Government

‘It’s Very Appropriate’: Navy Names Ship After Gabrielle Giffords

WASHINGTON (The Blaze/AP) — The Navy has named a ship for Gabrielle Giffords, the recently retired congresswoman from Arizona who is recovering from a gunshot wound to the head received in January 2011.

In a ceremony at the Pentagon, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus unveiled an artist’s rendering of the USS Gabrielle Giffords.

The littoral combat ship is among the Navy’s most versatile and can operate in shallower coastal waters than larger ships.

Mabus said: “God bless the USS Gabrielle Giffords and all who sail in her.”

Watch Gifford’s reaction when she sees the image of the ship named after here — “Wow”:

The Hill has more from Mabus:

“It’s very appropriate that the LCS-10 be named for someone who has become synonymous with courage, who has inspired the nation with remarkable resiliency,” Mabus said.

Mabus also announced that the ship’s “sponsor” is Roxanna Green. She’s the mother of Christina-Taylor Green, the 9-year-old who was among six people killed in the shooting. Thirteen, including Giffords, were wounded. The sponsor’s initials will be welded into the keel of the ship.

Comments (190)

  • mrawfull
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:52am

    Coming soon to a port near you.. the USS Barak H. Obama

    Report Post »  
    • phil1765
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 1:41am

      I feel for Mrs. Giffords but come on, we couldn’t find a more deserving Navy member who made the ultimate sacrifice by laying down his life for this once great country to name this ship after? Haven’t the members of Seal Team 6 been pretty important to this country over the last few years? Didn’t they have some members killed in a foreign land not to long ago? I told people over and over again that this kind of crap would start happening when another demoncrat was in the WH, they will cut our military to the hilt and leave our country unprepared for even small skirmishes, if you remember the 90′s you know where we are headed as far as our military goes.

      Report Post »  
    • Down2TheC
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 2:50am

      How about the SEALs that got shot down last year. How about some ships for them… instead of celebrating targets. She’s heroic like Obama was heroic for say “OK” to the Bin Laden raid. Such courage.

      Report Post »  
    • Secret Squirrel
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:55am

      .
      I have nothing against Gifforrds. I wish her a speedy recovery.
      I have nothing against Ronald McDonald.
      I don’t want a ship named after him either.
      Maybe it’s time to slash the Navy budget when they have so many ships,
      they can’t find enough suitable people to name them after.
      What’s next? The U.S.S. Oprah Winfrey? U.S.S. Chris Matthews?

      Report Post » Secret Squirrel  
    • LookTowardsTheLight
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:32pm

      Naming any one of our fighting ships after a liberal is a disgrace.

      Report Post » LookTowardsTheLight  
    • LookTowardsTheLight
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:32pm

      Where’s the USS Team Seal Six?

      Report Post » LookTowardsTheLight  
    • disenlightened
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 1:43pm

      Captain, let’s name the ship after a liberal with a hole in her head. It’ll bring us good luck.

      Report Post » disenlightened  
    • Jinglebob
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 2:44pm

      I don’t know about this. A little over the top? I assume there are many, many, navel service members worthly of this honor. I think they just got caught up in the moment here.

      Report Post » Jinglebob  
    • teamarcheson
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 2:54pm

      Stop This Cannot Be Done.

      Gabrielle , is the name of one of God’s angles. Gabrielle is a General in God’s Legions and the US Navy cannot name a US ship after an angel.

      Report Post »  
    • bhohater
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 3:55pm

      I feel bad for Congresswoman Giffords and she may be a wonderful person, but in my opinion getting shot in the head and recovering from it doesn’t qualify her to have a ship named after her. They should name it after the woman who helped wrestle the gun from the psycho who shot her.

      Report Post » bhohater  
    • Deuteronomy22
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 9:25am

      JINGLEBOB
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 2:44pm
      “I don’t know about this. A little over the top? I assume there are many, many, navel service members worthly of this honor. I think they just got caught up in the moment here.”

      The USS Belly Button? I didn’t know we had a service dedicated to the navel. blaze illiteracy at it’s best.

      The navel (clinically known as the umbilicus, colloquially known as the belly button) is a scar on the abdomen at the attachment site of the umbilical cord.

      Report Post » Deuteronomy22  
    • budzy1911
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 2:14pm

      Squirrel – you do know that Reagan built a 600 ship navy and was a huge supporter of the military. It is appropriate to name a ship after him. Nothing against Giffords but she had nothing to do with the Navy and di not serve in the navy. This is another poke in the eye for the military.

