Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02) today stood on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and honored the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group for its role in Southeast Asian disaster relief in the wake of December’s tsunami. The Carrier Group arrives back at its homeport, Naval Station Everett, tomorrow. Larsen will be on the Carrier for its return.

“I am honored to represent in Congress Naval Station Everett and the men and women serving on the Lincoln, the Shoup and in the Carrier Strike Group,” Larsen said. “Today I stood on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives and honored this group of brave and committed Americans.”

“I am proud to stand next to them on the Lincoln as they return home to their families, friends, and a grateful community,” Larsen continued. “Their children will remember for the rest of their lives the day their mom or dad came home from a mission to save other children’s lives.”

Larsen’s statement on the floor:

“Today I rise to honor the service of the sailors and Marine Corps of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group who bravely and compassionately served the nation and the world in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean in the wake of December’s tragic tsunami.

“These women and men began their new year by delivering vital food, water and medicine around the clock to the people of Southeast Asia and the Indian Ocean.  They showed the world the values we represent and why America is great.

“From January 1st until February 4th carrier group aircraft flew 1,747 missions in support of Operation Unified Assistance, carrying almost 6 million pounds of supplies.  Over 1,200 crew members from the group volunteered to go ashore and help. 

“Tomorrow I will attend the USS Lincoln and the USS Shoup homecoming to Everett Washington.  The VAQ 131 Prowler Squadron out of NAS Whidbey, the Lancers, just returned.  They were all part of Operation Unified Assistance.

“Tomorrow, with their return, will be a great day for our Navy and Marine Corps families to celebrate.” 

Larsen serves on the House Armed Services Committee. He also rode in on the Lincoln when it returned in May of 2003.