Assembly Resolution No. 1291

BY: M. of A. Kolb

COMMENDING Senior Chief Petty Officer Mark Watts
upon the occasion of his retirement after 28 years
of dedicated service to the United States Navy on
June 9, 2018

WHEREAS, It is incumbent upon the people of the State of New York to
recognize those remarkable individuals who honorably and courageously
serve their country in order to protect the life and liberty of our
citizens, and whose military service, professional lives, and civic
endeavors serve to enhance the stature of this great Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend Senior Chief Petty Officer Mark Watts upon the occasion of his
retirement after 28 years of dedicated service to the United States Navy
to be celebrated at a Retirement Ceremony on Saturday, June 9, 2018, at
the Sampson Military Museum in Romulus, New York; and

WHEREAS, Mark Watts was born on May 14, 1965, to Harold and Shirley
Watts in Shortsville, New York; after graduating from Red Jacket High
School in 1983, he enlisted in the United States Navy in August of that
year; and

WHEREAS, Mark Watts successfully completed his basic training in San
Diego, California, and then his apprentice training on Treasure Island
in California graduating with honors; from there he attended advanced
welding school back in San Diego; and

WHEREAS, In November of 1984, Mark Watts reported to the USS Dwight
D Eisenhower CVN 69 which was already on deployment to the Mediterranean
Sea; he was then assigned to the USS L.Y. Spear in Norfolk, Virginia;
and

WHEREAS, Petty Officer Mark Watts was honorably discharged in August
of 1989, and returned home to Shortsville; he reenlisted in 1991, in
response to the first Gulf War and was assigned to Destroyer Squadron 22
in Norfolk until 1997, when he was once again honorably discharged; and

WHEREAS, After the terrorists attacks on September 11, 2001, Petty
Officer Mark Watts reenlisted and has been a member of the Navy Reserve
ever since; and

WHEREAS, During this time, Petty Officer Mark Watts was deployed
twice in support of Operation Iraq Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom,
and Operation New Dawn in 2007 and 2012 providing port security and
Customs and Border Clearance services to several locations throughout
the Middle East; and

WHEREAS, Currently, Petty Officer Mark Watts is attached to the
Naval Operational Support Center in Syracuse, New York; he was promoted
to the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer and will fall just shy of 29
years of total service upon his retirement on June 9, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Mark Watts has lived in Clifton Springs, New York, with his
wonderful family since 1992; he has been employed with G.W. Lisk
Company, Inc. where he worked as a welder; and

WHEREAS, A dedicated member of his community, Mark Watts is involved
in many local organizations and school programs; he enjoys camping and
kayaking the waterways of the Finger Lakes with his beloved family; and

WHEREAS, With him throughout have been his wife of 24 years,
Michelle, and their three children, Brittany, Zachary and Nicole, all of
whom have shown him love and support and rejoice in his many
achievements; and

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to acknowledge the
significant milestones in the distinguished careers of esteemed
residents of this noble Empire State; and

WHEREAS, Individuals who dedicate their lives to military service
merit the commendation and applause of all citizens for their commitment
to the preservation of American freedom; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend Senior Chief Petty Officer Mark Watts upon the occasion of his
retirement after 28 years of dedicated service to the United States Navy
on June 9, 2018; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to Senior Chief Petty Officer Mark Watts.