Political Quotes

“I want to share the unique history of the South Florida military museum and memorial. The town of Surfside, led by Mayor Paul Novack, as well as Chief Petty Officer John Smith and Christine Ruup, rallied together to save the historic Building 25 to its original 1942 condition and establish a museum and veterans' memorial. Building 25 is the last original structure of the former Naval Air Station Richmond, which was a World War II Navy blimp base. During World War II, just off the waters of South Florida, a battle occurred between a U.S. Navy blimp and a Nazi submarine. Isadore Stessel, a Machinists Mate, lost his life in the only blimp-submarine battle in history. Building 25 served as the base headquarters to the Naval Air Station and blimp base, and it has been prominent in the history of our South Florida community. The CIA used this facility as its center for anti-Castro operations during the 1960's and it was home to the Marine Corps Reserve during Operation Desert Storm. Mr. Speaker, let us preserve it.”