[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 111 (Friday, August 7, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1592-E1593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN ROBERT J. GREENE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 6, 1998

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and congratulate 
Captain Robert Greene on a distinguished career as a Great Lakes pilot, 
and to wish him the best in his retirement. Our home area, from the 
base of Lake Huron to the Detroit River, will truly miss Capt. Greene's 
leadership in ensuring safe pilotage and advocating on behalf of our 
pilots. From the time he first sailed as a 16-year-old, Capt. Greene 
garnered the respect and admiration of his fellow pilots, those 
involved in the maritime trades along the Great Lakes and many of us in 
Congress.
  Over the 34 years of service to the waters he loved, Capt. Greene 
rose from an officer to the esteemed position of President of the Lakes 
Pilots Association located in Port Huron, Michigan--a position to which 
he was elected by his fellow pilots. In addition, he served as Vice 
President for the Great Lakes of the American Pilots Association. The 
responsibilities Capt. Greene took on often led him to Washington to 
fight for the interests of his fellow pilots and to ensure shipping 
safety on the Great Lakes.
  At the time of his retirement, Capt. Greene was the longest serving 
pilot on the Great Lakes. He first sailed in 1945 and received his 
first license in 1952. In 1964, he joined the ranks of Great Lakes 
pilots, the dedicated individuals who ensure the safe passage of 
foreign vessels through our Great Lakes. Capt. Greene was a leader 
among our pilots--ensuring safety, promoting commerce, and protecting 
our environment. Capt. Greene met these challenges head on and put our 
pilots in a strong position as we near the next century.
  He also understood our lakes and their importance to our community. 
For those of us in Michigan, our lakes are among our most important 
economic and recreational resources. The need to ensure commerce can 
safely pass through the sometimes treacherous waters is vital to 
economic growth in our region. The understanding of the need to protect 
our waters from environmental harm is equally as crucial. Capt. Greene 
is one of those rare individuals who understood the importance of both 
needs.

[[Page E1593]]

  I came to know Capt. Greene through his many years of service to 
pilots, but I also consider him to be a true friend. We have been 
through many battles together, and I always have admired his resolve to 
fight for what he believes is right. In Capt. Greene's eyes, no 
challenge was too great or insurmountable. He is the type of person you 
want on your side--he is also the kind of leader who will truly be 
missed. Indeed, Great Lakes pilots lost a friend, but if I know Bob, 
he'll be active in retirement and will, hopefully, have a little fun 
along the way. I wish all the best to you Bob, on your well-deserved 
retirement.

                          ____________________