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Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress

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Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress Ronald O'Rourke Specialist in Naval Affairs January 6March 1, 2012 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov RS22478 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress Summary Names for Navy ships traditionally have been chosen and announced by the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the President and in accordance with rules prescribed by Congress. Rules for giving certain types of names to certain types of Navy ships have evolved over time. There have been exceptions to the Navy’s ship-naming rules, particularly for the purpose of naming a ship for a person when the rule for that type of ship would have called for it to be named for something else. Some observers in recent years have perceived a breakdown in, or corruption of, the rules for naming Navy ships. Twelve of the 13 most recently named aircraft carriers have been named for U.S. Presidents (10 ships) and Members of Congress (2 ships). The Navy on May 29, 2011, announced that the aircraft carrier CVN-79 would be named for President John F. Kennedy. Virginia (SSN-774) class attack submarines are being named for states. An exception occurred on January 8, 2009, when the Secretary of the Navy announced that SSN-785, the 12th ship in the class, would be named for former Senator John Warner. Destroyers are named for U.S. naval leaders and heroes. Although the third and final DDG-1000 class destroyer was procured in FY2009, the Navy has not yet announced a name for the ship. Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs) are being named for small and medium-sized cities. Exceptions arguably haveAn exception occurred with LCS-10, which the Navy announced on February 10, 2012, would be named for former Representative Gabrielle Giffords. Earlier exceptions arguably occurred with LCS-3, LCS-5, and LCS-7, which the Navy named for the relatively large cities of Fort Worth, TX; Milwaukee, WS; and Detroit, MI, respectively. San Antonio (LPD-17) class amphibious ships are being named for U.S. cities. An exception occurred on April 23, 2010, when the Secretary of the Navy announced that LPD26LPD-26, the 10th ship in the class, would be named for the late Representative John P. Murtha. The Navy announced on June 27, 2008, that the first LHA-6 class amphibious assault ship would be named America, a name previously used for an aircraft carrier (CV-66) that served in the Navy from 1965 to 1996. Lewis and Clark (TAKE-1) class cargo and ammunition ships were named for noted explorers and pioneers of various kinds. The Navy announced on May 18, 2011, that the 14th and final TAKE-1 class ship was being named for civil rights activist Cesar Chavez. Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSVs) were at first being named for American traits and values; they are now being named for small cities. An apparent exception occurred with JHSV-2, which the Navy on November 3, 2011, named Choctaw County, for counties of that name in Alabama, Mississippi, and Oklahoma. On January 4, 2012, the Secretary of the Navy announced that the Navy’s three Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) ships were being named Montford Point, John Glenn, and Lewis B. Puller. The Navy historically has only rarely named ships for living persons. Since the 1970s, at least 1213 U.S. military ships have been named for persons who were living at the time the name was announced. Members of the public are sometimes interested in having Navy ships named for their own states or cities, for older U.S. Navy ships (particularly those on which they or their relatives served), for battles in which they or their relatives participated, or for people they admire. Citizens with such an interest sometimes contact the Navy, the Department of Defense, or Congress seeking support for their proposals. Congress has long maintained an interest in how Navy ships are named, and has influenced the naming of certain Navy ships. The Navy suggests that congressional offices wishing to express support for proposals to name a Navy ship for a specific person, place, or thing contact the office of the Secretary of the Navy to make their support known. Congress may also pass legislation relating to ship names. Measures passed by Congress in recent years regarding Navy ship names have all been sense-of-the-Congress provisions. Congressional Research Service Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress Contents Background...................................................................................................................................... 1 Authority for Naming Ships ...................................................................................................... 1 Navy’s Process for Selecting Names ......................................................................................... 1 Naming Rules for Ship Types.................................................................................................... 2 Evolution Over Time........................................................................................................... 2 Exceptions ........................................................................................................................... 2 Rules for Types Now Being Procured................................................................................. 3 Ships Named for Living Persons............................................................................................... 7 Public’s Role in Naming Ships.................................................................................................. 7 Congress’s Role in Naming Ships ............................................................................................. 8 Congressional Influence on Pending Navy Ship-Naming Decisions .................................. 8 Congressional Responses to Announced Navy Ship-Naming Decisions ............................ 89 Past Legislation on Naming Ships ...................................................................................... 9 Legislative Activity in 112th Congress ........................................................................................... 1112 H.R. 1540/P.L. 112-81 (FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act) .................................. 1112 Senate (S. 1867) ................................................................................................................ 1112 Conference (H.R. 1540) .................................................................................................... 1112 H.Con.Res. 48 (Regarding Naming a Littoral Combat Ship for Ypsilanti, Michigan)............ 1213 H.R. 1945 (Regarding Naming A Naval Vessel For Rafael Peralta) ....................................... 1314 Tables Table 1. Ships Since the 1970s Named for Persons Who Were Living at the Time ........................ 7 Table 2. Recent Enacted Legislative Provisions .............................................................................. 9 10 Table 3. Examples of Proposed Bills and Amendments ................................................................ 1011 Appendixes Appendix. Legislative Activity in the 111th Congress.................................................................... 1516 Contacts Author Contact Information........................................................................................................... 2324 Congressional Research Service Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress Background Authority for Naming Ships Names for Navy ships traditionally have been chosen and announced by the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the President and in accordance with rules prescribed by Congress. For most of the 19th century, U.S. law included language explicitly assigning the Secretary of the Navy the task of naming new Navy ships.1 The reference to the Secretary of the Navy disappeared from the U.S. Code in 1925.2 The code today (10 U.S.C. §7292) is silent on the issue of who has the authority to name new Navy ships,3 but the Secretary of the Navy arguably retains implicit authority, given the location of §Section 7292 in subtitle C of Title 10, which covers the Navy Navy and Marine Corps. Navy’s Process for Selecting Names In discussing its name-selection process, the Navy cites the above-mentioned laws and states: As with many other things, the procedures and practices involved in Navy ship naming are as much, if not more, products of evolution and tradition than of legislation. As we have seen, the names for new ships are personally decided by the Secretary of the Navy. The Secretary can rely on many sources to help him reach his decisions. Each year, the Naval Historical Center compiles primary and alternate ship name recommendations and forwards these to the Chief of Naval Operations by way of the chain of command. These recommendations are the result of research into the history of the Navy and by suggestions submitted by service members, Navy veterans, and the public. Ship name source records at the Historical Center reflect the wide variety of name sources that have been used in the past, particularly since World War I. Ship name recommendations are conditioned by such factors as the name 1 A law approved in 1819 (Res. of March 3, 1819, §1, 3 Stat. 538, No. 7) stated “That all of the ships of the navy of the United States, now building, or hereafter to be built, shall be named by the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the President of the United States” in accordance with rules specifying that ships of the first class were to be named after states of the Union, and second and third class ships were to be named, respectively, after rivers and principal cities and towns. A law approved in 1858 (Act of June 12, 1858, c. 153, §5, 11 Stat. 319) provided a similar rule for “steamships of the navy,” except that third-class vessels (those with fewer than twenty guns) were to be named by the Secretary of the Navy as the President may direct, taking care that no two vessels in the Navy shall bear the same name.” Section §1531 of the Revised Statutes of 1873-1874, citing the 1819 and 1858 laws, states: “The vessels of the Navy Navy shall be named by the Secretary of the Navy, under the direction of the President” in accordance with rules similar to those above, varying slightly depending on whether the vessel was a sailing ship or a steamship. In 1898, Congress Congress passed a law (Act of May 4, 1898, c. 234, 30 Stat. 390 [appropriations for the naval services]) prescribing rules for the naming of “first-class battle ships and monitors,” which specified that these were to be named after States and “shall not be named for any city, place, or persons until the names of the States, shall have been exhausted.” The provision provision did not explicitly state whose duty it would be to assign names to vessels. Congress repealed this provision in 1908 as it pertained to monitors, permitting those vessels to be named “as the President may direct.” (Act of May 13, 1908, c. 166, 35 Stat. 159.) 