It is with tremendous pride that I rise today to congratulate the U.S. Navy Submarine Force on the occasion of its 100th anniversary of service to America.

We have a rich maritime heritage in southeastern Connecticut and a long legacy of outstanding craftsmen as well as patriots. When the Navy purchased the Holland from a relatively unknown shipyard on April 11, 1900, it set in motion a legacy unequaled in our nation's history. Commanded by LT Harry H. Caldwell, the Holland traveled through yet uncharted depths, setting the standard for all who followed. For shipbuilders and sailors, having set the technological clock in motion, the Submarine Force has never looked back. The Submarine Force has met challenge after challenge head on -- first identifying them, then dissecting them, and finally overcoming them.

In April 1775, the first Minute Men confronted the British regulars to begin the American Revolution. One hundred and twenty five years later, the early patriots -- Washington, Adams, Hancock, Revere, and Hale -- were joined by the likes of Nimitz, O'Kane, Dealey, Cromwell, Fluckey, and Gilmore. While Nathan Hale's defiant proclamation "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country!" was immortalized as unselfish patriotism, so was that of Commander Howard Gilmore, who commanded, "Take her down!" Helping to turn the tide in the Pacific, U.S. Submarines sank 51/2 million tons of Japanese naval and merchant shipping -- 55% of Japanese shipping destroyed -- at a loss of 52 submarines and more than 3,500 valiant men. Admiral Chester A. Nimitz, Commander of the U.S. Navy in the Pacific during the Second World War, said: "It is to the everlasting honor and glory of our submarine personnel that they never failed us in our days of great peril."

During the Cold War, the "Forty-One for Freedom" Polaris/Poseidon and succeeding Trident submarines ensured that our nation would never be the target of nuclear aggression. Daring intelligence missions provided a clear picture of the capabilities and the goals of the Soviets and other nations which threatened our national interests. As Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen said, "the peaceful end to 45 years of confrontation is the modern legacy of the Submarine Force." Following in the footsteps of the Minute Men, our modern day submariners are ready at a moment's call and spend every moment in constant vigilance.

But even in peace time, our submariners were not free from the dangers of the sea. Along with the many sacrifices during wartime, there were other tragic losses, such as the S-4, the Thresher and Scorpion.

The insignia of the Submarine Force is a submarine flanked by two dolphins. Dolphins or porpoises are the traditional attendants to Poseidon, Greek God of the Sea and patron deity of sailors. They are symbolic of a calm sea and are called the "sailor's friend." Every individual who sports this insignia may truly be recognized for their significant contributions to a tranquil sea of peace in which they valiantly fought and sacrificed so much.

Supporting the greatness of their achievements are the ships in which they sail. John Holland, a schoolteacher born in Ireland, designed the Navy's first submarine. Isaac Rice merged the Electro-Dynamic Company with the Holland Torpedo Boat Company in 1899, to form the Electric Boat Company of Groton, CT. Electric Boat has continued to be in the forefront of design and construction over the past century.

During World War I and the years immediately following, Electric Boat built 85 submarines for the U. S. Navy. It produced another 74 submarines during World War II. Working under the watchful eye of Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, who provided the major impetus behind the development of nuclear-powered submarines and surface ships, EB built the world's first nuclear-powered submarine -- the USS Nautilus (SSN-571). EB followed less than a decade later with the Navy's first fleet ballistic-missile submarine -- the USS George Washington (SSBN-598). Improving on that accomplishment it designed and developed the mammoth 560-foot Ohio-class ballistic-missile submarine capable of carrying a total of 24 Trident missiles. The company constructed the USS Seawolf (SSN-21) and the USS Connecticut (SSN-22) -- the two fastest, quietest, most heavily armed submarines in the world. Today, Electric Boat is designing and building the first of the New Attack Submarines, now known as the Virginia-class after the first ship in the line. It will team with Newport News Shipbuilding to produce the remainder.

On behalf of the citizens of the Second Congressional District, our State of Connecticut and the Nation, I congratulate the exceptional performance of the Submarine Force and extend our deepest appreciation to our submariners and their families for a century of service to America.