      Report Post » budzy1911  
    • Adeptus Technicanus
      Posted on February 13, 2012 at 8:14am

      It’s an LCS. Not even a real ship. Just a boat with a big shotgun on the front. Want a real ship? Look at the CG’s!

      Report Post »  
  • DirtyDeeds
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:39am

    Dang, this is one that I don’t want to touch with a ten foot pole, at least not publicly. I am glad Congresswoman Giffords is well and I am sad for those who were lost that day.

    Report Post » DirtyDeeds  
    • NukeHaze
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 1:10am

      Waste of a ship naming opportunity. This was obviously directed by the communist in cheif. What a loser. Name it the Oliver North.

      Report Post »  
    • GETLIFE
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 4:40am

      Have to agree with you DIRTY DEEDS.
      There are some levels of symbolism here that are certainly not lost on some at the WH.
      OK, I’ll leave it at that….

      Report Post » GETLIFE  
    • Callie369
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:24am

      I too wish her well, but to name a naval ship after her is absurd. There are many real heroes that deserve such an honor, but Giffords is not one of them. She was a liberal representative with an unremarkable and short career in the House of Representatives. Just because she was shot does not make her a hero.

      This is a disgrace!

      Report Post »  
    • RepubliCorp
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:29am

      Tyrone got shot in his head today…..selling drugs at the corner
      USS Tyrone? She isn’t a hero in any way, shape, or form. She was
      at the corner selling her commie crap……I hope the thing sinks

      Report Post » RepubliCorp  
    • Jezcruzen
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:42am

      Exactly WHAT has this woman done for the country? I would propose that she has done NOTHING!

      She had the misfortune to have been shot by a crazed lunatic. How many others have as well?

      She is just another left-wing prop that they will trot out whenever they think they can benefit.

      Report Post »  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:09am

      DIRTYDEEDS, Got to agree with you, it’s a tough call to really say anything. With the way the left prefers to call their victims heroes this strikes me as a set up to openly bash any prominent military personnel, or politicians on the right. Something for the likes of Debbie Wasserman-Schultz to take advantage of with the Democrat propaganda wing that we know as the MSM during an election year.
      I certainly feel for the Giffords family and what they have all been through, along with the many other familys who faced such losses, and the injured. It’s a crying shame that the Democrats took such advantage of the actions of a criminally insane individual to make such a low life form of a political hot button.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:09am

      Bless her for what? For being a little commie? What has she done for the American people other than vote YES for every single Gestapo like goon law that passed in front of her? Come on, I am waiting. Anybody?

      Report Post »  
    • TomFerrari
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:46am

      I have to question WHY we are naming a military vessel after a civilian victim, rather than a military hero. Say one who CHOSE to throw himself on a mine or hand grenade to save his buddies? One who CARRIED his buddies to safety under fire? One who carried his friends REMAINS to safety under fire? One who DIED? One who lost both their arms and both their legs? One whose face was blown off?

      I am glad she survived and is doing well, but, there are MANY victims in the nation.
      WHY is she more special than another?
      Since when did Congress and Senators become MORE IMPORTANT than the people they are PAID BY?
      Our prayers go out to her and her family, but, this smacks of political correctness.

      Report Post » TomFerrari  
    • Bum thrower
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:50am

      No doubt it will be a ‘green’ vessel; she was the boob who asked GEN Petreaus how he inteded to fight the war in Afganastan in a ‘green manner’…………what a moron;

      Answer; horses, carrier pidgeons; hard tac, and salt pork…………what a s***-bird!!

      Report Post »  
    • grassroots
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 9:54am

      You don’t want to touch this with a 10 foot poll I will. You must understand most of our Congressman & Senators are Brain Dead and they can only handle things that don’t make any sense.The naming of a Navy ship after Congressman Gifford proofs my point.
      Most people are just sick & tired of hearing over & over about her. I am glad she is doing well but enough is enough. Whatever happened to common sense? I would like to say to the Congress & Senate get off your as_ and concentrate on real issues facing the American people today.

      Report Post »  
    • BSdetector
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:16am

      If people really think that commie loser was/is a hero, then our country truly is doomed.

      Report Post » BSdetector  
    • branch manager
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 11:43am

      “God bless the USS Gabrielle Giffords and all who sail in her.” AWKWARD!!!

      Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:29am

    Anyone remember the Movie: ‘the Wackiest ship in the Army’?

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • Unc68
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 1:00am

      Great movie

      Report Post »  
    • RJJinGadsden
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 7:56am

      Oh yeah, loved that show. As I recall during it’s first run it came on Sunday nights too late for me to sit up and watch. Eventually caught a lot of the episodes in syndication during the early ’70s. Wish somebody like TV Land would bring that back.

