Pelosi Statement on Naming of USS Gabrielle Giffords

Contact: Nadeam Elshami/Drew Hammill, 202-226-7616

Washington, D.C. – Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi released the following statement today on the announcement from Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus that the next Independence variant littoral combat ship will be named the USS Gabrielle Giffords:

"Throughout her service in Congress, Gabby Giffords always demonstrated her respect for our men and women in uniform and her love of our country. That is why it is so appropriate that a Navy ship will bear her name.

"Serving with dignity, strength and character, Gabby Giffords embodies the ideals of our military. And in her recovery, she has shown enormous, and inspirational, courage, just as troops do daily.

"We look forward to the day when the USS Gabrielle Giffords is launched. May it always find fair winds and following seas."

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