2 The reference to the Secretary of the Navy found in §1531 of the Revised Statutes of 1873-1874 (see previous footnote) is absent from the U.S. Code of 1925, which covers Navy vessel names in Title 34, §461-463. 3 34 U.S.C. §461-463 of the 1925 U.S. Code (see previous footnote) were later recodified as 10 U.S.C. §7292. 10 U.S.C. §7292 provides that battleships are to be “named for a State. However, if the names of all the States are in use, a battleship may be named for a city, place, or person.” It specifically authorizes the Secretary of the Navy to “change the name of any vessel bought for the Navy,” §7292(c), but does not explicitly assign responsibility for ensuring that no two vessels have the same name, §7292(a), or for naming battleships, §7292(b). Congressional Research Service 1 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress categories for ship types now being built, as approved by the Secretary of the Navy; the distribution of geographic names of ships of the Fleet; names borne by previous ships which distinguished themselves in service; names recommended by individuals and groups; and names of naval leaders, national figures, and deceased members of the Navy and Marine Corps who have been honored for heroism in war or for extraordinary achievement in peace. In its final form, after consideration at the various levels of command, the Chief of Naval Operations signs the memorandum recommending names for the current year’s building program and sends it to the Secretary of the Navy. The Secretary considers these nominations, along with others he receives as well as his own thoughts in this matter. At appropriate times, he selects names for specific ships and announces them. While there is no set time for assigning a name, it is customarily done before the ship is christened. The ship’s sponsor—the person who will christen the ship—is also selected and invited by the Secretary. In the case of ships named for individuals, an effort is made to identify the eldest living direct female descendant of that individual to perform the role of ship’s sponsor. For ships with other name sources, it is customary to honor the wives of senior naval officers or public officials.4 Naming Rules for Ship Types Evolution Over Time Rules for giving certain types of names to certain types of Navy ships have evolved over time. Attack submarines, for example, were once named for fish, then later for cities, and most recently for states, while cruisers were once named for cities, then later for states,5 and most recently for battles. State names, to cite another example, were given to battleships, then later to nuclearpowered cruisers and ballistic missile submarines, and are now being given to attack submarines. The Navy states that while it “has attempted to be systematic in naming its ships, like all institutions it has been subject to evolutionary change, and the name sources of the Navy’s ships have not been immune to this change.”6 Exceptions There have been numerous exceptions to the Navy’s ship-naming rules, particularly for the purpose of naming a ship for a person when the rule for that type of ship would have called for it to be named for something else.7 Some observers in recent years have perceived a breakdown in, or corruption of, the rules for naming Navy ships.8 For example, the three-ship Seawolf (SSN-21) class of attack submarines—Seawolf (SSN-21), Connecticut (SSN-22), and Jimmy Carter (SSN23)—were named for a fish, a state, and a President, respectively, reflecting no apparent rule. 4 4 Naval History and Heritage Command, “Ship Naming in the United States Navy,” accessed online on February 15, 2012, at http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq63-1.htm. 5 Cruisers named for states were nuclear-powered cruisers. 6 Naval History and Heritage Command, “Ship Naming in the United States Navy,” availableaccessed online at on February 15, 2012, at http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq63-1.htm. 5 Cruisers named for states were nuclear-powered cruisers. 6 Ibid. 7 Ohio (SSBN-726) class ballistic missile submarines, for example, were named for states, but one (SSBN-730) was named for Senator Henry “Scoop” Jackson of Washington, who died in office in 1983. Los Angeles (SSN-688) class attack submarines were named for cities, but one (SSN-709) was named for Admiral Hyman G. Rickover, the longtime director of the Navy’s nuclear propulsion program. Ticonderoga (CG-47) class cruisers were named for battles, but one (CG-51) was named for Thomas S. Gates, a former Secretary of the Navy and Secretary of Defense. 8 See, for example, Donald R. Bouchoux, “The Name Game,” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, March 2000: 110-111; Norman Polmar, “Misnaming Aircraft Carriers,” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, September 2006: 30-31; and Norman Polmar, “Misnaming Navy Ships (Again),” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, February 2009: 89. Congressional Research Service 2 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress(continued...) Congressional Research Service 2 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress class of attack submarines—Seawolf (SSN-21), Connecticut (SSN-22), and Jimmy Carter (SSN23)—were named for a fish, a state, and a President, respectively, reflecting no apparent rule. Rules for Types Now Being Procured For ship types now being procured for the Navy, current naming practices (and exceptions thereto) can be summarized as follows. Aircraft Carriers Twelve of the 13 most recently named aircraft carriers (those with hull numbers 67 through 79) have been named for U.S. Presidents (10 ships) and Members of Congress (2 ships). The Navy on May 29, 2011, announced that the aircraft carrier CVN-79 would be named for President John F. Kennedy.9 The most recent carrier that was not named for a President or Member of Congress was the second of these 13 carriers, Nimitz (CVN-68), which was procured in FY1967.10 Attack Submarines Virginia (SSN-774) class attack submarines are being named for states.11 An exception occurred on January 8, 2009, when then-Secretary of the Navy Donald Winter announced that SSN-785, the 12th ship in the class, would be named for former Senator John Warner.12 9 (...continued) Norman Polmar, “Misnaming Aircraft Carriers,” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, September 2006: 30-31; and Norman Polmar, “Misnaming Navy Ships (Again),” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, February 2009: 89. 9 See “Navy Names Next Aircraft Carrier USS John F. Kennedy,” Navy News Service, May 29, 2011, accessed online on June 1, 2011 at http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=60686. See also Peter Frost, “U.S. Navy’s Next Aircraft Carrier Will Be Named After The Late John F. Kennedy,” Newport News Daily Press, May 30, 2011. CVN-79 is the second ship to be named for President John F. Kennedy. The first, CV-67, was the last conventionally powered carrier procured for the Navy. CV-67 was procured in FY1963, entered service in 1968, and was decommissioned in 2007. 10 CVN-68 was named for Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, a five-star admiral who commanded U.S. and allied forces in the Pacific in World War II. Nimitz died in 1966, the same year that Congress considered the FY1967 defense budget that funded the procurement of CVN-68. 11 Navy ship name records suggest that there is a small handful of states for which the most time—roughly 90 years— has passed since a ship named for the state has been in commissioned service with the Navy as a combat asset, and for which no ship by that name is currently under construction. These states appear to include, but may not be limited to, the following, which are presented in alphabetical order: Delaware, Illinois, Kansas, Montana, Oregon, and Vermont. There are additional states for which lesser—but still substantial—amounts of time have passed since a ship named for the state has been in commissioned service with the Navy as a combat asset, and for which no ship by that name is currently under construction. 