[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 122 (Monday, September 9, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S10047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO VICE ADM. EDWARD M. STRAW

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Vice Adm. 
Edward M. Straw, U.S. Navy, who will retire on October 25 after a 
distinguished 35-year career. Admiral Straw will relinquish control of 
the Defense Logistics Agency, which is also known as the DLA, on the 
day he retires. He has served as Director of the DLA since 1992.
  DLA is the largest combat support agency in the Department of 
Defense. If it were a private company, it would be the 78th largest 
company in the Fortune 500. Admiral Straw's performance in directing 
50,000 civilian and military members, and in managing $14 billion in 
annual funding, has been recognized both inside the Department of 
Defense and in the private sector as a model of highly effective 
management. Under his leadership, DLA became one of the first Federal 
agencies ever to win a Ford Foundation Innovations in Government Award.
  During his tenure, Admiral Straw reengineered and completely revamped 
the DLA. His fine efforts have saved our $10 billion to date, and are 
expected to yield an additional $20 billion in savings and cost 
avoidance over the next 6 years while significantly improving 
responsiveness to customers.
  Admiral Straw began his military service in 1961 when he was 
commissioned upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy. He served 
numerous sea duty assignments and held senior policy positions within 
the Department of the Navy. These include Vice Commander, Comptroller 
and Chief Financial Officer of the Naval Supply Systems Command, and 
Director of Supply Policy and Programs on the staff of the Chief of 
Naval Operations. In 1994, he organized and successfully conducted the 
Defense Performance Review. He will also receive the Society of 
Logistics Engineers' annual Founders' Award for 1996, later this year.
  Mr. President, our Nation owes Admiral Straw its appreciation for his 
truly distinguished service. I wish him and his wife, Chris, continued 
success and happiness in all future endeavors.

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