[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 107 (Friday, August 5, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: August 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                 GUAM THANKS ADM. EDWARD K. KRISTENSEN

                                 ______


                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 5, 1994

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, Rear Adm. Edward K. Kristensen has come a 
long way since becoming an ensign in June 1965. I am sure that at sea 
in your early days aboard the U.S.S. Norfolk, the U.S.S. Wilkinson and 
the U.S.S. England, moments like this ceremony were not at the 
forefront of your mind. Yet, I am equally sure, that those who knew you 
then expected no less.
  You've run a ``tight ship'' here on our island, just as you commanded 
the U.S.S. Waddell and the U.S.S. Lake Champlain later in your career. 
And what a career you've enjoyed with the Navy. In 1983 you won the 
VADM James Bond Stockdale Award for outstanding leadership, went on to 
earn the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal, with gold 
starts, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Marine Corp Expeditionary Service 
Medal and various unit and campaign ribbons.
  I'm happy to note that the tradition of excellence will continue. 
With your loving and charming wife Suzanne C. ``Sam'' Samsel, you have 
a son, Erik, who is now attending the Naval Academy. Good luck, Erik.
  When you came to Guam in April 1992, little did you know that the 
summer would be full of activity. Typhoon activity that is. In August 
1992, you provided tremendous assistance to the people of Guam in 
restoring vital services to both the civilian and military communities 
on the island. You directed the construction of the tent city named 
Omar, after the typhoon which triggered the need to house over 2,000 
homeless people. You helped reopen bridges and schools. We are forever 
grateful.
  One year later, an 8.1 Richter scale earthquake hit our island home. 
Again, under your direction, technical expertise was provided to the 
government of Guam. You showed your compassion and concern for the 
people of Guam.
  On island issues facing us, when I called for the Guam Land 
Conference process, you responded with a ``can do'' attitude. You 
initiated the Guam Land Conference session held on Guam in January 
1994. I know that you wanted to find more excess land to be returned to 
the people of Guam, and the study concluded there was more excess land.
  The Micronesian Games and the Golden Salute our 50th anniversary 
commemoration of the liberation of Guam were superb events, which 
showcased our island. Again, Admiral, I salute you for your dedication 
and service. Many of those under your command helped with the Games, 
and the athletic facilities at U.S. Naval Air Station were made 
available for our events. We enjoyed your maximum support for the 
Golden Salute, but we knew we could count on you.
  We are grateful for your assistance, your leadership and your 
honesty. You have demonstrated a rare ability to deal with difficult 
public issues. You have carried out your duties in a manner which has 
brought goodwill to the Navy and you exemplify the best that the 
military services has to offer this country.
  Admiral, the people of Guam will continue to count on you as you 
continue in your career. You are now one of our alumni. So, anchors 
away, and may the wind always be at your back.

                          ____________________