2001CRE1449A COMMISSIONING OF THE COAST GUARD CUTTER ``GANNET''
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[Congressional Record: July 26, 2001 (Extensions)]
[Page E1449]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:cr26jy01-35]
COMMISSIONING OF THE COAST GUARD CUTTER ``GANNET''
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HON. E. CLAY SHAW, JR.
of florida
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 26, 2001
Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, this weekend I have the honor of attending the
commissioning of the Coast Guard Cutter Gannet, whose sponsor is Mrs.
Dorothy Fuller Kleiderlein, mother of the late Robert Fuller, who died
earlier this year in service to the U.S. Coast Guard as an auxiliarist.
I am honored to be invited to such a ceremony, not only because the
U.S. Coast Guard represents the best in public service and selfless
sacrifice for our fellow Americans, but because I have always been a
strong supporter of the Coast Guard's vital mission.
The occasion: An occasion such as this serves to remind us of the
important role the Coast Guard plays in defending our national security
and protecting the public safety. Many have sacrificed for the benefit
of protecting our shores, for the safety of those who travel to and
from our coastlines, and for the general support our law enforcement
and maritime communities gain from key cooperation with the U.S. Coast
Guard. But the commissioning of a new ship gives us more than a moment
of reflection on the past. It is a call for renewal: renewed technology
and modernized hardware, yes; but moreover, a renewed commitment to the
mission, the ideals, and the goals embodied in the U.S. Coast Guard.
The Coast Guard's important mission and traditions: ``Group Miami''
is one of the Coast Guard's busiest and most active commands. Anyone
who has resided in South Florida--or even visited--can see why. Search
& rescue cases, counter-drug operations, migrant interdiction, and
marine environmental protection are constant, ongoing demands. This new
``Marine Protector'' class coastal patrol boat, a state-of-the-art 87-
foot cutter, the Gannet, will contribute to each of the duties we call
on the Coast Guard to perform. We expect those who serve our country in
uniform, in every service branch, to have the benefit of the best
equipment and technology available. The Gannet is a renewal of that
commitment.
Giving the best our best: The Coast Guard's biggest asset is the
people who serve, whether in active duty, as reservists, or as
auxiliarists. The best people deserve the best equipment and technology
we can provide. Sometimes, even the most modern support isn't enough.
We know the tragedy that befell Rob Fuller and Casey Purvis. We know
that even with modern technology, the Coast Guard must constantly fight
the elements of nature while striving to protect us all when nature--or
in some cases, human nature--strikes. But their courage and that of
their colleagues must be evenly met with our unwavering support for
putting the best tools into the hands of those who risk their own lives
to protect us.
That is why I am pleased to call myself a supporter of the United
States Coast Guard and honored to be attending a gathering to
commission the Gannet. If we are to continue to have a strong maritime
industry, waters safe for recreational boating and streets safe from
the scourge of drugs, we must put the resources where they matter most.
I look forward to working with other leaders to make that vision a
reality.
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