12 Warner served as a sailor in World War II, as a Marine in the Korean War, as Under Secretary of the Navy in 19691972, and as Secretary of the Navy in 1972-1974. Warner served as a Senator from January 2, 1979, to January 3, 2009. He was a longtime Member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and was for several years the chairman of that committee. Winter’s January 8, 2009, announcement assigned a name to SSN-785 eleven months before the ship was fully funded. (The ship was fully funded by the FY2010 Department of Defense (DOD) appropriations act [H.R. 3326/P.L. 111-118], which was signed into law on December 19, 2009.) Naming a ship almost a year before it is funded is unusual. Winter stepped down as Secretary of the Navy on March 13, 2009. If SSN-785 had not been named for Warner, the 111th Congress might have had an opportunity to consider whether CVN-79, the next Ford-class carrier, should be named for Warner. One author has argued that in light of Warner’s record and past traditions for naming Navy ships, “he should be honored by an aircraft carrier (two CVNs [nuclear-powered aircraft carriers] have been named for Members of Congress) or possibly the lead ship for the planned class of CG(X) cruisers – but not a submarine.” (Norman Polmar, “Misnaming Navy Ships (Again),” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, February 2009: 89(continued...) Congressional Research Service 3 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress Destroyers Destroyers are traditionally named for U.S. naval leaders and heroes. The Navy is currently procuring Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) class destroyers. The Navy in FY2007-FY2009 also procured three DDG-1000 class destroyers. Although the third DDG-1000 was procured in FY2009, the Navy has not yet announced a name for the ship. Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs) Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs) are being named for small and medium-sized cities. The Navy named LCS-1 and LCS-2 Freedom and Independence, respectively, after multiple U.S. cities with these names. Exceptions to the class naming rule arguably have occurred with LCS-3, LCS-5, and 13 An exception to the class naming rule occurred with LCS-10, which the Navy announced on February 10, 2012, would be named for former Representative Gabrielle Giffords.14 Earlier exceptions arguably occurred with LCS-3, LCS-5, and LCS-7, which the Navy named for the relatively large cities of Fort Worth, TX; Milwaukee, WS; and Detroit, MI, respectively.13 The Navy named LCS-4, LCS-6, LCS-8, and LCS-9 for Coronado, CA; Jackson, MS; Montgomery, AL, and Little Rock, AR, respectively.15 LPD-17 Class Amphibious Ships San Antonio (LPD-17) class amphibious ships are being named for U.S. cities. An exception occurred on April 23, 2010, when the Secretary of the Navy announced that LPD-26, the 10th ship in the class, would be named for the late Representative John P. Murtha.14 The Navy in late February or early March 2011 reportedly reaffirmed the Secretary’s decision.15 LHA-6 Class Amphibious Assault Ships The Navy announced on June 27, 2008, that the first LHA-6 class amphibious assault ship would be named America, a name previously used for an aircraft carrier (CV-66) that served in the Navy from 1965 to 1996. The previous eight Wasp (LHD-1) class big deck amphibious assault ships were named for World War II-era Navy aircraft carriers and earlier Navy ships. 1316 (...continued) be honored by an aircraft carrier (two CVNs [nuclear-powered aircraft carriers] have been named for Members of Congress) or possibly the lead ship for the planned class of CG(X) cruisers – but not a submarine.” (Norman Polmar, “Misnaming Navy Ships (Again),” U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, February 2009: 89.) 13 The Navy named LCS-1 and LCS-2 Freedom and Independence, respectively, after multiple U.S. cities with these names. 14 “Navy names Littoral Combat Ship Gabrielle Giffords,” Navy News Service, February 10, 2012, accessed online on February 15, 2012, at http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65287. 15 The Census Bureau estimates that, as of July 1, 2009, Fort Worth was the country’s 17th most populous city, with a population of 727,577; Milwaukee was the country’s 26th most populous city, with a population of 605,013; and Detroit was the country’s 11th most populous city, with a population of 910,921. (Source: Census Bureau population estimates of incorporated places and minor civil divisions as of July 1, 2009, accessed at http://www.census.gov/popest/cities/ SUB-EST2009.html on April 1, 2011.) 14data/ cities/totals/2009/index.html on February 16, 2012.) 16 “Navy Names Amphibious Ship for Congressman John Murtha,” Navy News Service, April 23, 2010. Murtha served in the Marine Corps in from 1952 to 1955, and again from 1966 to 1967. During the second of these two periods, he served in the Vietnam War, receiving multiple decorations, including the Bronze Star with a Combat “V” for valor and two Purple Hearts. He served in the Marine Corps Reserves from 1955 to 1966, and again from 1967 to 1990, retiring as a Colonel. He was the first Vietnam War combat veteran to be elected to the House of Representatives. He served as a Member of the House from February 5, 1974, until his death on February 8, 2010. For many of his years as a Representative, he was the chairman or ranking Member of the Defense subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. In announcing his decision to name the ship for Representative Murtha, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus stated: “Both in uniform and in the halls of Congress, Chairman Murtha dedicated his life to serving his country both in the Marine Corps and Congress. His unwavering support of our Sailors and Marines, and in particular of our wounded warriors, was well known and deeply appreciated.” (“Navy Names Amphibious Ship for Congressman John Murtha,” Navy News Service, April 23, 2010.) The Secretary’s decision to name the ship for Representative Murtha was first reported on April 13, 2010, based on a memorandum from the Secretary of the Navy dated April 9, 2010. (Philip Ewing, “Navy To Name LPD 26 For Rep. John Murtha,” NavyTimes.com, April 13, 2010.) 15 Andrew Miga, “USS The Navy in late February or early March 2011 reportedly reaffirmed the Secretary’s decision. (Andrew Miga, “USS Murtha Won’t Be Nixed,” Philadelphia Inquirer, March 2, 1011: 6.) Congressional Research Service 4 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress LHA-6 Class Amphibious Assault Ships The Navy announced on June 27, 2008, that the first LHA-6 class amphibious assault ship would be named America, a name previously used for an aircraft carrier (CV-66) that served in the Navy from 1965 to 1996. The previous eight Wasp (LHD-1) class big deck amphibious assault ships were named for World War II-era Navy aircraft carriers and earlier Navy ships. TAKE-1 Class Dry Cargo and Ammunition Ships Lewis and Clark (TAKE-1) class cargo and ammunition ships were named for noted explorers and pioneers of various kinds. The Navy announced on October 9, 2009, that the 13th ship in the class was being named for the civil rights activist Medgar Evers.1617 The Navy announced on May 18, 2011, that the 14th and final ship in the class would be named for civil rights activist Cesar Chavez.1718 Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSVs) Joint High Speed Vessels (JHSVs), which until May 2011 were being procured by the Army as well as by the Navy, were at first named for American traits and values.1819 Consistent with this naming rule, the Secretary of the Navy and the Secretary of the Army announced on July 16, 2009, that the first three JHSVs had been named Spearhead (JHSV-1), Vigilant (JHSV-2), and Fortitude (JHSV-3).1920 JHSVs 1 and 3 were procured by the Army; JHSV-2 was procured by the Navy. At some point subsequent to this naming announcement, the Navy apparently decided that it would instead name JHSVs for small cities.2021 On March 25, 2010, the Secretary of the Navy announced that JHSV-4, the second JHSV procured by the Navy, was being named for the city of Fall River, MA.2122 Consistent with the original traits-and-values naming rule for JHSVs, the Army named its next three ships—JHSVs 5, 7, and 9—Resolute, Courageous, and Sacrifice, respectively. On May 5, 2011, the Defense Department announced that the Navy had signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Army transferring the Army’s five JHSVs to the Navy. The MOA states that “the JHSV-1 will remain as the ‘Spearhead.’ For any of the other four Army funded JHSVs, the Navy may retain the Army’s previously approved names or designate a new name.”22 On October 6, 2011, the Secretary of the Navy announced that “the Navy’s next” JHSV was being named Choctaw County, for counties of that name in Alabama, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.23 It 16 17 “Navy Names Ship After Civil Rights Activist Medgar Evers,” Navy News Service, October 9, 2009. See also Gary Robbins, “Medgar Evers’ Widow Christens Navy Ship,” San Diego Union-Tribune, November 13, 2011. 1718 See “Navy Names Ship for Civil Rights Activist Cesar Chavez,” Navy News Service, May 18, 2011, accessed online June 6, 2011, at http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=60467. See also Gidget Fuentes, “Lawmakers React To Naming Ship For Cesar Chavez,” NavyTimes.com, May 17, 2011. 1819 Source: Navy Office of Legislative Affairs, in a telephone call to CRS following the July 16, 2009, naming announcement for JHSVs 1 through 3. 1920 “Navy, Army Name First Three Joint High Speed Vessels,” Navy News Service, July 16, 2009; Christopher P. Cavas, “Independence Shows Its Moves,” Defense News, July 20, 2009: 3. 2021 The Naval Vessel Register entry for JHSV-2 states that the ship’s name was changed on November 3, 2011, from Vigilant to Choctaw County “within keeping of small city names of the Navy JHSV’s [sic]” (http://www.nvr.navy.mil/ nvrships/details/JHSV2.htm, accessed on December 20, 2011). 21February 15, 2012). 22 Kevin S. O’Brien, “Secretary Names JHSV, Meets with Vets and Students,” Navy News Service, March 26, 2010. Fall River is the location of Battleship Cove, a maritime museum and war memorial with several deactivated warships, including a post-World War II cruiser named Fall River. 22 Source: Text of the MOA, as posted on InsideDefense.com (subscription required). 23 A DOD news release announcing the naming of this ship stated in part: (continued...) Congressional Research Service 5 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress Congressional Research Service 5 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress states that “the JHSV-1 will remain as the ‘Spearhead.’ For any of the other four Army funded JHSVs, the Navy may retain the Army’s previously approved names or designate a new name.”23 On October 6, 2011, the Secretary of the Navy announced that “the Navy’s next” JHSV was being named Choctaw County, for counties of that name in Alabama, Mississippi, and Oklahoma.24 It was unclear from the announcement which JHSV the Navy was referring to when it used the phrase “the Navy’s next.” On November 3, 2011, the Navy changed the name of JHSV-2—the first JHSV procured by the Navy—from Vigilant to Choctaw County.2425 The ship’s new name appears to be an exception to the Navy’s own revised naming rule, since it is a county name rather than the name of a small city. Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) Ships On January 4, 2012, the Secretary of the Navy announced that the Navy’s three Mobile Landing Platform (MLP) ships were being named Montford Point, John Glenn, and Lewis B. Puller. A Department of Defense (DOD) news release stated: The Department of the Navy’s three Mobile Landing Platform ships will be named the USNS Montford Point, the USNS John Glenn and the USNS Lewis B. Puller, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced today [January 4]. “I chose to name the department’s new MLPs Montford Point, John Glenn and Lewis B. Puller as a way to recognize these American pioneers and heroes both collectively and individually,” said Mabus. “The courage shown by these Marines helped forge the Corps into the most formidable expeditionary force in the world.” The USNS Montford Point honors the approximately 20,000 African American Marine Corps recruits who trained at the North Carolina facility from 1942-1949. Their exceptional service prompted President Truman to sign an executive order in 1948 ending segregation in the U.S. military services. These 20,000 Marines were recently recognized with our nation’s highest civilian honor for distinguished achievement, the Congressional Gold Medal.... The second MLP, the USNS John Glenn, honors Col. John Glenn, a decorated Marine Corps pilot, distinguished astronaut, Congressional Space Medal of Honor recipient and U.S. Senator. During his time with the Marine Corps, Glenn flew 59 combat missions during World War II and a combined 90 missions over the course of two tours in the Korean War. (...continued)23 Source: Text of the MOA, as posted on InsideDefense.com (subscription required). A DOD news release announcing the naming of this ship stated in part: Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus joined Ackerman, Miss., Mayor Dick Cain to announce today that the name of the Department of the Navy’s next Joint High Speed Vessel (JHSV) will be United States Naval Ship (USNS) Choctaw County, during a brief ceremony today at Ackerman High School, Ackerman, Miss. “I grew up in Choctaw County, Miss., where people work hard to raise their families and provide for their children,” Mabus said. “I chose to name JHSV after Choctaw County to honor those men and women who represent rural America.” This will be the first naval vessel to serve as the county’s namesake, an honor shared by Choctaw counties also located in Alabama and Oklahoma. (DOD news release No. 859-11, entitled “Navy Names New Joint High Speed Vessel,” October 6, 2011, accessed on October 6, 2011, at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid= 14846.) 2425 The Naval Vessel Register entry for JHSV-2 states that the ship’s name was changed on November 3, 2011, from Vigilant to Choctaw County (http://www.nvr.navy.mil/nvrships/details/JHSV2.htm, accessed on December 20, 2011). 24 Congressional Research Service 6 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress Senator. During his time with the Marine Corps, Glenn flew 59 combat missions during World War II and a combined 90 missions over the course of two tours in the Korean War. The final auxiliary support ship, the USNS Lewis B. Puller, is named in honor of Lt. Gen. Lewis “Chesty” Puller, the most decorated Marine in history and the only one to be awarded five Navy Crosses.2526 Ships Named for Living Persons The Navy historically has only rarely named ships for living persons. Since the 1970s, as shown in Table 1, at least 1213 U.S. military ships have been named for persons who were living at the time the name was announced.27 Table 1. Ships Since the 1970s Named for Persons Who Were Living at the Time Ship type Aircraft carrier Attack submarine Destroyer Aircraft carrier Sealift ship Aircraft carrier Destroyer Attack submarine Destroyer Aircraft carrier Destroyer Attack submarine Mobile Landing Platform Ship Littoral Combat Ship Hull number CVN-70 SSN-709 DDG-51 CVN-74 TAKR-300 CVN-76 DDG-94 SSN-23SSN-23 DDG-94 CVN-77 DDG-108 SSN-785 MLP-2? LCS-10 Ship name Carl Vinson Hyman G. Rickover Arleigh Burke John C. Stennis Bob Hope Ronald Reagan Nitze Jimmy Carter Nitze George H.W. Bush Wayne E. Meyer John Warner John Glenn Gabrielle Giffords Procured FY1974 FY1974 FY1985 FY1988 FY1993 FY1995 FY1999 FY1996FY1996a FY1999 FY2001 FY2004 FY2010 FY2011 FY2012 In service 1982 1984 1991 1995 1998 2003 2005 2005 20082009 2009 2015 2014 2015 Source: Compiled by CRS. a. SSN-23 was originally procured in FY1992. Its procurement was suspended, and then reinstated in FY1996. Public’s Role in Naming Ships Members of the public are sometimes interested in having Navy ships named for their own states or cities, for older U.S. Navy ships (particularly those on which they or their relatives served), for 26 DOD News Release No. 007-12, January 4, 2012, entitled “Navy Names First Three Landing Platform Ships,” accessed January 6, 2012, at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14991. 27 In response to an inquiry from CRS about ships named for living persons prior to the 1970s, the Navy states the following: The Navy named several ships for living people (ex. George Washington, Ben Franklin, etc.) in the early years of our Republic. The Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) believes that the last ship to be named by the Navy in honor of a living person prior to CARL VINSON (CVN-70) was the brig JEFFERSON (launched in April 1814). Between 1814 and November 18, 1973, when President Nixon announced the naming of CARL VINSON, NHHC does not believe that any ships had been named for a living person by the Navy as NHHC does not have records that would indicate such. (Navy information paper dated February 28, 2012, provided to CRS by Navy Office of Legislative Affairs, March 1, 2012.) Congressional Research Service 7 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress battles in which they or their relatives participated, or for people they admire. Citizens with such an interest sometimes contact the Navy, the Department of Defense, or Congress seeking support for their proposals. An October 2008 news report, for example, suggested that a letter-writing campaign by New Hampshire elementary school students that began in January 2004 was instrumental in the Navy’s decision in August 2004 to name a Virginia-class submarine after the state.2628 Members of the public may also express their opposition to an announced naming decision. Recently, for example, some members of the public have expressed opposition to the Navy’s decision to name LPD-26 for the late Representative John P. Murtha.27 25 DOD News Release No. 007-12, January 4, 2012, entitled “Navy Names First Three Landing Platform Ships,” accessed January 6, 2012, at http://www.defense.gov/releases/release.aspx?releaseid=14991. 26 Dean Lohmeyer, “Students Who Helped Name the Navy’s Newest Sub Tour State’s Namesake,” Navy News Service, October 25, 2008. 27 See, for example, Andrew Miga, “USS Murtha Won’t Be Nixed,” Philadelphia Inquirer, March 2, 1011: 6. Congressional Research Service 7 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress29 Congress’s Role in Naming Ships Congressional Influence on Pending Navy Ship-Naming Decisions Congress has long maintained an interest in how Navy ships are named,2830 and has influenced or may have influenced pending Navy decisions on the naming of certain ships. For example, one, including but not limited to the following: • One source states that “[the aircraft carriers] CVN 72 and CVN 73 were named prior to their start [of construction], in part to preempt potential congressional pressure to name one of those ships for Admiral H.G. Rickover ([instead,] the [attack submarine] SSN 709 was named for the admiral).”29 Another example was 31 • There was a friendly rivalry of sorts in Congress between those who supported naming the aircraft carrier CVN-76 for President Truman and those who supported naming it for President Reagan; the issue was effectively resolved by a decision announced by President Clinton in February 1995 to name one carrier (CVN-75) for Truman and another (CVN-76) for Reagan.30 32 • One press report suggests that the decision to name CVN-77 for President George H. W. Bush may have been influenced by a congressional suggestion.31 33 • Section 1012 of the FY2007 John Warner National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 5122/P.L. 109-364 of October 17, 2006), expressed the sense of the Congress that the aircraft carrier CVN-78 should be named for President Gerald R. Ford, and the Navy announced on January 16, 2007, that CVN-78 would be so named. The Navy suggests that congressional offices wishing to express support for proposals to name a Navy ship for a specific person, place, or thing contact the office of the Secretary of the Navy to make their support known. Congress may also pass legislation relating to ship names (see below). Congressional Responses to Announced Navy Ship-Naming Decisions Congress can pass legislation regarding a ship-naming decision that has been announced by the Navy. Such legislation can express Congress’s views regarding the Navy’s announced decision, and if Congress so desires, can also suggest or direct the Navy to take some action. The following are two examples of such legislation: • H.Res. 1022 of the 111th Congress is an example of a measure reflecting support for an announced Navy ship-naming decision. This measure, introduced on January 20, 2010, and passed by the House on February 4, 2010 (see the Appendix), congratulates the Navy on its decision to name a naval ship for Medgar Evers. • H.Con.Res. 312 of the 97th Congress is an example of a measure that appears to reflect disagreement with an announced Navy ship-naming decision. This 28. The Navy announced on January 16, 2007, that CVN-78 would be named Gerald R. Ford. 28 Dean Lohmeyer, “Students Who Helped Name the Navy’s Newest Sub Tour State’s Namesake,” Navy News Service, October 25, 2008. 