[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 127 (Wednesday, August 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 A SALUTE TO NEW YORK STATE MARITIME COLLEGE PRESIDENT ``HOSS'' MILLER

                                 ______


                         HON. THOMAS J. MANTON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 2, 1995
  Mr. MANTON. Mr. Speaker, last week, leaders of the U.S.-flag Merchant 
Marine gathered in New York City to pay tribute to retired Navy Rear 
Admiral Floyd Harry ``Hoss'' Miller, the president of the New York 
State Maritime College at Fort Skyler, a branch of the State University 
of New York. Having served with distinction as president of the New 
York Maritime College for 15 years, Admiral Miller has decided to move 
onto new challenges.
  The most outstanding tribute to Admiral Miller, was the reaction of 
his students and colleagues to his announcement. Students at New York 
State Maritime and, indeed, leaders of the entire New York Maritime 
community were disappointed to learn that Admiral Miller was leaving. 
All seemed to agree that there were too many important projects that 
could not succeed without ``Hoss'' Miller's guiding hand. During his 
service as president, Hoss Miller has transformed the Maritime College 
into a technologically advanced, state-of-the-art institution that is 
well equipped to train young men and women for the future. While the 
college has a long legacy of training seafarers, Admiral Miller has 
broadened the training programs so that Maritime College graduates are 
prepared to meet the new challenges of a rapidly evolving 
transportation and trading system.
  A member of the New York State Maritime college class of 1953, 
Admiral Miller possessed a deep commitment to the college. Many in this 
House, know from personal experience the strenuous efforts made by 
Admiral Miller and the other Academy presidents to ensure that the 
Federal Government honored its commitment to the U.S.-flag merchant 
marine and maritime education. Although we in Congress seem to have 
forgotten an important lesson of history, namely that a nation without 
a maritime fleet is doomed to fail both militarily and economically. 
Admiral Miller spent his last days in office urging Congress to 
reexamine this misguided philosophy which neglects maritime education 
and ignores the unfair maritime practices of our trading partners. 
Without Admiral Miller's efforts, clearly the State maritime colleges 
would be in even more perilous condition. Just as he fought hard for 
his students and his alma mater before Congress, Hoss Miller led the 
fight in Albany for increased State funding for education.
  Prior to joining the college, Admiral Miller had an outstanding 
record of military service. From his start as a nuclear expert on the 
U.S.S. Enterprise, through his service off the coast of Vietnam as 
executive officer of the U.S.S. Bainbridge, Hoss Miller served with 
distinction and courage. Upon retiring from the Navy, Admiral Miller 
sought to serve his Nation in the field of education. He was thrilled 
by the prospects of preparing a future generation of leaders. Admiral 
Miller has been tremendously successful in this endeavor and indeed the 
men and women who trained at the college are part of his legacy.
  Although Admiral Miller is leaving the college with a record of 
accomplishment most would envy, I am certain he will find numerous ways 
to continue to serve his Nation and his fellow citizens. I and the 
members of the New York delegation wish you every success in the 
future.
  As we look ahead, I will take this opportunity to welcome Admiral 
Brown, the new president of the New York Maritime College. Admiral 
Brown was previously president of the Great Lakes Maritime College and 
is well known to Members of this House. Admiral Brown, we are pleased 
to have someone of your statute succeed our friend and we wish you 
every success in this new position.


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