2017 -- H 5878

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LC001926

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2017

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H O U S E   R E S O L U T I O N

JOYOUSLY CELEBRATING THE 75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SEABEES

     Introduced By: Representatives Casimiro, Craven, Vella-Wilkinson, Azzinaro, and
Giarrusso

     Date Introduced: March 08, 2017

     Referred To: House read and passed

     WHEREAS, The Seabees are celebrating their 75th anniversary in 2017. The Seabees

were created at Davisville, Rhode Island, in 1942 by United States Navy Rear Admiral Ben

Morrell, Chief of the Bureau of Yards, to meet our nation's need for building and maintaining

overseas bases during World War II; and

     WHEREAS, More than 350,000 Seabees served their nation during World War II as

members of the United States Navy construction forces. They participated in virtually every

United States Theater of operations, from England, Italy and France to North Africa, China,

Burma, and numerous islands throughout the vast Pacific. They built vital bases and airfields

under very difficult conditions, including being bombarded by enemy ships and planes, and were

killed by snipers or booby-trapped mines and bombs. They had to deal with extreme weather

conditions such as typhoons and extreme heat, and often had to suffer debilitating medical

conditions such as malaria; and

     WHEREAS, The Seabees constructed piers, hospitals, airfields, housing, and every

imaginable kind of facility. They unloaded vital food and medical supplies quickly and efficiently

and saved lives every day during all of America's wars and conflicts. Thanks to the Seabees, the

United States has the ability to bring the war, if necessary, into our enemy's sphere of influence;

and

     WHEREAS, The Seabees have served our nation with honor and valor during times of

peace and war. They answered our nation's call to duty during all of its modern conflicts, from

World War II and the Korean War, to Vietnam and our various engagements in the Middle East.

They have earned a reputation for ingenuity, innovation, courage and for having a "can do" and

"just get the job done" spirit that is renowned throughout the United States military and across the

globe; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this House of Representatives of the State of Rhode Island and

Providence Plantations hereby congratulates the Seabees on the joyous celebration of their 75th

Anniversary, and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to Rear Admiral Brian J. Brakke, Commander,

Navy Expeditionary Combat Command.

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