[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 67 (Friday, May 22, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E964-E965]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO VICE ADMIRAL GEORGE R. STERNER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NORMAN SISISKY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 22, 1998

  Mr. SISISKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Vice 
Admiral George R. Sterner, United States Navy, as he retires 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 America develops, acquires, 
modernizes and maintains its ships, ordnance and systems so that our 
Sailors and Marines at the tip of the spear have the best 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, U.S.S. Tullibee (SSN 597), U.S.S. 
Kamehamena (SSBN 642), U.S.S. Archerfish (SSN 678), and U.S.S. Henry L. 
Stimson (SSBN 655), and commanded two others, the attack submarine 
U.S.S. Sturgeon (SSN 637) and the ballistic missile submarine U.S.S. 
Florida (SSBN 728).
  Among his shore assignments was duty on the staff of the Commander in 
Chief, United States Atlantic Fleet; as branch head for submarine 
tactical weapons on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations; Program 
Manager for Mark 48 Advance Capability Torpedo; and Program Executive 
Officer for Submarine Combat and Weapons Systems. He also served at 
Naval Sea Systems Command, first as Assistant Deputy Commander for 
Combat Systems Engineering and Technology and then as Vice Commander.
  On April 25, 1994, Vice Admiral Sterner took charge of Naval Sea 
Systems Command, the largest of five Navy Systems Commands.
  As Commander of Naval Sea Systems Command, his remarkable leadership 
refocused and re-energized the organization, which, due to downsizing 
and restructuring, was experiencing a transformation of a magnitude and 
impact that had not been experienced since World War II. Carefully 
executing a budget of about $14 billion annually and managing more than 
180 acquisition programs, he has been an outstanding steward of 
taxpayer dollars, yet has also ensured we have the technically-superb, 
world-class ships, ordnance and systems needed to protect our national 
interests.
  As 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 good friend to the 
men and women of Virginia who make their livelihood at the Norfolk 
Naval Shipyard. Thanks in part to his insightful planning, the Shipyard 
will retain its important military-industrial capabilities and continue 
to provide jobs for decades to come.

[[Page E965]]

  Vice Admiral George Sterner's innovation and vision positioned Naval 
Sea Systems Command for the 21st century and beyond. He is an 
individaul of uncommon character, and his superb leadership and service 
will be sincerely missed. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be able to 
recognize him today and thank him for his honorable service in the 
United States Navy, and wish him ``fair winds and following seas'' as 
he brings to a close his distinguished career.

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