29 See, for example, Andrew Miga, “USS Murtha Won’t Be Nixed,” Philadelphia Inquirer, March 2, 1011: 6. 30 For example, the 1819 and 1858 laws cited in footnote 1 set forth naming rules for certain kinds of ships. Today, 10 U.S.C. §7292(b) still requires that battleships (which the United States has not built since World War II) be named after states. 2931 The Naval Institute Guide to the Ships and Aircraft of the U.S. Fleet, op cit, p. 113. See also p. 70 and p. 86. 3032 Patrick Pexton, “Clinton Compromise: Carriers Truman And Reagan,” Navy Times, February 13, 1995: 19. See also “Navy Announces Aircraft Carrier To Be Named For President Truman,” Associated Press, February 2, 1995. CVN-75 had been preliminarily named the United States. 3133 The article, which reported on the ship’s official naming ceremony, states: “[Senator] Warner recalled that he first suggested naming a carrier in the senior Bush’s honor last year [i.e., in 2001], during a ceremony in Newport News to christen the [previous] carrier Ronald Reagan.” (Dale Eisman, “Navy Names New Aircraft Carrier For Elder Bush,” Norfolk Virginian-Pilot, December 10, 2002.) Congressional Research Service 8 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress • In the 111th Congress, H.Res. 1505, introduced on July 1, 2010, expressed the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of the Navy should name the next appropriate naval ship in honor of John William Finn. The measure was not acted on after being referred to the House Armed Services Committee. On February 15, 2012, the Navy announced that DDG-113, an Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) class destroyer, would be named John Finn.34 • Section 1012 of the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1540/P.L. 112-81 of December 31, 2011) expressed the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy is encouraged to name the next available naval vessel after Rafael Peralta. On February 15, 2012, the Navy announced that DDG-113, an Arleigh Burke (DDG-51) class destroyer, would be named Rafael Peralta.35 The Navy suggests that congressional offices wishing to express support for proposals to name a Navy ship for a specific person, place, or thing contact the office of the Secretary of the Navy to make their support known. Congress may also pass legislation relating to ship names (see below). Congressional Responses to Announced Navy Ship-Naming Decisions Congress can pass legislation regarding a ship-naming decision that has been announced by the Navy. Such legislation can express Congress’s views regarding the Navy’s announced decision, and if Congress so desires, can also suggest or direct the Navy to take some action. The following are two examples of such legislation: • H.Res. 1022 of the 111th Congress is an example of a measure reflecting support for an announced Navy ship-naming decision. This measure, introduced on January 20, 2010, and passed by the House on February 4, 2010 (see the Appendix), congratulates the Navy on its decision to name a naval ship for Medgar Evers. • H.Con.Res. 312 of the 97th Congress is an example of a measure that appears to reflect disagreement with an announced Navy ship-naming decision. This measure expressed the sense of Congress that the Los Angeles (SSN-688) class attack submarine Corpus Christi (SSN-705) should be renamed, and that a nonlethal naval vessel should instead be named Corpus Christi. (Los Angelesclass attack submarines were named for cities, and SSN-705 had been named for Corpus Christi, TX.) H.Con.Res. 312 was introduced on April 21, 1982, and was referred to the Seapower and Strategic and Critical Materials subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee on April 28, 1982. On May 10, 1982, the Navy modified the name of SSN-705 to City of Corpus Christi. Past Legislation on Naming Ships Table 2 shows recent enacted provisions regarding the names of Navy ships. All of these measures expressed the sense of the Congress about how a Navy ship should be named. 34 “Navy Names Five New Ships,” Navy News Service, February 15, 2012, accessed online February 16, 2012, at http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65361. 35 “Navy Names Five New Ships,” Navy News Service, February 15, 2012, accessed online February 16, 2012, at http://www.navy.mil/search/display.asp?story_id=65361. Congressional Research Service 9 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress Table 2. Recent Enacted Legislative Provisions Fiscal Year Public Law Bill Section Ship Name(s) 2012 P.L. 112-81 H.R. 1540 1012 the next available naval vessel Rafael Peralta 2011 P.L. 111-383 H.R. 6523 1022 a combat vessel Father Vincent Capodanno 2007 P.L. 109-364 H.R. 5122 1012 CVN-78 Gerald R. Ford 2001 P.L. 106-398 H.R. 4205 1012 CVN-77 Lexington 1999 P.L. 105-261 H.R. 3616 1014 an LPD-17 class ship Clifton B. Cates 1996 P.L. 104-106 S. 1124 1018 LHD-7 Iwo Jima 1996 P.L. 104-106 S. 1124 1018 LPD-17 class amphibious ships Marine Corps battles or members of Marine Corps 1996 P.L. 104-106 S. 1124 1019 an appropriate ship Joseph Vittori 1991 P.L. 101-510 H.R. 4739 1426 the next DDG-51 Samuel S. Stratton 1989 P.L. 100-456 H.R. 4481 1221 the next SSBN Melvin Price 1989 P.L. 100-456 H.R. 4481 1222 an appropriate ship Bob Hope 1989 P.L. 100-202 H.J.Res. 395 8138 CVN-74 or CVN-75 John C. Stennis Source: Prepared by CRS. All of these provisions expressed the sense of the Congress about how a Navy ship should be named. Table 3 shows examples of proposed bills and amendments regarding the names of Navy ships going back to the 93rd Congress. Some of these measures expressed the sense of the Congress about how a Navy ship should be named, while others would mandate a certain name for a ship. Although few of these measures were acted on after being referred to committee, they all signaled congressional interest in how certain ships should be named, and thus may have influenced Navy decisions on these matters. Congressional Research Service 910 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress Table 3. Examples of Proposed Bills and Amendments [Congress] and Bill Ship Proposed name(s) [112th] H.Con.Res. 48 a Littoral Combat Ship Ypsilanti [112th] H.R. 1945 next available naval vessel Rafael Peralta [111th] H.Res. 1505 next appropriate naval ship John William Finn [111th] H.Res. 330 an appropriate ship Clifton B. Cates [111th] H.Con.Res. 83 CVN-79 or CVN-80 Barry M. Goldwater [109th] S. 2766 CVN-78 Gerald R. Ford [107th] H.Con.Res. 294 a new naval vessel Bluejacket [106th] S.Con.Res. 84 CVN-77 Lexington [105th] S.Amdt. 2812 to S. 2057 LPD-17 class ship Clifton B. Cates [104th] H.J.Res. 61 CVN-76 Ronald Reagan [104th] H.R. 445 CVN-76 Harry Truman [104th] S.Con.Res. 62 SSN-774 South Dakota [104th] S.J.Res. 17 CVN-76 Ronald Reagan [104th] S.Amdt. 2277 to S. 1026 LHD-7 Iwo Jima [104th] S.Amdt. 2277 to S. 1026 LPD-17 class ships famous Marine Corps battles or heroes [104th] S.Amdt. 4350 to S. 1745 a SSN-774 class submarine South Dakota [103rd] an appropriate ship Joseph Vittori [102nd] H.Con.Res. 354 a guided missile cruiser Pearl Harbor [102nd] H.R. 6115 CVN-76 Harry S Truman [100th] H.Amdt. 614 to H.R. 4264 next SSBN-726 class submarine deployed after enactment Melvin Price [100th] S.Amdt. 1354 to H.J.Res. 395 CVN-74 or CVN-75 John C. Stennis [98th] H.Res. 99 an aircraft carrier Wasp [97th] H.Con.Res. 312 a nonlethal naval vessela Corpus Christia [97th] H.Res. 174 an aircraft carrier Wasp [97th] H.R. 4977 CVN-72 Hyman G. Rickover [93rd] H.Con.Res. 386 CVN-70 Carl Vinson [93rd] H.Con.Res. 387 CVN-70 Carl Vinson [93rd] H.J.Res. 831 CVN-70 Carl Vinson H.R. 5283 Source: Prepared by CRS. a. H.Con.Res. 312 expressed the sense of Congress that the Los Angeles (SSN-688) class attack submarine Corpus Christi (SSN-705) should be renamed, and that a nonlethal naval vessel should instead be named Corpus Christi. (Los Angeles-class attack submarines were named for cities, and SSN-705 had been named for Corpus Christi, TX.) H.Con.Res. 312 was introduced on April 21, 1982, and was referred to the Seapower and Strategic and Critical Materials subcommittee of the House Armed Services Committee on April 28, 1982. On May 10, 1982, the Navy changed the name of SSN-705 to City of Corpus Christi. Congressional Research Service 1011 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress Legislative Activity in 112th Congress H.R. 1540/P.L. 112-81 (FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act) Senate (S. 1867) On November 30, 2011, as part of its consideration of S. 1867, the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act,3236 the Senate adopted an en bloc amendment that included, among other things, S.Amdt. 1134. The text of S.Amdt. 1134 is as follows: At the end of subtitle C of title X, add the following: SEC. 1024. REPORT ON POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF THE NAVY FOR NAMING THE VESSELS OF THE NAVY. (a) Report Required.—Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the policies and practices of the Navy for naming vessels of the Navy. (b) Elements.