[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 68 (Wednesday, May 21, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S4877]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO MAJ. (P). RANDY O'BOYLE

  Mr. THURMOND. Mr. President, when people think of special operations 
forces, the image that immediately comes to mind is that of the Army's 
Green Berets and Rangers, or the Navy's SEAL's. Few realize that the 
Air Force has a special operations element which is robust and 
impressive. Air Commandos, Combat Controllers, and ParaRescue personnel 
have all made important contributions to military operations and 
National Security over the past five decades, and today, I rise to pay 
tribute to one member of that community, Major Randy O'Boyle, who is 
about to assume command of the 551st Flight Training Squadron.
  For the past several years, Major O'Boyle has been a tireless and 
diligent advocate as the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the 
United States Special Operations Command. In that capacity, he has 
worked closely with Senators, Representatives, and their staffers in 
order to explain the missions and needs of this unique, joint-service 
Command. In the process he has helped to give Members of Congress a 
better understanding of the capabilities of our Nation's special 
operators and has provided us with the information necessary for us to 
help shape policy and the future of our special warfare elements.
  Major O'Boyle was particularly effective in his job as he brought 
with him to Washington both extensive experience as an Air Force 
Officer and as a special operator. An accomplished pilot, Randy O'Boyle 
has literally thousands of hours behind the stick of the Air Force's 
Pave Low helicopter, an aircraft specifically modified to support 
special operations. During Operation Just Cause, Randy demonstrated his 
abilities as a pilot and his coolness under pressure as he flew combat 
operations in support of Army, Navy, and Air Force special forces 
personnel as they fought to liberate Panama from the grasp of the 
dictator Manuel Noriega. Major O'Boyle's experience and expertise was 
put to good use a little more than a year later during the Gulf War, 
where he played an instrumental role in helping to plan the coalition 
forces' first strike into Iraq, kicking off Operation Desert Storm. His 
intimate knowledge of what is required of both a successful tactical 
and planning officer provided Major O'Boyle with an unusual insight to 
how the Special Operations Command functions. His understanding of what 
the needs of Special Operations personnel are, from the newest member 
on a Special Forces or SEAL Team to the Commander of one of the SOCOM 
Theater Commands, assured that he was able to speak knowledgeably and 
eloquently on literally every aspect of special operations. In 
addition, his easy-going Midwestern demeanor, engaging personality, and 
quick-witted sense of humor all assured that he established a bond with 
those he worked with both in the Department of Defense and in the halls 
of Congress.
  As Major O'Boyle leaves Washington and heads west to the famed 
painted landscapes of New Mexico, he leaves many friends who have 
enjoyed working with him during his assignments here. Though the ranks 
of the Special Operations Command are filled with nothing but capable 
individuals, I am certain that SOCOM Legislative Affairs will miss 
Major O'Boyle's positive and determined attitude and his effective 
representation of the Command. Without a doubt though, the young Air 
Commandos who will come under his command at the 551st Training 
Squadron will benefit greatly from his tutelage. I am especially 
pleased to note that Randy will pin on the silver oak leaf of a 
Lieutenant Colonel on June 1, I hope that he continues to enjoy great 
success in the years to come.

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