[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 138 (Wednesday, October 13, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2081]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              TRIBUTE TO REAR ADMIRAL NORBERT R. RYAN, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FLOYD SPENCE

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 13, 1999

  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rear Admiral 
Norbert R. Ryan, Jr., the outgoing Chief of Legislative Affairs for the 
U.S. Navy. During the past three years, he has proven to be an 
invaluable asset to the House Armed Services Committee, the House of 
Representatives and the Congress. It is an honor to have the 
opportunity to thank Rear Admiral Ryan for his dedicated service and to 
recognize him for his accomplishments.
  A native of Mountainhome, Pennsylvania, Rear Admiral Ryan began his 
military career after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1967. 
From the beginning, Rear Admiral Ray demonstrated his leadership 
skills, and in 1993 after a distinguished career as an aviator, Rear 
Admiral Ryan was selected for rear admiral (lower half). In 1996, Rear 
Admiral Ryan was selected to represent the Navy on Capitol Hill as 
Chief of Legislative Affairs. Given the significant changes in Navy 
leadership during his tenure, Rear Admiral Ryan's steadfast leadership 
and strategic vision may be credited with keeping the Navy's 
legislative strategy on course. Over the past three legislative cycles, 
I watched as he successfully navigated Navy leadership through 
difficult challenges to key naval programs including the F/A-18E/
FSuperhornet, the CVN-77/CVN(X), the DD-21, Tactical Tomahawk, Virginia 
Class Submarines, shipyard maintenance and the Navy's role in Kosovo.
  As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I have had the 
pleasure of working closely with Norb Ryan. His success has been due in 
no small part to the strong relationships that he has built with 
Members of the House and our staffs. He enhanced these action, and 
established an impressive program to maximize congressional exposure to 
the men and women who serve in the Navy and Marine Corps.
  Rear Admiral Ryan may also be credited with initiating a series of 
Congressional Constituent Caseworker workshops by geographical region. 
Today, these workshops are invaluable to Members of Congress and ensure 
that we have the information we need on Navy programs to respond to the 
concerns of our constitutents.
  Rear Admiral Ryan's tireless efforts throughout his distinguished 
career have benefited America's Navy. He is a spirited and resourceful 
naval officer with whom it has been a pleasure to work. I look forward 
to working with Norb in the future and am certain that his 
contributions in the years ahead will continue to benefit both the Navy 
and the Nation.
  While his presence on Capitol Hill will be missed, Rear Admiral Ryan 
will be doing critically important work in his new role as Chief of 
Naval Personnel. I can think of few officers as well suited to leading 
America's navy into the new millenium. As his career sails on, I would 
like to send Rear Admiral Ryan the traditional Navy farewell wish--
``Fair Winds and Following Seas!''

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