LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to
proclaim April 11, 2016, as Submarine Day in the State of New York, in
conjunction with the observance of National Submarine Day

WHEREAS, Submarines and the brave men and women who crew them play a
critical role in the defense of our Nation, and the protection of citi-
zens of the great State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Each year, the American submarine community celebrates
National Submarine Day on the anniversary of United States government's
acquisition of its first modern commissioned submarine, the USS Holland,
on April 11, 1900; and
WHEREAS, A submarine is a watercraft capable of independent operation
underwater, and differs from a submersible, which has more limited
underwater capability; and
WHEREAS, The term submarine most commonly refers to a large crewed
autonomous vessel, but historically or colloquially, can also refer to
medium-sized or smaller vessels, as well as remotely operated vehicles
or robots; and
WHEREAS, Named after its inventor, John Philip Holland, the USS
Holland was designed in 1896, and launched on May 17, 1897, in Eliza-
beth, New Jersey; considered the first truly successful craft of its
kind, the vessel rendered valuable service to the United States Navy
until its decommissioning in 1905; and
WHEREAS, Prior to the purchase of the USS Holland, the first known
military submarine built in the United States was the Turtle, a ship
which saw action in the Revolutionary War era, but before the creation
of the official United States Navy; and
WHEREAS, In 1862, the United States Navy launched the USS Alligator,
its first submarine, and fourth Navy ship of that name during the Civil
War; it was never officially commissioned however, and sank due to bad
weather while attempting to take part in an attack on the Confederacy;
and
WHEREAS, Throughout the past 116 years, America's submarines have
played a vital part in wars in which our Nation's freedom was at stake,
as well as in the preservation of naval security and strategic readiness
during peacetime; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is very pleased to have this opportu-
nity to express its gratitude to our exceptional submarine fleet and the
courageous men and women, past and present, of the United States Armed
Forces for their tremendous sacrifices made on behalf of our Nation;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Andrew M. Cuomo to proclaim April 11, 2016, as
Submarine Day in the State of New York, in conjunction with the obser-
vance of National Submarine Day; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo, Governor of the State of New
York.