Sec. 1066. Sense of Congress regarding aircraft carriers
602 words·~3 min read·
/bill/115/hr/2810/rh/section-1066·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
Congress makes the following findings: Naval aviation was born in the United States when Eugene Ely launched from the deck of a United States Navy ship on November 14, 1910, in a Curtiss Model D. In 1915, Cpt. Henry C. Mustin made the first catapult launch and first take off in a ship underway in a Curtiss Model AB-2, beginning a century of technological advancements that have led to today’s Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System which has replaced the steam pistons with powerful magnets to launch jet aircraft.
In 1924, Lt. Dixie Kiefer made the first night catapult launch in a Vought UO-1 in San Diego harbor, leading to today’s aircraft carriers being a floating city at sea with a 24-hour airport. The first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, USS Enterprise (CVN 65), was commissioned in 1961, ushering in a new era of the world's most dominant and capable warships. In 2013, the first of the next generation of aircraft carriers, Gerald R. Ford, was christened, marking a continuation of the innovative naval aviation spirit, technological advancement, and war fighting capabilities of aircraft carriers.
In 2013, aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) provided humanitarian assistance, medical supplies, food, and water to the victims in the Philippines of Super Typhoon Haiyan, once again demonstrating versatility of the aircraft carrier for combat, diplomatic and humanitarian operations. For over 70 years, aircraft carriers have been employed in every major and many smaller conflicts, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Lebanon, Libya, Operation Desert Storm, Afghanistan, Iraq, and the fight against terrorism.
The United States Navy's aircraft carriers are a cornerstone of the Nation’s ability to project its power and strength. When aircraft carriers sail the globe they are a statement of national purpose and a symbol of the Nation’s industrial strength, competitive edge, and economic prosperity. Aircraft carriers are 4.5 acres of sovereign United States territory enabling the Nation to reduce its dependency on other nations while it pursues its national security interests. Aircraft carriers enable the United States Armed Forces to carry out operations from international waters, avoiding the complications of securing fly-over rights and land-base rights from other nations.
Aircraft carriers are a modern, very mobile United States military base complete with airfield, hospital, and communications systems from which the United States can strike at its enemies. Over 90 percent of world trade is moved by sea, including much of the world’s gas and oil supply, and aircraft carriers and their strike forces are constantly on patrol in vital regions of the world to keep shipping lanes open and protect the interests of the United States and its allies. There are more than 2,450 companies in 48 States and over 364 congressional districts, and more than 13,100 shipbuilders who proudly contribute to the construction and maintenance of these complex and technologically advanced ships.
Thousands of members of the United States Armed Forces have served the Nation aboard aircraft carriers in war, peace, and times of crisis. When crisis occurs the first question that comes to everyone's lips is Where is the nearest carrier? . It is the sense of Congress that— United States aircraft carriers are the preeminent power projection platform and have served the Nation’s interests in times of war and in times of peace, adapting to the immediate and ever-changing nature of the world for over 90 years; aircraft carrier contributions and heritage should be celebrated; and the people of the United States should be encouraged to celebrate the history of aircraft carriers in the United States and to always remember the vital role these vessels play in defending the Nation’s freedom.