HR1098 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR1098 LRB093 22590 KEF 52170 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, On June 25, 2004, the fifth barracks of the Recruit Training Command Recapitalization Project in Great Lakes will be named USS Triton, in honor of the USS Triton SSN-586 and SS-201; and

WHEREAS, The USS Triton (SSN-586) was the second submarine and the fifth ship of the United States Navy to be named for Triton, a Greek demigod of the sea who was the son of Poseidon and Amphitrite; this naval submarine was originally conceived as a radar picket submarine able to operated on the surface at high speed, but well ahead of a task force, to provide information concerning enemy air attack, electronic surveillance, and to control fighter interception; the Triton could then submerge to avoid attack and operate as a fully operational submarine; and

WHEREAS, USS Triton's keel was laid on May 29, 1956, it was launched on August 19, 1958 and commissioned on November 10, 1959; after its around the world cruise, the Triton joined the second Fleet in August of 1960 and was sent to European waters to participate in NATO exercises; the boat's operational patrols continued and it trained with the Atlantic Fleet in 1961; the submarine was decommissioned on May 3, 1969, under the command of Captain Frank Wadsworth; the ship is now awaiting disposal through the submarine recycling program; and

WHEREAS, The USS Triton (SS-201) was the first submarine and third ship of the United States Navy to be named for Triton; this submarine was a most active and valuable member of the Submarine Force prior to her loss; in total, this submarine is credited with sinking 16 ships, totaling 64,600 tons, and damaging 4 ships, of 29,200 total tons; the USS Triton (SS-201) was sunk by enemy destroyers on March 15, 1943; and

WHEREAS, The new barracks of the RTC Recapitalization Project to house recruits has been named USS Triton; the barracks encompass 172,00 square feet and can accommodate 12 recruit divisions (1,056 recruits); this facility is one of the many that significantly enhance both the recruit training and living environment with more space and a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system; it is designed to fully integrate a number of training functions into one building that includes berthing, classrooms, learning resources centers, a galley, and a quarterdeck; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the importance of the dedication of the new Recruit Training Command Recapitalization Project recruit barracks; and congratulate them on their new barracks and training facilities.