WHEREAS, Washington State has both a strong maritime heritage and a contemporary reliance on the sea; and
     WHEREAS, The United States Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine work to secure sea lanes, promote the free flow of commerce to and from our state, project power to promote stability and deter aggression, and keep our waterways safe; and
     WHEREAS, The United States Sea Services have been a presence in Puget Sound since before Washington Statehood; and
     WHEREAS, Washington State is today home to the Navy's 3rd largest Fleet concentration area, to the Coast Guard's entire Polar Ice Breaking Fleet, and to two of the West Coast's largest and busiest port facilities; and
     WHEREAS, Sea Service personnel provide homeland security, disaster assistance, and rescue services to Washington State citizens, and selflessly spend thousands of hours every year volunteering in their communities; and
     WHEREAS, Tens of thousands of Sea Service personnel and their families consider Washington State home and are community leaders, role models, and mentors; and
     WHEREAS, Our State's reliance on the sea for commerce, recreation, defense, and sustenance will only continue to grow in the years ahead;
     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize and express appreciation for all those who have ever served as Sea Service personnel and all the family members and friends who shared their sacrifices with them; and
     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate recognize all the many contributions Sea Service personnel make for everyone living in the United States and the entire global community.