WASHINGTON – Congressman Rob Wittman (VA-01) today received the Vincent T. Hirsch Award from the Navy League of the United States for his dedication to the American Maritime Industry in Congress. Congressman Wittman serves on the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Tactical Air and Land and as Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces.
“America has always been, and will always be, a seafaring nation,” Congressman Wittman said. “It is among the core reasons we have enjoyed global primacy. It is not just that we were blessed with being bordered by the Atlantic and the Pacific, but that we have utilized this position to the utmost.
“If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s the world can be an unpredictable and dangerous place. Thanks to the service of our maritime forces, however, we can rest well knowing that the best and brightest are serving on the seas under our nation’s flag.
“I want to again say thank you to our dedicated Merchant Mariners, Maritime Industry Professionals, and those at the Navy League. It is an incredible honor to receive the Hirsch award, and I assure you that I will continue to advocate for the American Maritime Industry in Washington.”
For more than thirteen years, Congressman Wittman has been a member of the House Armed Services Committee and a strong advocate for his maritime district. As Co-chair of the Congressional Shipbuilding Caucus since 2008 and a former Chairman and current Ranking Member on the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, Congressman Wittman held many hearings with the Maritime Administration, Transportation Command, and the Navy to provide oversight and create awareness about the state of our nation’s sealift readiness. These hearings, and Congressman Wittman’s forceful and thorough questioning of witnesses, have created a sense of urgency within the government to improve our nation’s sealift capability. Congressman Wittman’s efforts have been crucial to ensuring the logistical capabilities of our nation and the health of the US-flag Merchant Marine fleet.
