WHEREAS, May 14, 2007, marks a day of celebration for the United States Navy and its members here in Washington state; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State House of Representatives recognizes excellence in all forms of endeavor; and
     WHEREAS, The Washington State House of Representatives has always acted to honor those who have served and are serving our country as members of the United States military; and
     WHEREAS, The Navy is the military service that secures sea lanes, allowing free flow of commerce to and from our state, and the service whose power capabilities promote stability for our friends and deters aggression from our foes; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state is uniquely positioned, politically, economically, and geographically, to deal with the opportunities and challenges presented by Asia and the Pacific Rim countries; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state naval bases consistently receive awards for the quality of life they provide to sailors and family members; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state Navy installations have also received environmental stewardship awards from local, state, and federal agencies, and are recognized as models for other military facilities; and
     WHEREAS, Washington state-based sailors are serving on the ground in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other areas around the globe; and
     WHEREAS, The United States Navy fired the first missiles against the Taliban forces in the opening days of the war on terrorism; and
     WHEREAS, Puget Sound is the United States Navy's third largest Fleet Concentration area with 2 aircraft carriers, 5 warships, 13 submarines, and 119 aircraft based in Washington state; and
     WHEREAS, The United States Navy spends $2.8 billion annually in the Pacific Northwest; and
     WHEREAS, Washington-based Navy units were the first on-scene to provide relief services after the 2005 Tsunami in southern Asia; and
     WHEREAS, Navy personnel donate millions of dollars and thousands of hours to local charities and community programs;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize and honor the United States Navy and all its members for their sacrifices and accomplishments to protect both our freedoms and the freedoms for people around the world; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives to Commander of the Navy Region Northwest, RDML William French.