HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 23
(By Mr. Speaker, Mr. Kiss, and Delegate Staton)

Recognizing the 15^th Anniversary of USS West Virginia (SSBN 736). Whereas, On October 20, 2005, the Officers and Crew of USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) celebrated the 15^th Anniversary of the Ballistic Missile Trident Submarine; and
Whereas, The USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) is home ported in Kings Bay, Georgia, and was commissioned October 20, 1990. It is the first submarine and the third U.S. Naval ship to bear the name of our State. The USS West Virginia (ACR-5), was commissioned in 1905 and the USS West Virginia (BB 48), was commissioned in 1923; and
Whereas, The USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), is 560 feet long, displaces 18,750 tons submerged, carries the Navy's sixth generation Fleet Ballistic Missile System, and provides the Nation's most survivable and enduring nuclear strike capability, and has served as a significant deterrent to aggression and major war; and
Whereas, The USS West Virginia (SSBN 736)has two crews of 168 men, named the Blue and Gold, which represent the official colors of the State of West Virginia; and
Whereas, We are proud of the USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), its Commanding Officer, CDR Doug Arnold and her crew members, who are professionals who uphold their sworn duties to protect our Nation from all enemies, foreign and domestic; and
Whereas, We are honored and privileged that the crew of the Silent Service calls themselves Mountaineers and have adopted the State's motto of Montani Semper Liberi, Mountaineers Are Always Free; therefore, be it
Resolved by the House of Delegates:
That the House hereby recognizes the 15^th Anniversary of the USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), the first submarine and the third U.S. Navy ship to bear our State's name; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the House of Delegates expresses its appreciation to the commanding officer and crew of the USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) for their dedication and commitment to protect our Nation from all enemies, foreign and domestic, and who help deter aggression around the globe; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a certified copy of this resolution for the Commanding Officer of the USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), CDR Douglas Arnold.