Celebrating the centennial of United States Navy aircraft carriers.

Whereas, 100 years ago, on March 20, 1922, following a 2-year conversion at Norfolk Naval Yard, the former USS Jupiter (AC–3) was recommissioned as the United States Navy’s first aircraft carrier, USS Langley (CV–1); Whereas the Langley began as an experimental platform, laying the foundation for the future shipboard operations of aircraft; Whereas, in fleet exercises beginning in 1924, the ship, appropriately nicknamed the Covered Wagon Whereas, for the past 100 years, aircraft carriers have been the Navy’s preeminent power projection platform and have furthered the Nation’s interest in times of war and peace; Whereas, from the great naval battles in the Pacific during World War II, to strike and close air support missions in the battlegrounds of Korea and Vietnam, to the execution of Joint Force operations over the sands of the Middle East, and to present-day deterrence in numerous locations around the world, aircraft carriers have proven time and again that they provide an invaluable capability in support of the strategic goals of the United States; Whereas with an unequaled ability to provide warfighting capabilities across the full spectrum of conflict and to adapt in the face of ever-changing threats, aircraft carriers, their embarked air wings, and associated strike groups are the foundation of United States maritime strategy; Whereas aircraft carriers enable the United States Armed Forces to carry out operations from international waters, often obviating the need to obtain fly-over and land-based rights from other nations; Whereas Nimitz and Ford class aircraft carriers are modern, mobile United States military bases complete with airfield, hospital, and hardened communications systems from which the United States can strike at its enemies, from wherever and whenever it chooses; Whereas there are more than 2,450 companies in 48 States and over 364 congressional districts, and more than 13,100 Americans, who proudly contribute to the construction and maintenance of these complex and technologically advanced ships; and Whereas countless members of the United States Armed Forces have served the Nation aboard aircraft carriers in war, peace, and times of crisis: Now, therefore, be it That the House of Representatives— (1) recognizes that aircraft carriers continue to be a cornerstone of the United States Naval Forces and play a vital role in the defense of this great Nation; (2) recognizes that, in a time of great power competition that the world has not seen for over 30 years, aircraft carriers will continue to be an absolutely vital strategic platform which the United States will wield to ensure security and stability throughout the world, now and well into the future; (3) recognizes, in this 100th year since the USS Langley (CV–1) was commissioned at Norfolk Naval Yard, the role aircraft carriers have played in securing the peace for the United States, and acknowledges the continuing role they will play in maintaining peace and security for the Nation; and (4) supports the celebration of this centennial of United States Navy aircraft carriers.

Summary: This resolution recognizes that aircraft carriers continue to be a cornerstone of the U.S. Navy and supports the celebration of the centennial of Navy aircraft carriers.