      Report Post » RJJinGadsden  
  • woodrowsux
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:28am

    What’s next ? USS Bart Stupack for voting for Obamacare after being lied to about gov’t. funded abortions. He’s also a “victim” worthy of recognition. I also think USS Barney Frank is in order for bravery under fire from Bill O’Reilly interviews.

    Report Post »  
    • Smokey_Bojangles
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 1:26am

      They Tried naming one after barney Frank….It kept backing into the other ships….All The Seamen kept splashing every where.

      Report Post » Smokey_Bojangles  
    • Exrepublisheep
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 2:14am

      @Smokey That was sexist and rude………………………And really really funny.

      Report Post » Exrepublisheep  
    • TSUNAMI-22
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 2:15am

      They thought of naming it the USS Bawney Fwank, but they got tired of hearing seamen moaning about swabbing the poop-deck.

      Report Post »  
  • woodrowsux
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:28am

    What’s next ? USS Bart Stupack for voting for Obamacare after being lied to about gov’t. funded abortions. He’s also a “victim” worthy of recognition. I also think USS Barney Frank is in order for bravery under fire from Bill O’Reilly interviews.

    Report Post »  
  • ThoreauHD
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:16am

    Pathetic.

    Report Post » ThoreauHD  
  • kevgenus
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:04am

    Why not just bestow Titles or Honours. God save the Republic.
    It would have been appropriate for her to decline.
    The event was tragic, her recovery miraculous and inspirational.
    This is grandiose, inappropriate and degrades the honor as well as the person.

    Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:11am

      Oh give me a break – ex – Rep Giffords tragedy hardly rises to the level of having a ship named for her.

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • Mil-Dot
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:18am

      I think ship names should be reserved ONLY for Congressional Medal of Honor, Silver and Bronze Star recipients. Naming a ship after a politician is an insult to the men and women in our military services. It is like naming your dog (your most loyal companion) “Garbage” or “Trash”. It just does not fit.

      Report Post »  
  • MS-GlenNBC
    Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:00am

    100% AGREEMENT

    I haven’t seen that on the blaze in months. This is the one story that everyone has agreed upon and rightfully so.

    Her service was not heroic, she was at a supermarket and got shot. The hero was the guy who stopped the man and held him down.

    She was a victim, a statistic. How many have served and lost their lives in the line of duty?

    What a sad day for the USA, What a sad day for the US NAVY. What a HUGE victory for the Liberals.

    I wish you well Gabby, but please renounce your prize… Like Obama you should not accept the award, but like Obama you will.

    Report Post » MS-GlenNBC  
    • grassroots
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 10:06am

      You are 100% on target. There is no way she should be named after a Navy Ship. This shows the American people what our Congress and Senate spend thier time and our money on The people need to stop voting for them and put Represenatives in the White House who can make logical & responsible decisions on real issues facing us today.

      Report Post »  
  • lel2007
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:58pm

    “synonymous with courage, who has inspired the nation with remarkable resiliency” ?
    All that much? Really? Secretary of the Navy -that‘s a political appointment position isn’t it?

    Report Post » lel2007  
  • fuzzy20841
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:58pm

    I wonder if this madness ever stop? I feel extremely bad that this happened to an American regardless of their position.
    The maniac who shot her deserves no quarter, but the left has used this unfortunate incident to further their agenda. I doubt that Gabby and her astronaut husband Mark Kelly know how they are being used as pawns by the Libs! Everything is now symbolism over substance! BTW how could any astronaut support Obama after what he has done to the space program?

    Report Post »  
  • stm62
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:57pm

    You can’t name the ship after a SAILOR that was killed or maimed in battle?

    Report Post »  
  • Quest4Freedom
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:55pm

    It’s a shame that our heroes who lost their lives in the service of our country will probably not be remembered with a ship in their name. Our navy heroes who lost their lives on the U.S.S. Cole while in the service of protecting our nation will most likely never have a ship in their name as rememberance of their sacrifice. BUT, we must honor those who are anti-military and, even, anti-American. I am referring to the U.S.S. Jimmy Carter. It baffles me as to why we would honor such a man. No sir, naval vessels should be named after true battle-tested military heroes!

    Report Post »  
  • GoodStuff
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:53pm

    This is a joke right?

    Get shot, get a ship named after you.???

    How bout naming the ship after a Navy Seal killed in combat.

    Report Post »  
    • sooner12
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:01am

      That (naming after a Seal) would be the honorable thing to do. But there is no honor in this administration, beginning from the top.

