______________________________________________________________________________ 1619 King St. | Alexandria, VA 22314 | (ph) 877-Navy-411 | (f) 703-683-3647 | ausn.org

April 19, 2017 The Honorable Christopher Murphy United States Senate 136 Hart Senate Office Building Washington, D.C. 20515 On behalf of the Association of the United States Navy, we would like to pledge our support for Senate Resolution 121, designating April 11, 2017 as the “National Birthday of the U.S. Navy Submarine Force”. For 117 years, the broad strategic and tactical advantages created by the submarine force of the Navy have enhanced the national security of the United States through undersea missions. Over the last 11 decades, the submarines of the Navy have advanced through four generations. The Navy first acquired a commissioned submarine, the USS Holland, on April 11, 1900. The first generation submarines of the Navy rapidly evolved from small, limited-capability submersibles to a dominant force in naval warfare. The second generation of submarines defined by the heroes of WWII, made a decisive difference in a way in which control of the sea was crucial. The third generation submarines, brought about during the Cold War, helped prevent a nuclear world war and secured the interests of the US. The modern, fourth generation submarines of the Navy use long-range sensors and weapons to stay ahead of global threats and preserve freedom of navigation in the global maritime environment. In 2017, the submarine force consists of 52 attack, 14 ballistic missile, and 4 guided missile submarines that enable the Navy to win wars, prevent conflicts, and defeat threats posed by terrorists. Throughout the history of the submarine force, the one constant has been the tremendous character, courage, and dedication of the men and women who maintain, equip, and train and fight the submarines of the Navy. Thank you for taking an active role in such an important issue to the Military and Veteran community by working to improve the lives and careers of those who served our great nation. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns at 703-548-5800 or at michael.little@ausn.org. Sincerely, Michael J. Little Director of Legislative Affairs