Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-24

RECOGNIZING 20 YEARS OF THE ICEBREAKER MACKINAW MARITIME MUSEUM

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On 2026-06-24, Representative Jack Bergman (R-MI-1) delivered a floor speech titled "RECOGNIZING 20 YEARS OF THE ICEBREAKER MACKINAW MARITIME MUSEUM" in the House.

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RECOGNIZING 20 YEARS OF THE ICEBREAKER MACKINAW MARITIME MUSEUM

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E611] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING 20 YEARS OF THE ICEBREAKER MACKINAW MARITIME MUSEUM ______ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 24, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the enduring legacy of the United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Mackinaw and to commend the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum as it approaches the 20th anniversary of preserving the proud history of this legendary ship for future generations. Constructed during World War II, the USCGC Mackinaw was built to support the Nation's war effort and meet the increasing demand for transporting critical war materials across the Great Lakes. As America's steel production became vital to victory overseas, the movement of iron ore, coal, and limestone to the Nation's steel mills became increasingly important. Recognizing the need to keep Great Lakes shipping lanes open during harsh winter conditions, Congress authorized the construction of the USCGC Mackinaw just ten days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Through her strength, innovative engineering, and the dedication of the crew, the USCGC Mackinaw was able to extend the shipping season into months where the Great Lakes had previously been covered in thick ice, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of vital materials. Following the war, she continued to faithfully serve the American people through icebreaking operations, search and rescue missions, patrol duties, and resupply operations for Coast Guard stations throughout the Great Lakes region. In 2006, after an impressive 62-year career of distinguished service, the USCGC Mackinaw was decommissioned. Today she is permanently moored at the old railroad dock in Mackinaw City, where she continues to serve as the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum. Through the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and supporters, the museum preserves an important chapter of Great Lakes and Coast Guard history. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw and congratulating the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum as it approaches this remarkable 20-year milestone of preserving history, honoring service, and inspiring future generations. ____________________

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RECOGNIZING 20 YEARS OF THE ICEBREAKER MACKINAW MARITIME MUSEUM Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E611] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] RECOGNIZING 20 YEARS OF THE ICEBREAKER MACKINAW MARITIME MUSEUM ______ HON. JACK BERGMAN of michigan in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 24, 2026 Mr. BERGMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the enduring legacy of the United States Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Mackinaw and to commend the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum as it approaches the 20th anniversary of preserving the proud history of this legendary ship for future generations. Constructed during World War II, the USCGC Mackinaw was built to support the Nation's war effort and meet the increasing demand for transporting critical war materials across the Great Lakes. As America's steel production became vital to victory overseas, the movement of iron ore, coal, and limestone to the Nation's steel mills became increasingly important. Recognizing the need to keep Great Lakes shipping lanes open during harsh winter conditions, Congress authorized the construction of the USCGC Mackinaw just ten days after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Through her strength, innovative engineering, and the dedication of the crew, the USCGC Mackinaw was able to extend the shipping season into months where the Great Lakes had previously been covered in thick ice, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of vital materials. Following the war, she continued to faithfully serve the American people through icebreaking operations, search and rescue missions, patrol duties, and resupply operations for Coast Guard stations throughout the Great Lakes region. In 2006, after an impressive 62-year career of distinguished service, the USCGC Mackinaw was decommissioned. Today she is permanently moored at the old railroad dock in Mackinaw City, where she continues to serve as the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum. Through the dedication of its staff, volunteers, and supporters, the museum preserves an important chapter of Great Lakes and Coast Guard history. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Michigan's 1st Congressional District, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the United States Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw and congratulating the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum as it approaches this remarkable 20-year milestone of preserving history, honoring service, and inspiring future generations. ____________________