      This whole thing smells like rotten eggs. I wonder if any money changed hands to get her name on a ship.

      This really sucks.

      Report Post »  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:14am

      @ Sooner.. few truer words have been spoken

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
  • CommonSenseCitizen
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:51pm

    @ LovinAmerica: I couldn’t agree with you more. This is what’s wrong with America today – giving recognition to people that didn’t deserve it. What about unlucky people that died that day? They are not even mentioned by the media and the government (same thing). Why not name something after them? Right, I forgot, they were just simpletons, regular folks not senators… It’s sickening to my stomach.

    Report Post »  
  • cemerius
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:49pm

    “Mabus” that is the name of nostradomus’s third “evil doer”….I forgot all about this idiot!!

    Report Post » cemerius  
  • cemerius
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:47pm

    What the hell, the US Constitution is used as as toilet paper and now 100′s of years of Navy traditions in the deep six??? Gotta love this demonic “hope and change”!!!

    Report Post » cemerius  
  • OlefromMN
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:44pm

    I’ve had about enough of DC feel good. Why don‘t we just name every government project in some obscure victim’s name? We could have the Bud Berditzman Bridge, the Sally Somebody Skyway, The …

    I do feel that the Gabby Giffords shooting was a tragedy and worthy of note, but no more note than the shootings and other crimes that occur on our streets everyday.

    How about the Obama Administration MAN UP and name something after one of their first kills, Brian Terry? A Coast Guard cutter would be fitting.

    Report Post » OlefromMN  
    • kaydeebeau
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:16am

      true that

      Report Post » kaydeebeau  
    • Bill Rowland
      Posted on February 12, 2012 at 6:06am

      How about the Debbie Wasserman-Schultz, after all she suddenly became Gabbies best friend when it suited her for a photo op.
      Can we have one named the Fancy Nancy? Pelosi has bravely encouraged the OWS element.
      There are so many members of congress who brave town hall meetings where they have to have hostile constituents removed by security forces.
      This is a disgrace and a slap in the face to winners of the MOH.

      OMG

      Report Post »  
  • MeMadMax
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:42pm

    I’m embarrassed to be a US Navy vet………….

    Report Post » MeMadMax  
    • FLYOVERSTATEIOWA
      Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:59pm

      Don’t be embarrassed, be proud! You had nothing to do with this hijacking of our pride! (from on squid to another)

      Report Post » FLYOVERSTATEIOWA  
    • JohnofOregon
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:03am

      Right on brother. A lot of marines have gone through the meat grinder for their country, a lot sailors are in the locker, and a lot of these new sailors are incredible heros. Next they are going state buring pathetic wannabe hero politicians in our hollowed veteran cemeteries, remember that one. Valor stolen at every turn.

      Report Post »  
  • pwatkins
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:39pm

    I have prayed for her recovery and think she deserves the best in life like anyone else but they have taken her honor way too far. She has really done nothing to save our country as far as I’m concerned. If you want to honor someone why not someone like Brian Terry whom died needlessly bc of lacklessness of our own government in the gunrunning scheme. If it wasn’t for a few brave souls in our government and his family we would never have heard the story of his life and death while he was trying to patrol and protect our homeland. When are we going to stop talking about Giffords and start talking about what is happening right before our eyes. There are many more deserving for recognition than Giffords. I feel like in 2008 we all took a damaging blow to the head and may never recover and certainly will never get any benefits from it from our government.

    Report Post »  
  • neverending
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:37pm

    This is just so disgusting and we have had to listen to this ongoing gabby, gabby, gabby and though it was a terrible tragedy – let it rest already. How about we honor and recognize all our men an women who give their lives everyday to protect our freedom. If we would have heard even 1/10th of the coverage for our border patrol agent Brian Terry it would have been amazing. Guess next thing will be the United States of Gabby. Wish her well but sick of listening to them constantly slobbering all over themselves over this.

    Report Post »  
    • lukerw
      Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:51pm

      Let’s do… a James Brady… Tank!

      Report Post » lukerw  
  • lukerw
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:37pm

    Does the ship come with… a hole in it… or a removable top?

    Report Post » lukerw  
    • neverending
      Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:38pm

      Maybe both

      Report Post »  
    • jeezpeeps
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 1:38am

      Now Lukerw that was over the top, even to the point of being ugly… but it was funny in a sick kind of way. lol Gonna name one for Moochelle soon I’m sure.

      Report Post »  
  • SacredHonor1776
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:24pm

    Isn’t the tradition to name a ship after someone who has already died?