—The report required by subsection (a) shall set forth the following: (1) A description of the current policies and practices of the Navy for naming vessels of the Navy. (2) A description of the extent to which the policies and practices described under paragraph (1) vary from historical policies and practices of the Navy for naming vessels of the Navy, and an explanation for such variances (if any). (3) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of establishing fixed policies for the naming of one or more classes of vessels of the Navy, and a statement of the policies recommended to apply to each class of vessels recommended to be covered by such fixed policies if the establishment of such fixed policies is considered feasible and advisable. (4) Any other matters relating to the policies and practices of the Navy for naming vessels of the Navy that the Secretary of Defense considers appropriate. Conference (H.R. 1540) In the conference report (H.Rept. 112-329 of December 12, 2011) on H.R. 1540/P.L. 112-81 of December 31, 2011, the text of Section 1012 is as follows: SEC. 1012. SENSE OF CONGRESS ON NAMING OF NAVAL VESSEL AFTER UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS SERGEANT RAFAEL PERALTA. 3236 S. 1867, an original measure reported by Senator Levin on November 15, 2011, without written report, in effect superseded S. 1253, an earlier version of the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act. Congressional Research Service 1112 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy is encouraged to name the next available Naval vessel after United States Marine Corps Sergeant Rafael Peralta. (See also H.R. 1945, discussed below.) The text of Section 1014 of H.R. 1540 is as follows: SEC. 1014. REPORT ON POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF THE NAVY FOR NAMING THE VESSELS OF THE NAVY. (a) Report Required- Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall submit to Congress a report on the policies and practices of the Navy for naming vessels of the Navy. (b) Elements- The report required by subsection (a) shall set forth the following: (1) A description of the current policies and practices of the Navy for naming vessels of the Navy. (2) A description of the extent to which the policies and practices described under paragraph (1) vary from historical policies and practices of the Navy for naming vessels of the Navy, and an explanation for such variances (if any). (3) An assessment of the feasibility and advisability of establishing fixed policies for the naming of one or more classes of vessels of the Navy, and a statement of the policies recommended to apply to each class of vessels recommended to be covered by such fixed policies if the establishment of such fixed policies is considered feasible and advisable. (4) Any other matters relating to the policies and practices of the Navy for naming vessels of the Navy that the Secretary of Defense H.Con.Res. 48 (Regarding Naming a Littoral Combat Ship for Ypsilanti, Michigan) The text of H.Con.Res. 48, introduced on May 4, 2011, is as follows: CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name a Littoral Combat Ship the U.S.S. Ypsilanti, in honor of Ypsilanti, Michigan. Whereas the Navy proposes the procurement of 55 Littoral Combats Ships; Whereas the Navy has stated it will name Littoral Combats Ships for small towns and communities and mid-size cities; Whereas the City of Ypsilanti and Ypsilanti Township, Michigan, with a combined population of 74,439, is a small city that satisfies the criteria for naming Littoral Combats Ships; Congressional Research Service 1213 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress Whereas Ypsilanti, Michigan, is named in honor of General Demetrius Ypsilanti, who is considered a Greek war hero for his contributions to achieving Greece’s independence in 1829; Whereas in 1829, the Michigan settlement of Woodruff’s Grove combined land acquired by three prominent settlers and changed its name to the City of Ypsilanti; Whereas Ypsilanti is located in the county that hosts the only Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps unit in Michigan; Whereas the NROTC unit prepares students from Eastern Michigan University, located in Ypsilanti, for service as officers in both the United States Navy and the United States Marine Corps; and Whereas the Littoral Combats Ships are designed to operate in littoral, or close-to-shore environments, and a Navy vessel the bearing the name U.S.S. Ypsilanti would help convey the American ideals of freedom and democracy to nations struggling to achieve democracy: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name a Littoral Combat Ship in honor of Ypsilanti, Michigan. H.R. 1945 (Regarding Naming A Naval Vessel For Rafael Peralta) The text of H.R. 1945, introduced on May 23, 2011, is as follows: A BILL To direct the Secretary of the Navy to name the next available Naval vessel after United States Marine Corps Sergeant Rafael Peralta. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. NAMING OF NAVAL VESSEL AFTER UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS SERGEANT RAFAEL PERALTA. The Secretary of the Navy shall name the next available Naval vessel after United States Marine Corps Sergeant Rafael Peralta. H.Rept. 112-88 of May 24, 2011, which provided for the further consideration of H.R. 1540, the FY2012 National Defense Authorization Act, listed an amendment (No. 36) similar in purpose to H.R. 1945.3337 H.Rept. 112-88 stated that this amendment 3337 H.Rept. 112-88, pages 47-48, states that amendment No. 36 would add a new section to H.R. 1540 as follows: SEC. 1022. NAMING OF NAVAL VESSEL AFTER UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS SERGEANT RAFAEL PERALTA. Congress strongly encourages the Secretary of the Navy to name the next available Naval vessel after United States Marine Corps Sergeant Rafael Peralta. Congressional Research Service 1314 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress Would encourage the Secretary of the Navy to name the next available ship after Marine Corps Sergeant Rafael Peralta. Sergeant Peralta, who grew up in Southeast San Diego, was nominated for the Medal of Honor for smothering a grenade with his body during combat in Fallujah, Iraq. He was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross instead. A team of specialists, which included pathologists and other experts, conducted an investigation at the direction of the Secretary of Defense and determined that Peralta did not consciously pull the grenade into his body. This conclusion contradicts the eye-witness accounts of the Marines fighting alongside Peralta, as well as the recommendation put forward by Marine Corps leadership. There have been 11 instances, going back to 1989, where Congress has included in legislation that was signed into law how a Navy ship should be named. (Pages 6-7) The Legislative Information System suggests that the House did not consider this amendment as part of its consideration of H.R. 1540 on May 24-26, 2011. (See also §1012 of H.R. 1540/P.L. 112-81, discussed above.) Congressional Research Service 1415 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress Appendix. Legislative Activity in the 111th Congress H.R. 6523/P.L. 111-383 (FY2011 Ike Skelton National Defense Authorization Act) House (H.R. 5136) Section 1025 of H.R. 5136, the FY2011 defense authorization bill that was passed by the House on May 28, 2010, expresses the sense of Congress that the Navy should name a combat ship for Father Vincent Capodanno, a lieutenant in the Navy Chaplain Corps. The text of Section 1025 is as follows: SEC. 1025. EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING THE NAMING OF A NAVAL COMBAT VESSEL AFTER FATHER VINCENT CAPODANNO . (a) Findings- Congress makes the following findings: (1) Father Vincent Capodanno was born on February 13, 1929, in Staten Island, New York. (2) After attending Fordham University for a year, he entered the Maryknoll Missionary Seminary in upstate New York in 1949, and was ordained a Catholic priest in June 1957. (3) Father Capodanno’s first assignment as a missionary was working with aboriginal Taiwanese people in the mountains of Taiwan where he served in a parish and later in a school. After several years, Father Capodanno returned to the United States for leave and then was assigned to a Maryknoll school in Hong Kong. (4) Father Vincent Capodanno volunteered as a Navy Chaplain and was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Naval Reserve in December 28, 1965. (5) Father Vincent Capodanno selflessly extended his combat tour in Vietnam on the condition he was allowed to remain with the infantry. (6) On September 4, 1967, during a fierce battle in the Thang Binh District of the Que-Son Valley in Vietnam, Father Capodanno went among the wounded and dying, giving last rites and caring for the injured. He was killed that day while taking care of his Marines. (7) On January 7, 1969, Father Vincent Capodanno was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for comforting the wounded and dying during the Vietnam conflict. For his dedicated service, Father Capodanno was also awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. (8) In his memory, the U.S.S. Capodanno34Capodanno38 was commissioned on September 17, 1973. It is the only Naval vessel to date to have received a Papal blessing by Pope John Paul II in Naples, Italy, on September 4, 1981. 