[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO CAPT. CARLTON A. SIMMONS, JR., USN (RET.)

 Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I rise today with the sad mission 
of reporting the loss of a truly outstanding naval officer, Capt. 
Carlton A. Simmons, Jr. He passed away on July 14 after a long illness 
and was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery on July 22.
  A native of North Dighton, MA, and a 1974 graduate of the University 
of Massachusetts at Amherst, Captain Simmons was commissioned an ensign 
in 1975. Following designation as a naval aviator in 1977 and 
qualification in the A-7E Corsair, he served with Attack Squadron 22, 
completing two deployments to the western Pacific.
  Followon tours of duty included an exchange assignment with the Air 
Force, flying F-16 Falcons with the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron; 
and duty as flag secretary to the commander, Middle East Force in 
Manama, Bahrain. Later, after training in the F/A-18 Hornet, he served 
with Strike Fighter Squadron 113.
  A superb leader, the Navy entrusted Captain Simmons with three 
command assignments--the Strike Fighter Weapons School, Pacific Fleet; 
Strike Fighter Squadron 25; and the F/A-18 Fleet Readiness Squadron, 
Strike Fighter Squadron 125. While commanding officer of VFA-125, the 
squadron earned the Chief of Naval Operations Aviation Safety Award for 
surpassing 70,000 accident-free flight hours; and Personal Excellence 
Partnership Program awards from the Chief of Naval Operations and the 
State of California.
  Captain Simmons also served a 22-month tenure in Washington as the 
Strike Warfare and Naval Aviation Programs Congressional liaison 
officer in the Navy Office of Legislative Affairs. In this capacity, 
Captain Simmons provided members of the Senate Armed Services 
Committee, the professional and personal staffs, and many of you, with 
timely support regarding Navy plans and programs. His contributions 
enabled Congress and the Navy to work closely in ensuring the Nation 
possessed a modern and capable naval force.
  During his illustrious career, Captain Simmons was the recipient of 
many awards and commendations including the Legion of Merit, the 
Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, and the Navy Commendation 
Medal with Gold Star.
  Mr. President, Captain Simmons, his wife Carol, and their daughters 
Erin and Stacey, made many sacrifices during his long career. It is 
indeed tragic that he has been taken from his family, the Navy, and the 
Nation he so selflessly served. His courage and fortitude marked him as 
a great patriot. He will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________