[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 69 (Thursday, May 16, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5186-S5187]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            ADM. MIKE BOORDA

  Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, I rise to pay tribute to the life of 
Admiral Mike Boorda. He was one of our Nation's finest military 
officers. He was also a friend, whose counsel and advice I often 
sought--and always respected. I send my deepest sympathy to his wife 
Bettie and their children. They are in my prayers.
  One of my strongest memories of Admiral Boorda is from my visit to 
Bosnia. The admiral was called away from dinner because of the terrible 
bombing of the market place in Sarajevo. I went with him to the 
operations

[[Page S5187]]

center where he monitored intelligence reports and oversaw the American 
response. I was so impressed with his courage and professionalism. I 
saw first hand that our Navy was in good hands.
  Admiral Boorda was the first sailor to rise through the ranks from 
enlisted sailor to four star admiral. Going from seaman to Chief of 
Naval Operations was an extraordinary accomplishment that served as an 
inspiration for young sailors in the fleet.
  He learned a lot along the way. He cared about the welfare of every 
man and woman in our Armed Forces and he cared deeply about the United 
States Navy.
  We have all heard stories about how he cut through redtape to help 
improve the lives of individual sailors. I remember one story in 
particular. A young sailor said he needed to be reassigned so that his 
child could receive proper medical care. Admiral Boorda saw that it was 
done immediately.
  He also cared deeply about the honor and integrity of the United 
States Navy. Perhaps more than anyone else, he helped the Navy to 
change--to provide real opportunity and dignity for women and 
minorities. I worked closely with him after the Tailhook scandal shook 
the Navy. He made sure that there wasn't a whitewash or a witch hunt. 
He displayed the kind of honor that is a model for all of us.
  Admiral Boorda's death is a tragedy. But his life was a triumph. His 
contributions to our Nation will live on forever.

                          ____________________