[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 74 (Wednesday, June 10, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6111-S6112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                 TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN MICHAEL J. LANDERS

 Mr. D'AMATO. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and 
honor Captain Michael J. Landers, United States Navy, as he retires 
upon completion of over 30 years of honorable and faithful service to 
our Nation.
  A native of Utica, NY, Captain Landers was enlisted into the Regular 
Navy in November 1968 as a Seaman Recruit. After 5 years of enlisted 
submarine service, he was commissioned an Ensign upon graduation from 
the University of Missouri in December 1973.
  Captain Landers, a Submarine Warfare Officer, has performed in a 
consistently outstanding manner under the

[[Page S6112]]

most challenging of circumstances. From 1973 to 1985 Captain Landers 
served with the surface and submarine fleets of the Atlantic and 
pacific Oceans. He gained extensive experience aboard USS ALEXANDER 
HAMILTON (SSBN) 617) USS VON STEUBEN (SSBN 632), and USS PIGEON (ASR 
21). After serving on the staff of the Director of Strategic Systems 
Programs, Washington, DC, Captain Landers commanded the USS ORTOLAN 
(ASR 22) from 1987 to 1990. He subsequently became the Executive 
Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Personnel. Captain Landers left 
the Navy Annex in 1994 and reported for duty at the Industrial College 
of the Armed Forces at Fort McNair where he received a Master of 
Science Degree in National Resource Strategy.
  From 1995 to 1997, Captain Landers commanded the naval Submarine 
Base, Bangor, WA. He returned to the Pentagon in November 1997, where 
he served as the Deputy Chief of Legislative Affairs. In this capacity 
he has been a major asset to the Navy, Marine Corps and Congress. He is 
considered a valued advisor to the very top echelons of the Navy and 
Congress. His consummate leadership, energy and integrity ensured that 
the morale and effectiveness of the Navy-Marine Corps team reached 
heights otherwise thought to be impossible to achieve in such an 
austere budget climate. During a period of significant change and 
restructuring of naval forces, Captain Landers helped to obtain 
Congressional support for a strong and balanced navy and marine Corps. 
Through his brilliant insight, he has directly contributed to their 
future readiness and success.
  Captain Landers' distinguished awards include the legion of Merit 
with three gold stars, the meritorious Service medal with one gold 
star, the navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars and the navy 
Achievement Medal with one gold star.
  The Department of the navy, the Congress, and the American people 
have been defended and well served by this dedicated naval officer for 
over 30 years. Captain Mike Landers will long be remembered for his 
leadership, service and dedication. He will be missed. We wish Mike, 
and his lovely wife Kris, our very best as they begin a new chapter in 
their life together.

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