[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 137 (Tuesday, October 12, 1999)]
[Senate]
[Page S12429]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


               TRIBUTE TO REAR ADMIRAL NORBERT RYAN, USN

 Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize and say 
farewell to an outstanding Naval Officer, Rear Admiral Norbert R. Ryan 
Jr., as he completes more than three years of distinguished service as 
the Navy's Chief of Legislative Affairs. It is a privilege for me to 
honor his many outstanding achievements and commend him for his 
devotion to the Navy and our great Nation.
  A native of Mountainhome, Pennsylvania, Rear Admiral Ryan is a 1967 
graduate of the United States Naval Academy. An outstanding aviator and 
officer, Rear Admiral Ryan was assigned as Chief of Legislative Affairs 
from August 1996 to October 1999. Through tireless effort, a keen sense 
of timing and decisive action, Admiral Ryan navigated Navy leadership 
through aggressive and demanding Congressional action on a wide variety 
of Navy programs during three complete legislative cycles. He ensured 
support for a difficult series of high profile and at times challenging 
issues to include the F/A-18 E/F, CVN-77/CVNX, DD-21 Acquisition 
Strategy, Tactical Tomahawk, Virginia Class Submarines, Shipyard 
maintenance, and the Navy's role in Kosovo.
  Admiral Ryan initiated a ground-breaking series of Congressional 
Constituent Caseworker Workshops by geographical area to ensure 
congressional staff at the district level were provided the necessary 
tools and information on Navy and Marine Corps programs to be 
responsive to their constituents. He forged strong bonds with many key 
Members and their staffs ensuring the best interests of the Navy were 
fully understood and supported.
  Admiral Ryan provided outstanding advice, recommendations, and 
strategies to the Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations 
that have significantly and positively affected the future size, 
readiness, and capabilities of the Navy. As a result, Congress passed 
the FY00 Defense Authorization Bill that has been lauded by many 
Members as the best defense bill ever written.
  Rear Admiral Ryan is a dynamic and resourceful naval officer who, 
throughout his time in Navy Liaison, has proven to be an indispensable 
asset to our Nation. He is a passionate advocate of the Navy, our 
Sailors and their families understanding better than anyone that they 
are truly the backbone of our national defense. His superior 
contributions and distinguished service will benefit both the Navy and 
the country he so proudly serves for years to come. As Rear Admiral 
Ryan leaves, we will certainly miss him. I am proud to thank him for 
his service as the Chief of Legislative Affairs and look forward with 
pride and deepest respect as we continue to work with him in his new 
assignment as Chief of Naval Personnel. There is no better officer 
aptly suited to lead the officers and Sailors into the 21st 
century.

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