Bill > HR6198

This bill expresses the sense of Congress that the Secretary of the Navy should name a naval vessel the "U.S.S. Rear Admiral Alene Duerk" in honor of Rear Admiral Alene Duerk's distinguished military service. The bill highlights Duerk's pioneering career, beginning with her commission as an ensign in the Navy Nurse Corps in 1943, during which she served as a Ward Nurse at naval medical centers and aboard the USS Benevolence in the Pacific Theater during World War II, caring for wounded service members. After the war, she progressively advanced through the ranks, serving in various locations across the United States and abroad, and made history in 1972 by becoming the first woman to be promoted to flag officer (Rear Admiral). Her military achievements were recognized with multiple awards, including the Naval Reserve Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Bronze Star, and the World War II Victory Medal, among others. The bill aims to commemorate her trailblazing service and contributions to the United States Navy by proposing to name a naval vessel in her honor.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/6198/all-info