SENATE JOINT MEMORIAL 22

53rd legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2018

INTRODUCED BY

William H. Payne

A JOINT MEMORIAL

ENDORSING THE NAMING OF A UNITED STATES NAVAL SUBMARINE AS THE USS LOS ALAMOS.

     WHEREAS, a citizen-based initiative has requested that the United States secretary of the navy designate a future nuclear-powered submarine as the USS Los Alamos; and

     WHEREAS, it is right and fitting that the secretary of the navy should consider this request, given the unique contributions of the residents of Los Alamos and northern New Mexico to this nation and the United States navy since 1943; and

     WHEREAS, Los Alamos has partnered with the United States navy on projects of mutual interest, concern and national security; and

     WHEREAS, Los Alamos residents and northern New Mexicans have provided the scientific, engineering and technical expertise that has driven Los Alamos national laboratory since its inception; and

     WHEREAS, many key participants of the Manhattan project and subsequent programs were and are members of the United States navy; and

     WHEREAS, the understanding of nuclear energy in Los Alamos during the Manhattan project facilitated the development of the United States navy's nuclear propulsion systems used throughout the navy's fleet today; and

     WHEREAS, naming a nuclear-powered submarine the USS Los Alamos is a fitting tribute to the men and women who served during the Manhattan project in World War II and to all who have offered service in the nation's interest since the war; and

     WHEREAS, the navy league of New Mexico supports the effort to name a United States navy submarine the USS Los Alamos; and

     WHEREAS, the council of the incorporated county of Los Alamos has endorsed the naming of a future United States navy nuclear-powered submarine the USS Los Alamos; and

     WHEREAS, the timing is opportune to honor the contributions of Los Alamos to the navy with the naming of a nuclear-powered submarine the USS Los Alamos; and

     WHEREAS, in November 2015, federal legislation passed to establish the Manhattan project national historical park as the latest addition to the national park service; and

     WHEREAS, in 2018, Los Alamos national laboratory will celebrate its seventy-fifth anniversary;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that the initiative to name a future United States navy nuclear-powered submarine the USS Los Alamos be endorsed; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this memorial be transmitted to the United States secretary of the navy.

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