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7337472
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Texts of Remarks of Robert T. Hartmann, Counsellor to the President [Speeches by Others]
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7337472
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document
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Texts of Remarks of Robert T. Hartmann, Counsellor to the President [Speeches by Others]
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White House Press Releases (Ford Administration)
Press Releases
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21
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1974-12-21
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12
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1974
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
DECEMBER 21, 1974
TEXTS OF REMARKS
OF ROBERT T. HARTMANN
COUNSELLOR TO THE PRESIDENT
AT THE COMMISSIONING OF THE
U.S. S. GLENARD P. LIPSCOMB
DECEMBER 21, 1974
Mrs. Lipscomb, Members of Congress, Secretary Middendorf, former
Secretary Laird, Admiral Rickover, Vice Admiral Williams, Commander
Caldwell, Officers and Men of the United States Ship Glenard P. Lipscomb,
friends of the Navy and friends of the great American for whom this fine
ship is named:
It is always an honor to represent the President of the United States;
today it is a special pleasure to pay tribute both to a man and a service
that both of us loved. Last night the President told me to say to you that
he wished he could be here, as he was at the Lipscomb's launching, but
since then he got a promotion and has drawn another Saturday duty.
I think I can say without upsetting any diplomatic applecart that this is
the finest naval base I have seen since Vladivostok; I know this is the
finest submarine I have ever seen anywhere. I congratulate its Captain
and crew as well as all who had a part in her planning and construction,
I remember cruising almost 20 years ago in the first nuclear submarine,
the Nautilus, and listening to Admiral Rickover tell me that someday there
would be swift and silent ships like the Lipscomb. I remember three and
a half years ago watching with pride as Diane and Joyce welded their
initials in the keel; a little over a year ago when Ginger proudly smashed
the champagne on the Lipscomb's bow and we watched her' ride the ways
down to her element. But we all know that until a ship of the Navy breaks
her pennant and is manned with highly skilled and motivated men, she is
only a steel skeleton without mind or muscle. So today the Lipscomb
really comes to life, and may it be a long and honorable one.
Our friend Glenard died nearly five years ago, at the age of 54, and it
seemed then both a personal and a national tragedy that he left so much
of a brilliant public career uncompleted and so much of a loving family
life unlived. There were tears then, tears from strong men, but among
his legion of friends -- many of them here today -- this ship has changed
the picture. In our unfolding interest and pride in the progress of the U.S.S.
Lipscomb our memory banks have targeted not on how much Glen Lipscomb
left undone, but how much Glen Lipscomb did for us and for all Americans.
For 17 years in the United States House of Representatives, he fought to keep
America strong; in this submarine, he still does. Bearing his name,
it gives our great friend -- as much as mortals can -- a measure of
immortality. For this we thank you, and thank those in the Department
of Defense, the Congress, and the Electric Boat Division of General
Dynamics who made it possible.
They who go down to the sea in ships, that do business in great waters,
the Bible tells us, see the Lord's wonders in the deep. The U.S.S.
Glenard P. Lipscomb is a miracle of the hands and brains of man, a
modern wonder of the deep, and for us who remember, a monument to a
quiet but powerfully effective American and a friend for all seasons.
I have here a letter from one of Glen's closest friends which I would
like to read in closing:
-MORE-
Digitized from Box 6 of the White House Press Releases at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library
-2-
December 20, 1974
Dear Commander:
I wish for the fine ship bearing the name of one of my dearest
friends and finest colleagues in the Congress, and for all hands
who man her now and hereafter, the unique satisfactions of high
performance of duty and dedicated service to our country, fair
winds and a following sea. And, occasionally, a good liberty.
Good luck and Godspeed.
Sincerely,
JERRY FORD
Commander James F. Caldwell
United States Navy
Commanding Officer
USS GLENARD P. LIPSCOMB
Groton, Connecticut
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