[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 17 (Thursday, February 24, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 24, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       CAPT. RONALD ARTHUR ROUTE

  Mr. SHELBY. Mr. President, I rise today to commend an outstanding 
American and Naval officer, Capt. Ronald Arthur Route, U.S. Navy. 
Captain Route is currently serving as executive assistant and naval 
aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy, Manpower and Reserve 
Affairs. I believe his consistently outstanding performance and 
dedication while serving in a difficult and influential position of 
responsibility are deserving of special and immediate recognition.
  As the executive assistant and naval aide to the Assistant Secretary 
of the Navy, Manpower and Reserve Affairs, since June 1992, Captain 
Route has served superbly with unsurpassed loyalty, intelligence, and 
an extraordinary capacity for organization and work. His exceptional 
performance directly supported the Assistant Secretary of the Navy and 
contributed significantly to the overall mission of the Department of 
the Navy.
  On a daily basis, Captain Route expertly performed the myriad 
administrative functions of a principal deputy. Acting as staff 
director, he coordinated the work of 4 Deputy Assistant Secretaries and 
their staffs, totaling over 50 officers, senior civilians, and enlisted 
personnel. His knowledge of the Navy staff and grasp of Washington 
procedures coupled with his ability to work closely with the other 
services and agencies was instrumental in the successful accomplishment 
of the Department's agenda. An outstanding organizer, Captain Route was 
the officer behind the scene who provided direction and critical 
comment in the development of policy issues relating to military 
manpower, women in combat, Equal Opportunity Program Review, Navy 
medical issues, civilian manpower, and Reserve issues.
  Captain Route was a stabilizing influence on the staff during a time 
of dynamic changes within the Department of the Navy, helping to 
provide program direction in a period when the appointment of the new 
Assistant Secretary was pending. His efforts led to a flawless turnover 
of leadership and uninterrupted support to the secretariat. He was the 
focal point and communications manager with a remarkable appreciation 
for the checks and balances of our military-civilian system.
  One of the greatest policy issues faced by the Manpower and Reserve 
Affairs staff during Captain Route's tenure as executive assistant has 
been the continued and dramatic drawdown of personnel, the reshaping of 
military roles and missions, and the incorporation of a new policy of 
women on combat ships. Captain Route's understanding of personnel 
policies and their implications in the Fleet was vital to executing 
successful programs.
  Mr. President, as Captain Route departs for Pearl Harbor, HI, where 
he will assume command of an Aegis cruiser, the U.S.S. Lake Erie, CG-
70, it is indeed an honor for me to join his wife, Kip, and son, James, 
along with his many friends and colleagues in congratulating him on his 
past distinguished accomplishments and wish him every good fortune in 
his future command.

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