A resolution honoring the life of those who died in service to their country aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise on January 14, 1969.

Whereas, on the morning of January 14, 1969, an MK–32 Zuni rocket fixed to an F–4 Phantom on the U.S.S. Enterprise (CVN–65) was overheated due to the exhaust of a nearby aircraft causing the rocket to explode;

Whereas the initial explosion of the MK–32 Zuni rocket set off a chain reaction of explosions, thus causing the death of 28 sailors and injuries to 314 more;

Whereas the servicemen killed include FA Paul Akers, AN David M. Asbury, LTJG Carl D. Berghult, LTJG James H. Berry, AO3 Richard W. Bovaird, AE3 Patrick L. Bulingham, AMS3 James R. Floyd Jr., AN Ernest L. Foster, ABHAN Delbert D. Girty, AEC Ronald E. Hay, ASH3 Roger L. Halbrook, AN Dole L. Hunt, ALAN Donald R. Lacy, ADJ3 Armando Limon, AME3 Dennis E. Marks, ABH1 James Martineau, ALAN Joseph C. Mason, AN Dennis R. Milburn, AN Joseph W. Oates, LTJG Buddy D. Pyeatt, ABE3 Jacob J. Quintis, BM2 James C. Snipes, AN Russell J. Tyler, AN Lavern R. Von Feldt, AN Robert C. Ward Jr., AN John R. Webster, ASM2 Henry S. Yates Jr., and AMS3 Jerome D. Yoakum;

Whereas the U.S.S. Enterprise, also known as the Big E, was the world’s first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, and changed forever the face of maritime warfare;

Whereas the U.S.S. Enterprise, commissioned on November 25, 1961, is the world’s longest aircraft carrier, measuring 1,123 feet, and remains in service docked at its home in Norfolk, Virginia; and

Whereas those who perished aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise on January 14, 1969, served their country bravely: Now, therefore, be it