[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 53 (Wednesday, March 22, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E660]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              RETIREMENT OF MASTER CHIEF JOSEPH RAMIREZ ADA

                                 ______


                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 22, 1995
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend and congratulate 
Master Chief Joseph Ramirez Ada, a native son of Guam, on his 
distinguished career and his well-earned retirement. He is a veteran 
submariner and one of the highest rated enlisted personnel in the Guam 
Area Command of the U.S. Navy. Master Chief Ada, the son of Jose 
Quichocho and Maria Ramirez Ada, first enlisted in the Navy back in 
1966. He has since attained the rank of master chief quartermaster, one 
of the highest ranks in the naval enlisted tier, second only to the 
master chief petty officer of the Navy.
  In addition to this extraordinary accomplishment, Master Chief Ada 
always represented the best that the island of Guam has to offer. Prior 
to his present post, he served aboard the U.S.S. John Adams (SSBN-620), 
the U.S.S. Puffer (SSN-652), and the U.S.S. Haddock (SSN-621). He was 
also assigned to the Submarine Flotilla Eight and the Navy Astronautics 
Group Detachment ``Bravo.'' After this, he was named command senior 
chief of Submarine Group Seven and, later, command master chief of 
Development Group One. Throughout almost three decades of active duty 
service he was the deserving recipient of several significant military 
awards. In addition to seven Good Conduct Medals, two Navy Achievement 
Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals and a Meritorious Service Medal, 
Master Chief Ada is the first Chamorro to receive the Admiral Claude V. 
Ricketts Award for inspirational leadership.
  Since being assigned to the Guam Area Command of the U.S. Navy, 
Master Chief Ada greatly assisted in many civic efforts. He assisted in 
combined military and civilian projects such as last year's 50th 
anniversary celebration of the liberation of Guam. His assistance was 
also instrumental in the island's recovery from natural disasters such 
as Typhoon Omar and the earthquake of August 1993.
  He has expressed great interest in our youth and local community 
through his volunteer work with the Guam Special Olympics and the 
assistance he provided local students in their high school drill and 
color guard competitions. He also supported local mayors in numerous 
military functions, parades, funerals, fiestas, and sister-village 
activities in addition to being a leader in the Navy's Community 
Partnership Programs.
  After over 29 years of distinguished service, Master Chief Ada has 
chosen to retire from the Navy. An official retirement ceremony 
celebrating his accomplishments was held last Friday, March 17 on Guam. 
On behalf of the people of Guam, I would like to congratulate Master 
Chief Ada for his accomplishments, congratulate him on his well-earned 
retirement, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.


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