HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 2015-4608, by Representatives Chopp, Kristiansen, Appleton, Bergquist, Blake, Buys, Caldier, Carlyle, Chandler, Clibborn, Cody, Condotta, DeBolt, Dent, Dunshee, Fagan, Farrell, Fey, Fitzgibbon, Goodman, Gregerson, Gregory, Griffey, Haler, Hansen, Hargrove, Harmsworth, Harris, Hawkins, Hayes, Holy, Hudgins, G. Hunt, S. Hunt, Hunter, Hurst, Jinkins, Johnson, Kagi, Kilduff, Kirby, Klippert, Kochmar, Kretz, Lytton, MacEwen, Magendanz, Manweller, McBride, McCabe, McCaslin, Moeller, Morris, Moscoso, Muri, Nealey, Orcutt, Ormsby, Ortiz-Self, Orwall, Parker, Peterson, Pettigrew, Pike, Pollet, Reykdal, Riccelli, Robinson, Rodne, Ryu, Santos, Sawyer, Schmick, Scott, Sells, Senn, Shea, Short, Smith, Springer, Stambaugh, Stanford, Stokesbary, Sullivan, Takko, Tarleton, Taylor, Tharinger, Van De Wege, Van Werven, Vick, Walkinshaw, Walsh, Wilcox, Wilson, Wylie, Young, and Zeiger

WHEREAS, The 21st century is the Pacific century, and 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, The United States Navy is the military service that secures sea lanes, allowing free flow of commerce to and from our state and the nation, and the service whose power projection promotes stability for our friends and deters aggression from our foes; and

WHEREAS, Washington State naval bases consistently receive awards for the quality of life they provide to sailors and family members, are recognized as models for other military facilities, and are continuously being improved in energy efficiency and environmental responsibility; and

WHEREAS, Washington State and the Pacific Northwest are home to approximately 31,000 active duty Navy service members, 15,000 Navy civilian employees, 2,400 drilling Navy reservists, 42,000 Navy family members, and 55,000 Navy retirees; and

WHEREAS, Puget Sound is the United States Navy's third largest fleet concentration area, with two aircraft carriers, more than ten surface ships, fourteen submarines, and one hundred twenty aircraft in Washington State; and

WHEREAS, The United States Navy spends 4.3 billion dollars annually in the Northwest and provides economic stability to dozens of Washington cities and tens of thousands of Washington State citizens; and

WHEREAS, More than 125,000 members of the Navy family, including active duty, retired, dependent, and civilian Navy personnel, consider Washington home; are community leaders, role models, and mentors; and invest millions of dollars and thousands of hours to the economy, local charities, and community programs;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State House of Representatives recognize and express appreciation for all those who have ever served in the United States Navy, and all the family members and friends who shared their sacrifices with them; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives recognize all the many contributions the Navy and its personnel make for everyone living in Washington State, the United States, and the entire global community; and express our heartfelt thanks to each and every person involved in the Navy's mission and work in Washington State.