MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2011 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Hewes, Blount, Butler (36th), Carmichael, Clarke, Dawkins, Dearing, Fillingane, Frazier, Hopson, Horhn, Jackson (32nd), Mettetal, Montgomery, Simmons, Watson, Wilemon
A RESOLUTION SALUTING UNITED STATES SECRETARY OF THE NAVY AND FORMER MISSISSIPPI GOVERNOR RAY MABUS ON THE OCCASION OF "MISSISSIPPI NAVY WEEK."
WHEREAS, this week in 1775, Congress authorized construction of the USS CONSTITUTION, one of the first six frigates of the United States Navy. From those humble beginnings, the United States Navy and Marine Corps have grown to become the most formidable expeditionary fighting force in the world, with a fleet of 286 ships and a combined complement of over 900,000 sailors, marines and civilian employees. The Navy consists of approximately 400,000 sailors, including 2,400 active and 1,200 reserve sailors from Mississippi. More than 6,000 men and women who retired from the Navy reside in Mississippi. Mississippi is one of 21 sites to serve as a host of Navy Week, March 19-27, 2011; and
WHEREAS, the Navy's Aviation Program is celebrating its 100th year of operation. Naval Air Station Meridian has been in operation for 50 years and has trained more than 50% of the Navy's "strike" pilots. Mississippi Navy Week will kick off and close with the Blue Angles flying at Keesler Air Force Base in Biloxi and at Naval Air Station Meridian. Sailors will be marching in a parade in Gulfport; holding discussions at clubs, schools and planetariums; and conducting community service projects with Big Brothers-Big Sisters and the Boys and Girls Club, among others. All these events will serve to show the commitment of our men and women in uniform and highlight the variety of missions the Navy and Marine Corps perform for our country all around the world; and
WHEREAS, Stennis Space Center is the proud home of 10 Navy units with more than 2,000 employees and Mississippi's only active-duty Admiral. Navy Supervisor of Shipbuilding Gulf Coast headquartered in Pascagoula delivers nearly 1/2 of the Navy's new construction ships. University of Mississippi Naval ROTC in Oxford is a training ground for future Navy and Marine Corps officers; and
WHEREAS, America needs a strong Navy. Water covers 70% of the Earth's surface; 80% of the world's population lives near the ocean; and 90% of all international trade goes by sea. In order to remain strong, maintain our economy and protect our commerce, the Navy and Marine Corps must be involved in the world and able to go everywhere without having to depend upon bases ashore. It is America's "Away Team," the first to respond to international military and national disasters; and
WHEREAS, as the 75th United States Secretary of the Navy, Governor Ray Mabus oversees a $150 Billion annual budget. He is responsible for all United States Navy and Marine Corps affairs, such as recruiting, training, equipping and mobilizing staff. He also oversees the construction, outfitting and repair of naval ships and facilities, and is responsible for formulating and implementing policies and programs consistent with the President's and Secretary of Defense's national security objectives; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we join Mississippi's former Governor in recognizing the professionalism, skill and dedication of the United States Navy and Marine Corps, whose members are the guardians of civilization as we know it today:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby salute United States Secretary of the Navy and former Mississippi Governor Ray Mabus on the occasion of "Mississippi Navy Week" activities on March 19-27, 2011, and congratulate him on his leadership role in the defense of our state and nation.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Governor Mabus, forwarded to the President of the United States and the Mississippi congressional delegation, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.