3438 This ship, FF-1093, was a Knox (FF-1046) class frigate. Congressional Research Service 1516 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress (9) The U.S.S. Capodanno was decommissioned on July 30, 1993. (b) Sense of Congress- It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name a combat vessel of the United States Navy the `U.S.S. Father Vincent Capodanno’ , in honor of Father Vincent Capodanno , a lieutenant in the Navy Chaplain Corps. Final Version (H.R. 6523/P.L. 111-383) Section 1022 of H.R. 6523/P.L. 111-383 of January 7, 2011, expresses the sense of Congress that the Navy should name a combat ship for Father Vincent Capodanno, a lieutenant in the Navy Chaplain Corps. The text of Section 1022 is as follows: SEC. 1022. EXPRESSING THE SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING THE NAMING OF A NAVAL COMBAT VESSEL AFTER FATHER VINCENT CAPODANNO. (a) Findings- Congress makes the following findings: (1) Father Vincent Capodanno was born on February 13, 1929, in Staten Island, New York. (2) After attending Fordham University for a year, he entered the Maryknoll Missionary Seminary in upstate New York in 1949, and was ordained a Catholic priest in June 1957. (3) Father Capodanno’s first assignment as a missionary was working with aboriginal Taiwanese people in the mountains of Taiwan where he served in a parish and later in a school. After several years, Father Capodanno returned to the United States for leave and then was assigned to a Maryknoll school in Hong Kong. (4) Father Vincent Capodanno volunteered as a Navy Chaplain and was commissioned a Lieutenant in the Chaplain Corps of the United States Naval Reserve in December 28, 1965. (5) Father Vincent Capodanno selflessly extended his combat tour in Vietnam on the condition he was allowed to remain with the infantry. (6) On September 4, 1967, during a fierce battle in the Thang Binh District of the Que-Son Valley in Vietnam, Father Capodanno went among the wounded and dying, giving last rites and caring for the injured. He was killed that day while taking care of his Marines. (7) On January 7, 1969, Father Vincent Capodanno was awarded the Medal of Honor posthumously for comforting the wounded and dying during the Vietnam conflict. For his dedicated service, Father Capodanno was also awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Presidential Unit Citation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. (8) In his memory, the U.S.S. Capodanno was commissioned on September 17, 1973. It is the only Naval vessel to date to have received a Papal blessing by Pope John Paul II in Naples, Italy, on September 4, 1981. (9) The U.S.S. Capodanno was decommissioned on July 30, 1993. (b) Sense of Congress- It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name a combat vessel of the United States Navy the `U.S.S. Father Vincent Capodanno’, in honor of Father Vincent Capodanno, a lieutenant in the Navy Chaplain Corps. Congressional Research Service 1617 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress H.Res. 1022 (Congratulating the Navy for Naming a Naval Ship for Medgar Evers) H.Res. 1022, introduced on January 20, 2010, and passed by the House on February 4, 2010, honors the life and sacrifice of Medgar Evers,; recognizes the important role Evers played in securing civil rights for all people in the United States; and congratulates the Navy for honoring Medgar Evers by naming a naval ship for him. H.Res. 1022 states: RESOLUTION Honoring the life and sacrifice of Medgar Evers and congratulating the United States Navy for naming a supply ship after Medgar Evers. Whereas Medgar Evers was born on July 2, 1925, in Decatur, Mississippi; Whereas Mr. Evers was hired by Dr. Theodore Roosevelt Mason Howard to sell insurance for the Magnolia Mutual Life Insurance Company; Whereas Mr. Evers was inducted into United States Army in 1943 and fought in the Battle of Normandy; Whereas Dr. Howard, as President of the Regional Council of Negro Leadership, helped to introduce Mr. Evers to civil rights activism; Whereas Mr. Evers applied to the then-segregated University of Mississippi School of Law in February 1954; Whereas Mr. Evers’ application was rejected resulting in a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) campaign to desegregate the school; Whereas Mr. Evers was hired as a field secretary for the NAACP; Whereas Mr. Evers was the target of a number of death threats as a result of his activism; Whereas, on May 28, 1963, a Molotov cocktail was thrown into the carport of Mr. Evers’s home and 5 days before his death Mr. Evers was assaulted by a car outside of an NAACP office; Whereas Mr. Evers was assassinated in the driveway of his home in Jackson after returning from a meeting with NAACP lawyers on June 12, 1963; Whereas this assassination occurred just hours after President John F. Kennedy’s speech on national television in support of civil rights; Whereas the death of Mr. Evers helped to prompt President John F. Kennedy to ask Congress for a comprehensive civil rights bill; Whereas that bill, the Civil Rights Act of 1964, was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson; Whereas Mr. Evers’ assassination has been memorialized in numerous popular songs, movies, and written pieces; Congressional Research Service 1718 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress Whereas in 1969, Medgar Evers College was established in Brooklyn, New York, as part of the City University of New York; Whereas, on June 28, 1992, the city of Jackson, Mississippi erected a statue in honor of Mr. Evers; Whereas in December 2004, the Jackson City Council changed the name of the city’s airport to Jackson-Evers International Airport; and Whereas, on October 9, 2009, Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus announced that the United States Naval Ship (USNS) Medgar Evers (T-AKE-13), a Lewis and Clark-class dry cargo ship, will be named after Mr. Evers: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the House of Representatives— (1) honors the life and sacrifice of Medgar Evers; (2) recognizes the important role Mr. Evers played in securing civil rights for all people in the United States; and (3) congratulates the United States Navy for honoring Medgar Evers by naming the United States Naval Ship Medgar Evers after him. Section 1022 of FY2010 Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 2647/P.L. 111-84) (Designating USS Constitution as America’s Ship of State) Section 1022 of the FY2010 defense authorization act (H.R. 2647/P.L. 111-84 of October 28, 2009) designates the historic Navy ship USS Constitution as “America’s Ship of State.”3539 Section 1022 states: SEC. 1022. DESIGNATION OF U.S.S. CONSTITUTION AS AMERICA’S SHIP OF STATE. (a) FINDINGS.—Congress makes the following findings: (1) In the Act entitled ‘‘An Act to Provide a Naval Armament’’, approved on March 27, 1794 (1 Stat. 350, Chap. XII), the 3rd Congress authorized the construction of six frigates as the first ships to be built for the United States Navy. (2) One of the six frigates was built in Boston, Massachusetts, between 1794 and 1797, and is the only one of the original six ships to survive. (3) President George Washington named this frigate ‘‘Constitution’’ to represent the Nation’s founding document. (4) President Thomas Jefferson, asserting the right of the United States to trade on the high seas, dispatched the frigate Constitution in 1803 as the flagship of the Mediterranean Squadron to end the depredations of the Barbary States against United States ships and 3539 The provision was included as §1014 in the Senate-reported version of the FY2010 defense authorization bill (S. 1390). Congressional Research Service 1819 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress shipping, which led to a treaty being signed with the Bashaw of Tripoli in the captain’s cabin aboard the frigate Constitution on June 4, 1805. (5) The frigate Constitution, with her defeat of the H.M.S. Guerriere, secured the first major victory by the young United States Navy against the Royal Navy during the War of 1812, gaining in the process the nickname ‘‘Old Ironsides’’, which she has proudly carried since. (6) Congress awarded gold medals to four of the ship’s commanding officers (Preble, Hull, Stewart, and Bainbridge), a record unmatched by any other United States Navy vessel. (7) The frigate Constitution emerged from the War of 1812 undefeated, having secured victories over three additional ships of the Royal Navy. (8) As early as May 1815, the frigate Constitution had already been adopted as a symbol of the young Republic, as attested by the [Washington] National Intelligencer which proclaimed, ‘‘Let us keep ‘Old Ironsides’ at home. She has, literally become the Nation’s Ship ... and should thus be preserved ... in honorable pomp, as a glorious Monument of her own, and our other Naval Victories.’’. (9) Rumors in 1830 that ‘‘Old Ironsides’’, an aging frigate, was about to be scrapped resulted in a public uproar demanding that the ship be restored and preserved, spurred by Oliver Wendell Holmes’ immortal poem ‘‘Old Ironsides’’. (10) ‘‘Old Ironsides’’ circumnavigated the world between 1844 and 1846, showing the American flag as she searched for future coaling stations that would eventually fuel the steam-powered navy of the United States. (11) The first Pope to set foot on United States sovereign territory was Pius IX onboard the frigate Constitution in 1849. (12) On April 25, 1860, ‘‘Old Ironsides’’ evacuated the midshipmen of the United States Naval Academy from Annapolis, Maryland, to Newport, Rhode Island, preventing the young officers and the esteemed ship from falling into Confederate hands. (13) In 1896, Congressman John F. ‘‘Honey Fitz’’ Fitzgerald introduced legislation to return ‘‘Old Ironsides’’ from the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in New Hampshire, where she was moored pier side and largely forgotten, to Boston for her 100th birthday. (14) Thousands of school children contributed pennies between 1925 an 1927 to help fund a much needed restoration for ‘‘Old Ironsides’’. (15) Between 1931 and 1934, more than 4,500,000 Americans gained inspiration, at the depth of the Great Depression, by going aboard ‘‘Old Ironsides’’ as she was towed to 76 ports on the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts. (16) The 83rd Congress enacted the Act of July 23, 1954 (68 Stat. 527, chapter 565), which directed the Secretary of the Navy to transfer to the States and appropriate commissions four other historic ships then on the Navy inventory, and to repair and equip the U.S.S. Constitution, as much as practicable, to her original condition, but not for active service. (17) Queen Elizabeth II paid