MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2013 1st Extraordinary Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Wiggins, Burton, Butler (38th), Dawkins, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Jordan, Moran, Parker, Simmons (13th)

Senate Concurrent Resolution 501

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING THE FIRST CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY FOR THE USS MISSISSIPPI (SSN-782) ON MAY 10, 2013, AND WELCOMING THE SUBMARINE'S NEW CAPTAIN TO OUR STATE AS AN HONORARY CITIZEN OF MISSISSIPPI.

USS MISSISSIPPI (SSN-782)

     WHEREAS, on May 10, 2013, there will be a Change of Command Ceremony in Groton, Connecticut, for the nation's newest attack submarine, the USS MISSISSIPPI (SSN-782).  Captain John P. McGrath will be relieved by Commander Tory J. Swanson, and representatives of our state will be in attendance; and

     WHEREAS, for over 170 years, from the golden age of sail to the instant-response nuclear fleet of today, four American warships have proudly borne the name "MISSISSIPPI" and they have left their mark on the history of the United States and the world.  Now a fifth warship emblazoned with the name USS MISSISSIPPI defends our country.  Proudly displaying our state's motto "Virtute et Armis" (By Valor and Arms) she has taken her place in the annals of American History.  The USS MISSISSIPPI was commissioned in Pascagoula on June 2, 2012; and

     WHEREAS, the submarine was named USS MISSISSIPPI to recognize the state's long-standing shipbuilding tradition in support of the nation's defense.  It also honors the tenacity and spirit of the people of Mississippi since the devastation resulting from Hurricane Katrina in 2005.  The naming of a Navy vessel after a state is a rare honor, and this submarine will carry the name and honor of Mississippi wherever it goes on missions to ensure freedom of the seas for our nation and allies; and

     WHEREAS, at 377 feet long and 34 feet in diameter, the USS MISSISSIPPI is among the Navy's "next generation" of attack submarines.  Smaller, faster, more technologically advanced and lethal, the Navy uses submarines in this category to seek and destroy enemy ships and submarines.  The USS MISSISSIPPI is one of four submarines that have had the honor of being commissioned within the state which it shares a name; and

     WHEREAS, from the Veterans who served and worked to make this happen, and to the shipbuilders who equip our nation's war fighters, this Change of Command Ceremony is a proud day for Mississippi:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize the first Change of Command Ceremony for the nation's newest attack submarine the USS MISSISSIPPI (SSN-782) on May 10, 2013, in Groton, Connecticut, and welcome the new skipper, Commander Tory J. Swanson, to our state and designate him as an Honorary resident of Mississippi, extending our best wishes on this auspicious occasion.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Commander Swanson by representatives of the USSVI Tullibee Base of Mississippi, transmitted to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus and members of Mississippi's congressional delegation, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.