[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 135 (Thursday, October 7, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2069-E2070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN HONOR OF CAPT. CLELL NEIL AMMERMAN, U.S. NAVY (RET.)

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 7, 1999

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Capt. Clell Neil Ammerman, 
U.S. Navy (Ret.), who passed away last week.
  Captain Ammerman had a long and distinguished career serving his 
country in the United States Navy. He graduated with honors from the 
U.S. Naval Academy in 1954 and quickly proved himself as a capable 
officer. In 1957, he commanded the USS Ely, one of the first ships to 
transit the new St. Lawrence Seaway. In 1958, he was assigned to the 
National Security Agency, and in 1961 received his master's degree in 
applied mathematics and physics.
  Captain Ammerman returned to the sea, and in August 1964 was involved 
in the initial action in the Gulf of Tonkin as an officer aboard the 
USS Oklahoma City. In 1967, he completed his work in the field of 
nuclear weapons effects at the Lawrence Radiation Laboratory in 
Livermore, California, for which he received the Joint Services 
Commendation Medal.
  After another year at sea, Captain Ammerman served as Assistant to 
the Deputy Director, Research and Technology, ODDR&E. That stint earned 
him the Legion of

[[Page E2070]]

Merit for outstanding management of research and development programs. 
But a Navy man belongs to the sea, and in September 1971, Captain 
Ammerman assumed command of the USS John S. McCain. Between April and 
October 1972, Captain Ammerman actively engaged the enemy off the coast 
of the Republic of Vietnam and was awarded the Bronze Star with the 
Combat ``V.''
  He then entered the academic life, serving as professor of naval 
science and commanding officer for the NROTC Unit at UCLA. In 1976, he 
again returned to sea, then moved to Newport, Rhode Island, in 1978 to 
command the Navy's prestigious Surface Warfare Officer's School. 
Finally, he served as Chief of Staff of Battle Force Seventh Fleet, 
homeported in Subic Bay, the Philippines.
  In June of 1984, Captain Ammerman retired from the Navy and settled 
in Camarillo, California, which is in my district. Until 1995, he 
continued his relationship with the Navy through his work with naval 
contractors.
  His wife of 20 years, Pamela, is national director of the Navy League 
of the United States. She has also served as my campaign manager for 
years. Aside from Pam, Captain Ammerman is survived by six children and 
four grandchildren.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me for a moment of prayer 
for Capt. Clell Neil Ammerman, and in sending our condolences to Pam 
and all of his family.

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