a formal visit to the U.S.S. Constitution in 1976, at the start of her state visit marking the bicentennial of the United States. Congressional Research Service 1920 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress (18) The U.S.S. Constitution, in celebration of her bicentennial, returned to sea under sail on July 21, 1997, for the first time since 1881, proudly setting sails purchased by the contributions of thousands of pennies given by school children across the United States. (19) The U.S.S. Constitution is the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world. (20) The U.S.S. Constitution is a national historic landmark. (21) The U.S.S. Constitution continues to perform official, ceremonial duties, including in recent years hosting a congressional dinner honoring the late Senator John Chafee of Rhode Island, a special salute for the dedication of the John Moakley Federal Courthouse, a luncheon honoring British Ambassador Sir David Manning, and a special underway demonstration during which 60 Medal of Honor recipients each received a personal Medal of Honor flag. (22) The U.S.S. Constitution celebrated on October 21, 2007, the 210th anniversary of her launching. (23) The U.S.S. Constitution will remain a commissioned ship in the United States Navy, with the Navy retaining control of the ship, its material condition, and its employment. (24) The U.S.S. Constitution’s primary mission will remain education and public outreach, and any Ship of State functions will be an adjunct to the ship’s primary mission. (b) DESIGNATION AS AMERICA’S SHIP OF STATE.— (1) IN GENERAL.—The U.S.S. Constitution is hereby designated as ‘‘America’s Ship of State’’. (2) REFERENCES.—The U.S.S. Constitution may be known or referred to as ‘‘America’s Ship of State’’. (3) SENSE OF CONGRESS.—It is the sense of Congress that the President, Vice President, executive branch officials, and membersMembers of Congress should use the U.S.S. Constitution for the conducting of pertinent matters of state, such as hosting visiting heads of state, signing legislation relating to the Armed Forces, and signing maritime related treaties. (4) FEE OR REIMBURSEMENT STRUCTURE FOR NON-DEPARTMENT OF THE NAVY USE.—The Secretary of the Navy shall determine an appropriate fee or reimbursement structure for any non-Department of the Navy entities using the U.S.S. Constitution for Ship of State purposes. H.Con.Res. 83 (Regarding Naming CVN-79 or CVN-80 for Barry Goldwater) H.Con.Res. 83, introduced on March 26, 2010, expresses the sense of the Congress that that a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, either CVN-79 or CVN-80, should be named for former Senator Barry M. Goldwater. The text of H.Con.Res. 83 states: Congressional Research Service 2021 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress CONCURRENT RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of Congress that a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of the Navy, either the aircraft carrier designated as CVN-79 or the aircraft carrier designated as CVN-80, should be named the U.S.S. Barry M. Goldwater. Whereas Barry M. Goldwater served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II and was later a Major General in the Air Force Reserve; Whereas Barry M. Goldwater was an avid pilot throughout his military career and after his retirement; Whereas Barry M. Goldwater was instrumental in the desegregation of Phoenix schools, restaurants, and the Arizona National Guard; Whereas Barry M. Goldwater was elected to the City Council in Phoenix in 1949, and served as a United States Senator from Arizona from 1953 to 1965 and again from 1969 to 1987; Whereas throughout his tenure in Congress, Senator Goldwater was as avid a proponent of a strong national defense as he was a staunch opponent of communism and totalitarianism; Whereas Senator Goldwater served as chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee and was responsible for the unanimous Senate passage of the Defense Department Reorganization Act of 1986, which streamlined command channels at the Pentagon; Whereas Senator Goldwater was nominated by the Republican Party as a candidate for President of the United States in 1964; Whereas Senator Goldwater memorably declared at the 1964 Republican Convention, `I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me remind you also that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue’; and Whereas Senator Barry M. Goldwater was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1986 by President Ronald Reagan: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives (the Senate concurring), That it is the sense of Congress that a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of the Navy, either the aircraft carrier designated as CVN-79 or the aircraft carrier designated as CVN-80, should be named the U.S.S. Barry M. Goldwater. H.Res. 330 (Regarding Naming a Navy Ship for Clifton B. Cates) H.Res. 330, introduced on April 2, 2009, expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of the Navy should name an appropriate Navy ship in honor of Marine Corps General Clifton B. Cates of Tiptonville, TN. As shown in Table 2, Section 1014 of P.L. 105-261 (the FY1999 Strom Thurmond National Defense Authorization Act, which was signed into law on October 17, 1998) expressed the sense of Congress that a San Antonio (LPD-17) class amphibious ship should be named for General Cates. In the years since the enactment of this measure, the Navy has not named a ship for General Cates. The text of H.Res. 330 states: Congressional Research Service 2122 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of the Navy should name an appropriate Navy ship in honor of Marine Corps General Clifton B. Cates of Tiptonville, Tennessee. Whereas Clifton B. Cates of Tiptonville, Tennessee served as a United States Marine during World Wars I and II and the Korean War; Whereas Clifton B. Cates entered the Marine Corps as a Second Lieutenant in 1917 at the beginning of World War I, during which he fought in the crucial Second Battle of the Marne; Whereas during that fight, then-Lieutenant Cates was wounded and gassed but refused to be evacuated; Whereas Clifton B. Cates was the most decorated Marine Corps Officer of World War I, having been awarded the Navy Cross, Army Distinguished Service Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Silver Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Legion of Honor, and the Croix de Guerre with Gilt Star and 2 palms; Whereas during World War II, Clifton B. Cates led Marines at Guadalcanal, and the seizure of Iwo Jima, and in recognition of his service was awarded the Legion of Merit with Combat `V’ and the Distinguished Service Medal with a gold star; Whereas Clifton B. Cates was one of the few officers of any branch of the United States Armed Forces to command, under fire, a platoon, a company, a battalion, a regiment, and a division; Whereas Clifton B. Cates was advanced to the rank of General in 1948 and was named the 19th Commandant of the United States Marine Corps; Whereas Clifton B. Cates served his country as a United States Marine for 37 years through 3 wars; and Whereas members of the Clifton Cates Memorial Fund led by retired Colonel Otto Melsa and Ed Youngblood have worked tirelessly to bring recognition to the significant accomplishments of General Clifton B. Cates: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of the Navy should name an appropriate Navy ship in honor of Marine Corps General Clifton B. Cates of Tiptonville, Tennessee. H.Res. 1505 (Regarding Naming a Naval Ship for John William Finn) H.Res. 1505, introduced on July 1, 2010, expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of the Navy should name the next appropriate naval ship in honor of World War II Medal of Honor recipient John William Finn. The text of H.Res. 1505 states: Congressional Research Service 2223 Navy Ship Names: Background for Congress RESOLUTION Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of the Navy should name the next appropriate naval ship in honor of World War II Medal of Honor recipient John William Finn. Whereas John Finn served in the Navy from 1926 to 1956; Whereas during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, John Finn, for more than two hours at an exposed position, directed fire from a .50 caliber machine gun at Japanese planes strafing Kaneohe Bay even after being severely wounded; Whereas John was hit 21 times by bullet and bomb fragments, and despite his wounds, he returned to the hangars later that day, after receiving medical treatment, and helped arm the remaining American planes; Whereas for his actions on that unforgettable day, John Finn was awarded the Medal of Honor; Whereas the Medal of Honor is considered an important part of military history and tradition; Whereas today there are only 90 living Medal of Honor recipients, with the last person receiving the award for service during Vietnam; Whereas John Finn, at the time of his death, was the oldest living Medal of Honor recipient and the last living recipient from the attack on Pearl Harbor; Whereas his legacy will continue inspiring us all while reminding countless Americans about the sacrifices and contributions of the Nation’s greatest generation; Whereas the stories of Medal of Honor recipients inspire the country and individuals, while honoring those men and women who have dedicated themselves to the defense of the country; and Whereas the Medal of Honor provides the Armed Forces with a tremendous heritage and tradition that motivates generations to greater achievements: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That it is the sense of the House of Representatives that the Secretary of the Navy should name the next appropriate naval ship in honor of John William Finn for his service and dedication to the United States and to the Navy. Author Contact Information Ronald O'Rourke Specialist in Naval Affairs rorourke@crs.loc.gov, 7-7610 Congressional Research Service 2324