SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 19
(By Senators Tomblin, Mr. President, Bailey, Barnes, Boley,
Bowman, Caruth, Chafin, Deem, Dempsey, Edgell, Facemyer,
Fanning, Foster, Guills, Harrison, Helmick, Hunter, Jenkins,
Kessler, Lanham, Love, McCabe, McKenzie, Minard, Minear,
Oliverio, Plymale, Prezioso, Sharpe, Sprouse,
Unger, Weeks, White and Yoder)

Recognizing the 15th anniversary of USS West Virginia.
Whereas, On October 20, 2005, the officers and crew of USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) celebrated the 15th anniversary of the ballistic missile trident submarine; and
Whereas, The USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) was commissioned October 20, 1990, and is home ported in Kings Bay, Georgia. 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 of water submerged, carries the Navy's sixth generation Fleet Ballistic Missile System, provides the nation's most 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, The Senate is proud of the USS West Virginia (SSBN 736), its commanding officer, CDR Doug Arnold, and her crew members who are professionals sworn to uphold their duties to protect our nation from all enemies, foreign and domestic; and
Whereas, The Senate is honored and privileged that the crew of the "Silent Service" call themselves Mountaineers and have adopted the state's motto of Montani Semper Liberi, Mountaineers are always free; therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate:
That the Senate hereby recognizes the 15th anniversary of the USS West Virginia; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Senate expresses its appreciation to the commanding officer, CDR Doug Arnold, and the crew of the USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) for their dedication and commitment; and, be it
Further Resolved, That the Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of this resolution to CDR Doug Arnold, commanding officer of the USS West Virginia.