ATLANTA – U.S. Senators Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and David Perdue, R-Ga., applauded Senate passage of a resolution Wednesday honoring the 40th anniversary of Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, which was established on July 1, 1978, in Kings Bay, Ga.

“Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is a critical player in our nuclear deterrence strategy, which is key to our national defense and to protecting Americans from the threat of nuclear war,” said Isakson, chairman of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. “I’m proud that the Senate has recognized this incredible Georgia-based installation and the men and women who work there each day as we celebrate its 40^th anniversary this year.”

“Congratulations to Kings Bay and the Camden County community on this major milestone,” said Perdue, member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “As home to the Atlantic fleet of the Ohio-class submarine, Kings Bay plays an integral role in our national defense and strategic deterrence. It’s an honor to help recognize The Camden Partnership and the coastal Georgia community for their strong support of Kings Bay through the years. As they say, ‘every day in Camden County is military appreciation day.’”

“There is a close knit relationship between Kings Bay and the Camden County community,” said Sheila M. McNeill, President of The Camden Partnership. “We are proud to be a part of this great base and honored to help celebrate its 40 successful years. The Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guard who are stationed here are an integral part of this community, and it gives us all great pride to support the Defense Department’s number one mission.”

In 1954, the U.S. Army began to build a military ocean terminal to ship ammunition in case of a national emergency. Since there was no immediate operational need for the installation, the base was placed in an inactive ready status. After evaluating more than 60 sites along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, the U.S. Navy selected Kings Bay as the new home of Submarine Squadron 16. The base was transferred from the Army to the Navy, and on July 1, 1978, Naval Submarine Support Base Kings Bay was established in a developmental status.

Today, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay is home to six ballistic missile submarines and two guided missile submarines. Kings Bay is responsible for $1,142,000,000 in total economic output to the Camden County area. In 2007, Kings Bay was named the top military installation in the Department of Defense.

Read the full text of the resolution here.

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