[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 104 (Tuesday, July 22, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1470-E1471]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               IN TRIBUTE TO REAR ADM. ROBERT ELLIS FRICK

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 22, 1997

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to Rear 
Adm. Robert Ellis Frick, the U.S. Navy's Program Executive Officer for 
Submarines. I ask that you and the other Members of this distinguished 
body join me in acknowledging his extraordinary service to our Nation.
  Bob Frick leads some of our Nation's most important and complex 
weapons acquisition programs--design and construction of Seawolf 
submarines, design of the new attack submarine, and design and 
development of all submarine combat systems. His contributions to the 
Navy have spanned an active duty career of almost 36 years.
  Mr. Speaker, Bob Frick epitomizes the best in a modern naval officer. 
The high regard in which he is held marks Bob as one of our most 
effective and respected Navy leaders. Known for his technical expertise 
and insightful leadership, Bob has inspired and mentored many naval 
officers and civilian leaders. Decorated with numerous awards, Bob has 
been honored with the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of 
Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal (with 4 Gold Stars), and the 
Navy Commendation Medal (with 2 Gold Stars).
  A native of Erie, PA, Bob Frick enlisted as a seaman in the U.S. Navy 
in 1961. After completing basic training, he was assigned to U.S.S. 
Sabalo (SS 302) in Pearl Harbor, HI, where he earned his silver 
dolphins for completing his initial qualification in submarines. Bob 
was then selected for and completed enlisted nuclear propulsion 
training in 1964. His performance resulted in his selection to attend 
Purdue University under the Navy Enlisted Scientific Education Program. 
Bob graduated from Purdue University in 1969 with both bachelor and 
master of science degrees in mechanical engineering.
  Commissioned as an ensign in June 1969, Bob completed Nuclear 
Propulsion Officer Training and reported as a division officer aboard 
U.S.S. Will Rogers (SSBN 659), earning his gold dolphins in December 
1971. His assignment included non-nuclear systems coordinator during an 
18-month conversion and refueling overhaul at Portsmouth Naval 
Shipyard. Bob next served as engineer officer on U.S.S. Haddock (SSN 
621) through a 15-month refueling and combat systems conversion 
overhaul at Mare Island Naval Shipyard. He then served as executive 
officer first on U.S.S. Drum (SSN 677) and then on U.S.S. Kamehameha 
(SSBN 642) during a strategic weapons conversion overhaul at Portsmouth 
Naval Shipyard.

  From April 1984 until October 1987, Bob served as commanding officer, 
U.S.S. Birmingham (SSN 695), an assignment which included the ship's 
first major overhaul at Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard. Following command, 
he served as the deputy commander for Submarine Squadron One in Pearl 
Harbor and as senior member of the CINCPACFLT Nuclear Propulsion 
Examining Board. In 1990 Bob elected transition to the Material 
Professional Program with assignment as the assistant program manager 
for attack submarines responsible for all SSN 688 class submarine new 
construction efforts. In July 1992, he was assigned as the Senior 
Military Assistant to the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition 
and Technology. In August 1993 Bob reported to Naval Sea Systems 
Command and assumed the duties as the deputy commander for submarines.
  Mr. Speaker, during the course of his career, Bob Frick has faced 
tremendous challenges. His leadership and personal fortitude have been 
central to the operational effectiveness and reliability of submarines, 
and to our national security strategy which they enable and support. 
The successful completion and commissioning of U.S.S. Seawolf, the most 
advanced submarine in the world and the first new class of attack 
submarines to enter the fleet in over 21 years, is but the latest 
example of Bob Frick's tremendous leadership. Although he will be 
sorely missed in the Navy, Bob's vision, leadership, and personal style 
will continue to have a great impact on our Navy and our Nation for 
years to come.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my colleagues and the citizens of this 
great country, I am proud to have the opportunity to honor Rear Adm. 
Robert Ellis Frick with ``Bravo Zulu'' for a job well done. I ask that 
you and my distinguished colleagues join me to wish Bob and

[[Page E1471]]

his wife Susan, and children Jennifer, Sarah, and Kevin, ``Fair Winds 
and Following Seas'' as they begin their next voyage.

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