    I thought it was considered kinda of bad omen to the person, to name it after someone alive…

    Report Post »  
  • Rational Man
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:18pm

    Mabus said: “God bless the USS Gabrielle Giffords and all who sail in her.”

    Shouldn’t that be, sail ON her?…. Instead of “sail IN her”?

    Are the sailors ON board?……Or IN board?

    Am I nitpicking?…………………

    Report Post » Rational Man  
    • TheDM
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 8:41am

      You’re nitpicking a little, but I caught it too. Still, don’t most sailors spend the majority of their time in a ship, not on it?

      Report Post » TheDM  
    • markdido
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 6:20pm

      “Sail in her” is correct.

      USN 1973-1995

      Report Post »  
  • schlepnier
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:14pm

    aarrgghhh!!!
    So many honorable and deserving people, many of whom died in the course of their service, could have a ship named after them….where the hell is the Sgt. William Stacey????????
    Instead we name it after a politician because she got unlucky enough shot in the face by a lunatic and somehow managed survived????

    Report Post » schlepnier  
    • GeorgieJo
      Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:39pm

      BETTER choice would have been BRIAN TERRY—Border agent killed by Fast and Furious.
      Giffords was in the wrong place at the wrong time and shot by a paranoid schizophrenic.
      How is that courageous?
      Plus she voted for ObummerCare
      I’m glad she is recovering but she is no hero (IMO)

      Report Post »  
  • LovingAmerica
    Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:14pm

    Why not name the ship after a national hero? Why not name the ship after an American Patriot? Gabby Giffords voted to destroy the healthcare and insurance for my children, force my family into waiting lists, care rationing and death panels while preserving first quality healthcare for herself. Some “hero.” I am very sorry she was injured but that hardly qualifies her for the honor of being the namesake for an American Naval ship – particularly when her activities & votes ripped apart our Constitution and has caused extreme grief, hardship and bankruptcy for the American people.

    Report Post »  
    • Unc68
      Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:29pm

      In the new USSA, she is a hero. She courageously flew from Houston to Washington D.C. to cast the first vote to raise the debt or destroy the constitution or enslave the people or some wonderful thing like that.
      How about naimng it in honor of a Navy hero. The new Navy full of bootlicking Obamaphiles who are to afraid to say anything politically incorrect just makes me wonder if the Gabby Gifford has evil guns on it or maybe just one of those marshmallow cannons.

      Report Post »  
    • MinorityRightsAdvocate
      Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:37pm

      Thank you for the courage to say this, it is so true. I feel for the Congresswoman, and I’m glad she did the right thing to step down, but before the tragic shooting, she was part of the destructive efforts on our very freedoms, whether as a useful idiot or willing accomplice. The fact she is a close friend of that kook Wassermann-Shultz speaks volumes. I also do not recall an apology from her husband or other political operatives that tried to blame Sarah Palin and conservatives to the actions of the madman shooter, who was a known dangerous quantity, but protected by the idiot Dupnik political hack Sherriff down there. If anyone could have prevented the shooting it is that Sherriff, who later had his guys raid the house of a Marine vet who was shot many times in front of his wife and young child, and there was no evidence of him being involved in a crime!
      http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/iraq-vet-u-s-marine-jose-guerena-gunned-arizona-swat-raid-video-released-article-1.144524
      We have Medal of Honor winners that do not have ships or buildings named for them, and every one of them is more deserving.

      Report Post » MinorityRightsAdvocate  
    • JohnofOregon
      Posted on February 10, 2012 at 11:50pm

      For some one who sure did a lot to ruin the future for our kids, they sure do like to make her out to be something she is not. What is her connection to navy battles or the navy? Her husband is an officer. Does anybody know how many seals deserve this honor? What about our still Mia naval aviator from 1992? What about the absolute heroic marines that died in fallugha? Ships are named after war heros, battles and in some cases presidents. This is a spit in the eye of those that have sacrificed. But then again the left does not understand honor or duty. They did this for her to step down before finishing her sixth year. Because she did that, it cut her out of the pension and benefits. Everything comes down to ego and money with liberals. Pathetic.

      Suggested names ; Micheal monsoor, micheal Murphy, Jason Dunham, Donald hogan, Danny dietz, mathew axelson, Danial Healy, ect ect.

      We also still have to renew the original historic names of ships but the self importance of today’s politicians do not want that.

      Report Post »  
    • Welcome Black Carter
      Posted on February 11, 2012 at 12:06pm

      A Republican would have never been considered…
      Not looking forward to USS Obama. Alot of men will be known as the “ones who drew the short straw”.

      Report Post » Welcome Black Carter  

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