[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 86 (Friday, June 26, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   THANK YOU TO THE CREW OF AIRCRAFT CARRIER THE ``JOHN C. STENNIS''

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. BENJAMIN A. GILMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 25, 1998

  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, today the men and women of the U.S. Armed 
Forces stand guard in defense of our vital interests in the Persian 
Gulf. These dedicated men and women stand ready to respond to the 
latest crisis in the Middle East with the most advanced and capable 
weapons systems available. A few months ago as the United States 
prepared to strike Iraq, the news media flooded the airwaves with 
stories about our military personnel in the Gulf. After the crisis, the 
media left but thousands of our soldiers, sailors and airmen remained--
on guard and at their posts.
  One of the most difficult assignments in the Gulf is service at sea 
aboard the many naval vessels that ensure that the U.S. retains a 
unilateral ability to defend our interests in a crisis. Much of the 
work is long, tedious and boring but let us make no mistake about it--
the fate of the world's economy and our national security depend on 
these men and women in uniform.
  I want to invite my colleagues to take this opportunity to thank the 
men and women of our armed services who are currently serving in the 
Gulf for their dedication to duty and their commitment to their 
country. I also want to send a specific thank you to the crew of the 
U.S.S. John C. Stennis (CVN 74) who form the backbone of our commitment 
to Gulf security. Under the able leadership of the Battlegroup 
Commander, RADM Ralph Suggs, the ship's Commanding Officer, Captain 
Douglas Roulstone, and the Executive Officer, CDR Wade Tallman, our 
newest aircraft carrier and pride of the fleet is the reason why Saddam 
Hussein and the Iraqi leadership are kept at bay. These Navy leaders 
took a brand new ship and crew and welded them into a team that is now 
a cornerstone in our nation's security.
  A member of my staff recently served with this crew as they prepared 
for the Gulf. He reminded me that long after CNN and the other networks 
left the Gulf, our people in the nation's sea service remained on duty 
in the Gulf. While I cannot read the names of the whole crew, I wanted 
to send a special thank you from the Congress to the ship's 
intelligence staff who are the eyes and ears of the Battlegroup, 
watching any threat which may intend harm for America and her allies. 
In specific, I want to thank the following sailors for their service:
  CDR Paula L. Moore, LCDR William P. Hamblet, LCDR Cecil R. Johnson, 
LT Claudio C. Biltoc, LT Wayne S. Grazio, LT Constance M. Greene, LT 
Amy L. Halin, LT Michael C. McMahon, LT Michael S. Prather, LTJG Jason 
S. Alznauer, LTJG Kwame O. Cooke, LTJG Joe A. Earnst, LTJG Ben H. Eu, 
LTJG Neil A. Harmon, LTJG Kevin J. McHale, LTJG Alexander W. Miller, 
LTJG Eric C. Mostoller, LTJG Kevin E. Nelson, LTJG John M. Schmidt, ENS 
Curtis D. Dewitt, ENS Joseph M. Spahn, CW02 Robert G. Stephens, 
ISCS(SW) Mary B. Buzuma, CTIC Andrea C. Elwyn, CTRC(SW/AW) Leroy Dowdy, 
ISC Nancy A. Heaney, PHC(AW) Troy D. Summers, CTO1 William L. Beitz, 
IS1 Janice E. Bevel, CTR1 Theresa L. Covert, CTR1 Charlene Duplanter, 
PH1 Lewis E. Everett, CTA1 Jennifer L. Fojtik, IS1 Matthew E. Hatcher, 
CTM1(SW) Susan C. Kehner, IS1(AW) Kevin E. King, CTT1 John E. 
Schappert, CTT1 Marx A. Warren, CTR1(SW/AW) Kevin R. Webb, PH1(AW) 
James M. Williams, CTR2 Francis E. Algers, IS2 Zachary C. Alyea, PH2 
Clinton C. Beaird, IS2 Brandon G. Brooks, DM2 Chad A. Dulac, IS2 Sean 
M. Fitzgerald, PH2(AW) Brain D. Forsmo, CTRA2 Sarah A. Fuselier, IS2 
Brent L. George, IS2 Richard M. Gierbolini, IS2 Christopher S. 
Holloman, CTR2 Kevin J. Hubbard, PH2 Leah J. Kanak, CTI2(NAC) Paula C. 
Keefe, IS2 Angel Morales, IS2 Matthew W. Nace, CTI2(NAC) Eric S. 
Newton, CTO2 Milton T. Pritchett, IS2 Richard J. Quinn, IS2 Lee E. 
Redenbo, CTR2 Michael A. Santichi, IS2 Bryan S. Stanley, IS2 Mark A. 
Szypula, PH2(AW) Jadye A. Theobald, CTI2 Sarah A. Vogel, PH3(SW) Robert 
M. Baker, IS3 Gere L. Beason, IS3 Michael J. Barrenchea, PH3 Richard J. 
Brunson, CTO3 Michael H. Buxton, PH3 Jomo K. Coffea, IS3 Terry D. 
Cooper, IS3 Trinity A. Durrell, CTR3 Angel Garay-Guzman, CTR3 George W. 
Hall, PH3 Sandra Harrison, CTO3 Yacha C. Hodge, IS3 Mark T. Kenny, CTT3 
David E. Kozacek, PH3 Michael L. Larson, PH3(SW) Stephen E. Massone, 
CTI3 Dennis M. Paquet, IS3 Christopher P. Petrofski, IS3 Christopher D. 
Ross, IS3 John C. Shirah, CTT3 Gus Smalls, PH3 Alicia C. Thompson, CTM3 
Jonathan R. Thompson, PH3 Kevin R. Tidwell, CTR3 Malina N. Townsend, 
IS3 William T. Tyre, CTR3 Thomas J. Wilgus, PH3 Robin R. Williams, ISSN 
Samuel J. Abernathy, PHAN Emily A. Baker, ISSN Kevin L. Bolden, CTRSN 
Stacey L. Bowman, ISSN Daniel F. Cady, ISSN Charles E. Fischer, ISSN 
Gene H. Gregory, ISSN Stephen W. Hedrick, AN Thomas E. Kossman, CTOSN 
Melissa A. Oliver, PHAN Jamie Snodgrass, ISSN Michael D. Spiller, ISSN 
Arther C. Twyman, ISSN Travis L. Veal, PHAR James A. Farraly, and PHAR 
Quinton D. Jackson.

  In August, we plan to welcome these dedicated sailors and their 
crewmates back to the United States at their new home port in San 
Diego, California. Until then and on behalf of the Congress, I want to 
extend our thanks to the crew of the John C. Stennis and their families 
for their pride, service and dedication to their country. Godspeed and 
come home safely.

                          ____________________