[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 42 (Friday, April 3, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Page S3224]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO VICE ADMIRAL GEORGE R. STERNER

 Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Vice Admiral 
George R. Sterner, United States Navy, who will retire on May 1st upon 
completing 36 years of faithful service to our nation.
  During his distinguished career, Vice Admiral Sterner played a 
significant role in reshaping the way the Navy develops, acquires, 
modernizes, and maintains its ships and systems so that our Sailors and 
Marines have the best equipment in the world at an affordable price.
  Vice Admiral Sterner's career began in 1962 upon his commissioning as 
an Ensign in the United States Navy. During the years that followed, he 
served aboard four submarines and commanded two others. His shore 
assignments included duty on the staff of the Commander in Chief, 
United States Atlantic Fleet; Branch Head for submarine tactical 
weapons on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations; Program Manager 
for the Mark 48 Advanced Capability Torpedo; and Program Executive 
Officer for Submarine Combat and Weapons Systems.
  After serving in two senior Naval Sea Systems Command positions, Vice 
Admiral Sterner took charge of this organization on April 25, 1994. As 
Commander of the largest of the five Navy Systems Commands, Vice 
Admiral Sterner re-energized an agency in turmoil as a result the 
largest restructuring since World War II. Managing a budget of 
approximately $14 billion annually and managing more than 180 
acquisition programs, he has been a responsible steward of taxpayer 
dollars while insuring that we have technically-superb, world-class 
naval fleet.
  As a testament to his dynamic leadership, the National Performance 
Review chose to honor him and his command with 27 Hammer Awards for 
contributions to create a government that works better and costs less.
  Closer to home, Vice Admiral Sterner has been a friend to the 
dedicated men and women who works at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. 
Thanks in part to his vision, the Shipyard retains its important 
military-industrial capabilities and continues to provide critical jobs 
for the region.
  Vice Admiral George Sterner's innovation has positioned the Naval Sea 
Systems Command for the 21st Century. He is an individual of uncommon 
character and his professionalism will be sincerely missed. I am proud, 
Mr. President, to thank him for his honorable service in the United 
States Navy, and to wish him ``fair winds and following seas'' as he 
closes his distinguished military career.

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