[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 117 (Monday, September 8, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8924]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO CAPT. ROBERT C. KLOSTERMAN, U.S. NAVY, COMMANDING OFFICER, 
                       U.S.S. ``JOHN C. STENNIS''

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I take this opportunity to recognize and say 
farewell to an outstanding naval officer, Capt. Robert C. Klosterman, 
who served with distinction for 41 months as commanding officer of the 
U.S.S. John C. Stennis nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, named for the 
great Senator from Mississippi. It is a privilege for me to recognize 
his many outstanding achievements and commend him for the superb 
service he has provided the Navy and our great Nation.
  A native of Cincinnati, OH, Captain Klosterman graduated from the 
U.S. Naval Academy in 1969 and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1970 
at NAS Kingsville, TX. He flew over 440 combat missions in Vietnam, 
piloting UH-1B gunships with Helicopter Attack (Light) Squadron 3. 
Following his service in Vietnam, Captain Klosterman returned as a 
flight instructor with VT-9 at Meridian, MS, where he served as 
Director of Flight Training and Operations Officer through 1973.
  Captain Klosterman's service at sea includes junior officer and 
department head tours in VA-86 (U.S.S. Nimitz) and two instructor pilot 
tours in VA-174. He joined Attack Squadron 46 (VA-46) as executive 
officer in June 1984 and took command in January 1986. During his tour, 
VA-46 participated in combat operations against Libya from U.S.S. 
America, and was awarded the 1986 COMNAVAIRLAN Battle ``E.'' Captain 
Klosterman completed naval nuclear power training in 1988 and was 
executive officer of U.S.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) from June 
1989 to April 1991. He is a veteran of Operations Desert Shield/Desert 
Storm, as well as Operations Restore Hope and Southern Watch.
  During his naval career, Captain Klosterman has accumulated over 
5,800 flight hours and made over 1,000 carrier arrested landings. His 
decorations include the Legion of Merit, 3 Meritorious Service Medals, 
15 Air Medals, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry, and the Combat Action 
Ribbon. He was also the recipient of the 1986 COMLATWING ONE Pat 
Anderson Award for weapons delivery excellence.
  As commanding officer of the U.S.S. John C. Stennis, he delivered to 
the Nation and the U.S. Navy the most modern and technologically 
advanced nuclear-powered aircraft carrier in the world. He did this 
while realizing over $75 million in savings to the taxpayers, for which 
we owe him a debt of gratitude.
  Mr. President, Robert C. Klosterman, his wife Rebecca, and son Todd 
have no doubt made many sacrifices during his 28-year naval career. 
They have made significant contributions to the outstanding naval 
forces upon which our country relies so heavily. Captain Klosterman is 
a great credit to both the Navy and the country he so proudly serves. 
As this decorated combat veteran now departs the Navy, I call upon my 
colleagues from both sides of the aisle to wish him fair winds and 
following seas. He is a sailor's sailor.

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