SENATE RESOLUTION

                         2000-8734

By Senators Spanel, Haugen, Oke

     WHEREAS, Anacortes resident Commander Darlene M. Iskra has had a distinguished 21-year naval career, commissioned as an ensign in July, 1979; and

     WHEREAS,  It is the policy of the Washington State Legislature to honor meritorious service and to recognize excellence in all fields of endeavor on the part of Washingtonians; and

     WHEREAS, Commander Darlene M. Iskra was one of the first female line officers to graduate from the Naval School of Diving and Salvage in Washington, D.C.; and

     WHEREAS, During her 22-month tour as diving officer and R5/R7 division officer she earned her surface warfare qualification, conducting many underwater repairs; and

     WHEREAS, In December, 1990, she became the first female commanding officer of a commissioned naval vessel, assuming command of USS Opportune; and

     WHEREAS, She has received the Humanitarian Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and Navy Achievement Medal; and

     WHEREAS, Commander Darlene M. Iskra will retire from the Navy on April 1, 2000;

     NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the members of the Washington State Senate do hereby recognize and acknowledge the outstanding leadership and commitment to the Navy and to the defense of our country demonstrated by Commander Darlene M. Iskra; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to Commander Darlene M. Iskra.

I, Tony M. Cook, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 2000-8734,

adopted by the Senate February 25, 2000.

TONY M. COOK

Secretary of the Senate