[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 5 (Monday, January 31, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E26]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   ON THE RETIREMENT OF JAMES TURNER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SAM GEJDENSON

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 31, 2000

  Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer best wishes to 
James E. Turner, Jr. on his retirement as President of General 
Dynamics. Mr. Turner has played a leading role in strengthening 
American shipbuilding and ensuring that the Navy has the most 
sophisticated technology available to safeguard our national security.
  Jim Turner joined General Dynamics in September 1988 as Vice 
President and General Manager of Electric Boat, the Company's nuclear 
submarine division. He was named Executive Vice President of the 
corporation in February 1991 with responsibility for marine, land 
systems and services businesses. In addition to these duties, he became 
President of Electric Boat in April 1993. In 1995, Mr. Turner became 
President of General Dynamics.
  Mr. Turner's retirement will leave a huge void in Navy shipbuilding 
circles. Throughout the industry, few others match Mr. Turner's 
technical expertise, leadership and integrity. His deep understanding 
of shipbuilding has significantly contributed to the fact that this 
country produces the finest submarines in the world. In recognition of 
his contributions, Mr. Turner was elected to the National Academy of 
Engineering, which honored him for ``* * * leading the implementation 
of innovative engineering and design processes, and establishing a new 
standard for ship design and acquisition.'' he received the Navy 
League's Admiral Chester W. Nimitz Award in 1999. This award honors 
industry leaders who have made major contributions to U.S. maritime 
strength.
  Jim Turner was one of the first in the industry to recognize that the 
end of the Cold War would require defense-related companies to 
reorganize in order to remain competitive and successful. Without his 
insight, technical acumen and leadership, our country might have lost a 
vital element of shipbuilding capability that is absolutely essential 
to meeting our national security needs in the years ahead.
  Mr. Speaker, the shipbuilding industry will certainly miss Jim 
Turner's steady presence at the helm. I know many members join me in 
thanking Mr. Turner for his many years of service to our country. We 
wish him, and his wife Elizabeth, the very best in the years ahead.

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