COMMENDATION OF ARMED FORCES IN PERSIAN GULF FOR SUCCESS OF CERTAIN OPERATIONS

SEC. 1401. COMMENDATION OF ARMED FORCES IN PERSIAN GULF FOR SUCCESS OF CERTAIN OPERATIONS (a) Findings.—Congress makes the following findings: (1) The Armed Forces of the United States are currently engaged in operations in the Persian Gulf, including operations to escort United States flag vessels moving through the Gulf, in order to protect national security interests of the United States and the principle of freedom of navigation in international waters. (2) The government of Iran, through the use of its armed forces and revolutionary guards, is engaging in ongoing activities, including the laying of mines in international waters, to disrupt shipping in the Persian Gulf. (3) During the night of September 21–22, 1987, Army and Naval forces of the United States detected an Iranian minelaying activity underway in international waters in the Persian Gulf and, in an outstanding instance of joint military operations, tracked and neutralized the boat carrying out the mine laying. 101 STAT. 1177 (4) On October 8, 1987, elements of the Armed Forces of the United States, acting jointly, successfully defended themselves against an attack by Iranian forces in the Persian Gulf. (5) The success of those joint operations (A) serves notice to Iran that the United States will react decisively and effectively to such hostile activities, and (B) may result in reduced risk to United States interests in the Persian Gulf. (6) There is precedent throughout the history of the United States for Congress to recognize and commend similar operations by the Armed Forces of the United States, including Congressional praise on February 3, 1802, of “the gallant conduct” of certain members of a United States Naval force in the Wars with the Barbary Powers. (b) Congressional Commendations.—The Congress hereby— (1) declares that those members of the Armed Forces who participated in the joint operations of September 21–22, 1987, and October 8, 1987, in the Persian Gulf acted in the finest military and naval traditions of the United States and displayed exemplary professionalism, skill, and dedication. (2) The Congress hereby commends those members, and all members of the Armed Forces who acted in support of those operations, for their participation in those important and successful operations.