Rep. Barbara Bailey, R-Oak Harbor, spoke on the House floor Fridayy on a resolution that honors the sacrifices and work of the United States Navy in Washington state and around the world.

House Resolution 4630, prime sponsored by Bailey, officially observes Navy Day in the Washington State House of Representatives.

With commanders of every major installation in Washington state looking on from the House gallery, Bailey paid tribute to the Navy by saying:

“These are men and women who lead our great installations here. Many of them have served in the air, on the land, on the seas and under the seas. We have, as the resolution says, some of the greatest assets of the Navy right here in our state. What a proud day for all of us to stand and recognize them, and understand what they really mean to us. These are the people in our communities. They serve our schools. They serve our churches and our families. They are the people who make up the fabric of our community. I want to personally thank them for their service today.”

Bailey also discussed her personal relations with the Navy. She said she was proud to call herself a “Navy wife,” with her husband serving 27 years in the Navy. Bailey is also a national director for the Navy League of the United States. The organization’s mission is to educate and inform the nation and its leaders of the vital importance of a comprehensive and fully-prepared sea service. It also provides support for active duty sea service personnel and their families.

Bailey also highlighted the Navy’s vital role in the state’s economy. The Navy spends $4.3 billion annually in the Northwest and provides economic stability to several Washington communities.

Following the House resolution, the Navy delegation met separately with House Republicans and Democrats in their caucus chambers. The group emphasized to state lawmakers the importance of a reliable ferry system for Puget Sound.

Rep. Bailey appreciated and echoed these sentiments.

“Our Navy delegation is exactly right when it talks about the need for a dependable ferry system,” said Rep. Bailey. “It is critical that we solve our ferry crisis.”

The 105-day legislative session runs through April 26.