[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S5168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO ADMIRAL BOORDA

  Mr. NUNN. I thank my friend from Nebraska. I join my colleagues in 
being both shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden death of Adm. Mike 
Boorda, Chief of Naval Operations. Admiral Boorda had a truly 
remarkable career in the Navy. Many people do not recognize it and do 
not realize it, but Mike Boorda rose from the lowest enlisted rank to 
become the most senior officer in the Navy. He never forgot where he 
came from. The welfare of the men and women of the Navy were always 
foremost in his thoughts and in his actions. He never let us forget 
that when he testified before the committee. The men and women of the 
Navy were first for him. He was always looking for additional ways to 
help the Navy families and, particularly, the people who served in the 
Navy and those who are directly affected by that service.

  Admiral Boorda was well-known to Members of the Senate, and to the 
Armed Services Committee, for his devotion to the Navy and the ideals 
of military service. He was always available and helpful. Never have I 
asked a single question when he was not responsive immediately, if the 
information were available. I had the opportunity to work closely with 
Mike Boorda over the years on a wide variety of projects and programs, 
particularly during his service as Chief of Naval Personnel, as 
commander of Joint Task Force Provide Promise, which was responsible 
for the mission throughout the Balkans, and as Chief of Naval 
Operations. Many of us have been briefed by Admiral Boorda when he was 
head of that task force in a very tough period during the Balkans 
problems. I visited him overseas when he was planning the Bosnia 
operations, and I relied on his wise counsel many times.
  Mr. President, I could go on and on about Mike Boorda. I will 
summarize it by saying that he was a superb military commander and a 
true friend. Admiral Boorda was an inspiring leader and a man of 
vision. I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Bettie, to his 
children, David, Edward, Anna and Robert, and to his many friends and 
admirers in the Navy and throughout this great country.
  I thank the Chair and my colleagues.

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