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




                             ADMIRAL BOORDA

  Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I am saddened, as my colleagues are, by 
the news we just received about Admiral Boorda's death. His loss is a 
tragedy for the Navy, the Armed Forces, and for the entire Nation.
  Admiral Boorda was an outstanding leader and had the best possible 
qualifications to be Chief of Naval Operations because he rose through 
the ranks. He entered the Navy as an enlisted man in 1956. He is the 
only enlisted person ever to reach that high position.
  As ranking member of the Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower, I 
had the privilege of working with Admiral Boorda for several years. I 
had great admiration for his knowledge, skill, leadership and 
dedication. President Kennedy was a Navy man, too, and he said at the 
Naval Academy in 1962:

       I can imagine a no more rewarding career of any man who may 
     be asked in this century what he did to make his life 
     worthwhile. I think I can respond with a good deal of pride 
     and satisfaction: I served in the U.S. Navy.

  Admiral Boorda's life and career exemplify the best in that 
tradition. I join the Navy and the Nation in mourning its loss, and 
express my deepest condolences to his wife, Betty, and to his entire 
family.
  I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The time will be equally divided, and the 
clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. COATS. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

                          ____________________