[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5158-S5159]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           THE DEATH OF ADM. JEREMY MICHAEL BOORDA, U.S. NAVY

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I was informed this afternoon that Adm. 
Mike Boorda, the Chief of Naval Operations, died today. I have little 
additional information at this time on what happened or how; but I want 
to take a minute to acknowledge the passing of a fine naval officer who 
made many extraordinary contributions to the Navy and to his country. I 
think this is a tragic day for both the Navy and the Nation. We lost an 
individual who was both a strong leader and a decent man.
  Admiral Boorda enlisted in the Navy in 1956 and rose from seaman to 
admiral. He was selected and confirmed as

[[Page S5159]]

the 25th Chief of Naval Operations in April 1994. Prior to his 
confirmation as Chief of Naval Operations, he commanded all United 
States and NATO forces in Bosnia. As ranking minority and now Chairman 
of the Senate Armed Services Committee, I had the opportunity to work 
closely with Adm. Mike Boorda on many occasions. I found him to be an 
officer of great professional skill, who instilled confidence and stood 
as a model of what a dedicated and courageous officer and leader should 
be.
  Admiral Boorda took command of the Navy at a challenging time. His 
steady hand and firm leadership during a period of great change, a 
turbulent period of declining force structure and personnel reductions, 
and his firm commitment to professionalism and operational readiness, 
have kept the Navy on a steady course and sustained its excellence as a 
fighting force.
  Particularly impressive was the empathy and concern that Adm. Mike 
Boorda had for those under his command. As a former enlisted sailor, he 
had a keen appreciation of the hardships of service at sea and family 
separation that are a part of a sailor's daily existence. He understood 
their sacrifice and worked extremely hard to ensure the welfare of 
naval personnel. He never failed to advise me on conditions in the 
fleet during our frequent meetings. His concern for the quality of life 
of the men and women in the naval service was remarkable.
  During more than 40 years of service to the Navy and to his country, 
Adm. Mike Boorda made many extraordinary contributions to his country. 
He was man of great energy, vision, commitment, and patriotism. He was 
a man who deserved our gratitude and respect for his service while he 
lived, and our praise and prayers now that he is gone. We will miss him 
greatly.
  Our thoughts are with his family, his wife Betty, his four children, 
and his nine grandchildren. They include two sons and one daughter-in-
law on active duty in the Navy. We extend our sympathy to them and wish 
them well.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order 
for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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