Senator Golden Recalls Honoring Military Unit Responsible for Death of Osama Bin Laden

Brooklyn - State Senator Martin J. Golden (R-C-I, Brooklyn) today issued comments on NAVY Seal Team 6, responsible for hunting and killing Osama Bin Laden, highlighting his recognition of the Unit at a ceremony held in Brooklyn in May 2007, for their honorable military service through their support of the Global War on Terror.

Senator Golden, at that time, joined the New York State Police in honoring and paying tribute to the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group, known as SEAL Team Six, for their valiant military service during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“It was truly an honor for New York to welcome the distinguished members of this Naval Group to Brooklyn in 2007 so to thank them for all they have done to keep us and the world safe from terrorism. We are grateful for their bravery and willingness to defend our freedoms and engage in counter-terrorism operations worldwide.

Now, almost four years later, I add additional praise and commend the men and women who now are even greater heroes of freedom. The citizens of New York City and State, the United States of America, and of nations throughout the world, applaud them for the successful assassination mission of Osama Bin Laden.

Some of the same Navy Seals stood just miles from Ground Zero the day I honored them, and now, they have brought justice in the names of all the lives lost on the morning of

September 11, 2001.”

The text of the State Senate Resolution issued by Senator Marty Golden in 2007 is below.

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LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION honoring the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group for its valiant military service during Operation Iraqi Freedom

WHEREAS, The courage and bravery of our military personnel since the United States Armed Forces commenced Operation Iraqi Freedom will ensure our continued role as a Nation which embodies the ideals of democracy, and as a defender of liberty for people throughout the world; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Armed Services who have served so valiantly and honorably during Operation Iraqi Freedom deserve a special salute from this Legislative Body; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long- standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to honor the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group for its valiant military service during Operation Iraqi Freedom; and

WHEREAS, Originally known as SEAL Team Six, the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group is the Navy's main counter terrorist unit and its origins can be traced to the failed 1980 attempt to rescue American hostages at the Iranian Embassy; and

WHEREAS, Prior to this, the existing SEAL teams had already begun counter terrorism training, including all 12 platoons in SEAL Team One on the West Coast; on the East Coast, elements of the SEAL Team Two formed a dedicated two-platoon group known as "MOB Six" in anticipation of a maritime scenario requiring a counter terrorism response and had begun training to that end; and

WHEREAS, SEAL Team Six was formally created as part of the Joint Special Operations Command in October 1980, and an accelerated training program made the unit mission-ready just six months later; in 1987, it was given the official title of Naval Special Warfare Development Group; and

WHEREAS, Currently based out of Dam Neck, Virginia, the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group provides intelligence and counter terrorism services for the Department of the Navy and the overall U.S. Special Operations Command; and

WHEREAS, In addition, the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group provides management for the development and testing of technologies under consideration for use by Naval Special Warfare forces such as SEALs; and

WHEREAS, Under the administrative control of the Naval Special Warfare Command, the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group is the Maritime equivalent of the United States Army's elite Delta Force and both units train together from time to time as well as deploy together when the need arises; and

WHEREAS, The United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group also develops tactics and training which is shared with the New York City Police Department and State organizations on covert operations; and

WHEREAS, On May 29, 2007, the New York State Police Department will honor and pay tribute to the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group at an appreciation dinner at the Bay Ridge Manor; and

WHEREAS, The banner of freedom will always wave over our beloved New York and all of America, the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave; and

WHEREAS, Residents of this great State must never forget the courage with which these men and women served their country, and must recognize that no greater debt is owed than that owed to those who gave their lives for their beloved Nation and to those who continue to be missing in action; and

WHEREAS, The freedoms and security we cherish as Americans come at a very high price for those serving in the military in times of conflict; it is fitting and proper that we who are the beneficiaries of those who risk their lives, leaving their families behind, express our appreciation and eternal gratitude for their sacrifices and courageous acts; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to honor the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group for its valiant military service during Operation Iraqi Freedom; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be transmitted to the United States Naval Special Warfare Development Group.