy and crew members of the PCU Mississippi (SSN 782):

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend the crew of Virginia-class Attack Submarine Pre-Commissioning Unit (PCU) Mississippi (SSN 782) in acknowledgment for its commitment to naval and maritime service in observance and commemoration of Mississippi Navy Week on March 19-27, 2011.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Commander McGrath on behalf of the crew of PCU Mississippi (SSN 782), The Honorable Ray Mabus and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.