[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 116 (Thursday, September 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1838]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         A CHANGE OF COMMAND AT THE DEFENSE INTELLIGENCE AGENCY

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                          HON. JULIAN C. DIXON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 9, 1999

  Mr. DIXON. Mr. Speaker, on July 27, Lieutenant General Patrick M. 
Hughes relinquished command of the Defense Intelligence Agency (DIA). A 
few days later, General Hughes retired, ending 24 years of 
distinguished service with the Army.
  General Hughes began his career as a combat medic and, after 
receiving his commission, served in the infantry. Observing first hand 
in battle in Vietnam how soldiers under fire need reliable and timely 
intelligence, and the terrible consequences if they do not receive it, 
he transferred to military intelligence. For the rest of his career 
General Hughes worked to ensure that intelligence was responsive to the 
needs of those Americans asked to take the biggest risk in times of 
conflict.
  As Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, General Hughes 
presided over three and one-half years of constant challenges for 
military intelligence. Supporting U.S. forces in combat in the skies 
over Iraq and Kosovo, ensuring that the Defense HUMINT Service was on a 
sound footing, and trying to provide enough trained analysts to make 
sense out of the vast amount of information collected by intelligence 
systems, were but a few of the issues with which he had to deal. 
General Hughes turned over to his successor an agency well positioned 
for the future, and one with a role in the intelligence community 
better defined than it has been for some time.
  General Hughes has a gift for directness that served him well in his 
dealings with the Intelligence Committee. His candor and judgment were 
highly respected, and the depth of his military experience gave him a 
perspective that was extremely valuable to the committee. His many 
contributions to the nation, not just in his last assignment, but 
throughout this military career, are greatly appreciated.
  Mr. Speaker, General Hughes' selflessness in the service of the 
country is a fine example for others to emulate. He had a career of 
distinction and it should be a source of great pride for himself and 
his family.

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