“Of all the branches of men in the forces there is none which shows more devotion and faces grimmer perils than the submariners.”

That quote is widely attributed to Sir Winston Churchill, the great World War II prime minister of Great Britain. And it sums up better than we could the dedication and commitment of those who patrol our seas from the depths.

And so it is with great pride that we salute our United States Submarine Force for successfully completing its 4,000th nuclear deterrence patrol since the ballistic-missile submarine USS George Washington completed the first deterrent patrol in January 1960.

Eight of the nation’s 14 ballistic missile submarines are based at Naval Base Kitsap – Bangor. Ballistic missile submarines patrol the Pacific and the Atlantic 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This operational tempo is one of the highest among any of the nation’s military forces. Even though the Cold War is over and often forgotten, strategic deterrence remains a cornerstone of U.S. national security policy in the 21st century, particularly in today’s turbulent global environment.

Rep. Derek Kilmer, D-Bremerton, introduced a resolution honoring the sailors of the United States Submarine Force for successfully completing their 4,000th nuclear deterrence patrol.

In honor of and gratitude to the sailors of the United States Submarine Force, we reprint the text of the resolution here:

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“Whereas the Sailors of the United States Submarine Force recently completed the 4,000th deterrent patrol of a ballistic missile submarine (SSBN);

Whereas this milestone is significant for the Submarine Force, its crews and their families, the United States Navy, and the entire country;

Whereas this milestone was reached through the combined efforts and impressive achievements of all of the submariners who have participated in such patrols since the first patrol of USS George Washington (SSBN 598) in 1960;

Whereas, as a result of the dedication and commitment to excellence of the Sailors of the United States Submarine Force, ballistic missile submarines have always been ready and vigilant, reassuring United States allies and deterring anyone who might seek to do harm to the United States or United States allies;

Whereas the national maritime strategy of the United States recognizes the critical need for strategic deterrence in today’s uncertain world;

Whereas the true strength of the ballistic missile submarine lies in the extremely talented and motivated Sailors who have voluntarily chosen to serve in the submarine community; and

Whereas the inherent stealth, unparalleled firepower, and nearly limitless endurance of the ballistic missile submarine provide a credible deterrence for any enemies that would seek to use force against the United States or United States allies:

Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That Congress—

(1) congratulates the Sailors of the United States Submarine Force upon the completion of 4,000 ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) deterrent 6 patrols; and

(2) honors and thanks the crews of ballistic missile submarines and their devoted families for their continued dedication and sacrifice.”