[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 97 (Monday, July 20, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1352]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING ADMIRAL THOMAS T. MATTESON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GARY L. ACKERMAN

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 20, 1998

  Mr. ACKERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor RADM Thomas T. 
Matteson, USMS, who, on July 21, 1998, will retire from the position of 
Superintendent of the Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) after a total of 
41 years of federal service to our nation.
  While others might have sought permanent retirement after 36 years of 
active duty in the Coast Guard, RADM Matteson chose to continue to 
serve America at the United States Merchant Marine Academy. RADM 
Matteson was on the bridge for five years navigating through perilous 
and uncharted waters. As he quickly became familiar with the dynamics 
of the vast maritime and intermodal transportation industry, he strove 
to ensure that the USMMA's program produced graduates that would serve 
America's global economic and defense needs.
  His time as Superintendent has not been easy. Early in his command he 
faced the possible closure of the Academy. Congressional action 
resolved this issue at the same time that RADM Matteson ensured the 
Academy received its ten-year accreditation. In addition, tight federal 
fiscal policy required good and sometimes creative stewardship to 
ensure the effects of level funding did not adversely impact the 
Academy's academic program.
  During his tenure at the Merchant Marine Academy, Admiral Matterson 
strove to create a better learning and personal environment for the 
midshipmen. His guiding hand enhanced the curriculum by creating the 
new Shipyard and Engineering Management, and Intermodal Transportation 
majors, and by planning the evolution of a trimester system. Along with 
his wife Dottie, RADM Matteson strengthened the bond between the 
Academy's leadership and the regiment by personally cooking hundreds of 
meals in his home for the future leaders of America, the academy's 
midshipmen.
  By traveling around the country to meet with the Academy's alumni 
body, RADM Matteson discussed the needs of the Academy and supported 
the need for the Alumni Associations Superintendents Campaign for 
Excellence, an endowment campaign to fund academic excellence, 
curriculum development, new technology and learning systems, and 
leadership training at the United States Merchant Marine Academy.
  Today, thanks to the devotion of RADM Matteson, the United States 
Merchant Marine Academy continues to be the most cost-effective federal 
academy, whose graduates serve our nation for many years beyond their 
required commitment. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to rise and join with me today in wishing RADM 
Matteson and his wife fair winds, following seas, a joyous retirement.




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