HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2021-4631

HR 4631

ByRepresentatives Young and Simmons

WHEREAS, On June 30, 1975, the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier was officially commissioned, named after World War II Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, and continues to stand the test of time as the oldest active aircraft carrier in the fleet; and

WHEREAS, On June 8, 2020, after several months of training, the USS Nimitz set sail as the first aircraft carrier to ever be deployed during the COVID-19 pandemic, bravely paving the way for all safety standards to follow; and

WHEREAS, The crew of over 5,000 sailors and marines aboard the USS Nimitz risked their lives contributing to the security and well-being of American interests in the Middle East, Africa, and the Western Pacific; and

WHEREAS, The average aircraft carrier is deployed for six months out at sea, the USS Nimitz endured 340 days, or over 11 grueling months, threading perilous waters; and

WHEREAS, The average deployment consists of one monthly port visit for the leisure activity of the crew in allied nations, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancellation of most port visits; and

WHEREAS, Nimitz sailors had no access to nature amidst the cold steel of the ship and the whirring sounds of the engine and aircraft being launched; and

WHEREAS, Nimitz sailors had no contact with loved ones back at home, besides postcards and rare instances of limited internet usage; and

WHEREAS, The USS Nimitz strengthened international partnerships by coordinating with Indian, Australian, and Japanese naval forces for the Malabar 2020 joint military exercises; and

WHEREAS, On March 7, 2021, the USS Nimitz finally returned home to Naval Base Kitsap Bremerton having carried out operation Inherent Resolve, operation Freedom's Sentinel, and operation Octave Quartz, and having successfully traveled over 99,000 nautical miles, launched 10,185 sorties, and logged 23,410 flight hours;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize the sacrifice, resilience, and dedication of the USS Nimitz crew during an exceptionally trying 2020 deployment. We welcome these brave military men and women back home to Washington state with gratitude for their outstanding service and commitment.