[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E448-E450]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RADM ARCHITZEL GIVES KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT USS ``HARRY S. TRUMAN'' CHANGE 
                               OF COMMAND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2002

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, March 15, a Change of Command 
was held on the USS Harry S. Truman, an aircraft carrier whose home 
port is Norfolk, VA. Captain Michael Groothousen succeeded Captain 
David Logsdon as the Commanding Officer of that ship. Captain Logsdon 
will continue his outstanding military career as a professor of 
Military Science at the University of South Carolina. The principal 
address was delivered by RADM David Architzel. The talk was a great 
reminder of American Naval strength. It is set forth as follows:


       Congressmen Skelton and Schrock, Admiral Malone, Captains 
     Logsdon and Groothousen and your families, distinguished 
     guests and most importantly, men and women of USS Harry S. 
     Truman.
       Good morning to all of you, what a great personal and 
     professional honor it is for me to address the crew of this 
     great ship.
       I accepted the invitation to speak here today with some 
     trepidation and anxiety. After all, our distinguished guests 
     include Congressmen and the Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. 
     Atlantic Fleet (AIRLANT) and others who are far more eloquent 
     speakers than I. Captain Logsdon was persistent in his 
     efforts to convince me to speak, and as a fellow S-3 aviator, 
     of course, I accepted.
       Let me begin by saying that the Change of Command ceremony 
     is one that is steeped in Naval tradition. The crew has been 
     assembled and in just a few short minutes they will witness 
     as all the responsibility and authority of Command at Sea 
     passes from Captain Logsdon to Captain Groothousen.
       Today is a day of mixed emotions for Logs, CAPT Logsdon. 
     This is the assignment that he has worked his entire career 
     to achieve; an assignment that many seek, but few ever 
     attain. While he has done a wonderful job and has so many 
     great memories of his time at the helm, nothing can stop the 
     clock. I'm reminded of the Chow Call that I used to have to 
     give many years ago at the Naval Academy: it ends with the 
     one minute call and the words; Tide time and Formation wait 
     for no man!'' Logs must now go ashore and he will be leaving 
     this ship, just as Captain Otterbein had to leave it 2 and a 
     half years ago, in the hands of another eager and talented 
     officer, Captain Mike Groothousen.
       This Change of Command provides the opportunity to reflect 
     upon the accomplishments of the command and crew of Harry S. 
     Truman. It also gives us a chance to talk about what lies 
     ahead.
       The United States is and always will be a Maritime nation. 
     Since Theodore Roosevelt and the Great White Fleet sailed 
     from Hampton Roads, the U.S. Navy has been an instrument of 
     national policy and diplomacy, and her ships have been the 
     centerpiece of our national defense. When one considers the 
     striking power, mobility and agility of our deploying Carrier 
     Battle Groups, built around carriers such as Harry S. Truman, 
     it is evident that our nation's defense is the strongest it's 
     ever been.
       ``I've been in the Navy, now, for some 28 years and can 
     honestly say that today's Navy and her Sailors and Marines 
     are the finest I've ever seen. You've earned the right to 
     stand proud. Each deploying ship, squadron, and unit has the 
     full support and backing of the American people, never before 
     in American history has our nation been so completely unified 
     and resolute in purpose.
       CNO's guidance for 2002 is to ``Fight and Win''. He 
     recently reflected on how the readiness, flexibility, power, 
     precision and persistence of our naval forces are dealing 
     decisive blows in the war on terrorism. The Navy is 
     performing brilliantly and he is, as I am, very proud of each 
     and every Sailor and Marine standing the watch. Sustainment 
     of this level of performance presents many challenges to our 
     Commanding Officers.
       With respect to those challenges, the President, in his 
     address to Congress on the 20th of September of last year, 
     directed the military to ``be ready!'' and told Congress and 
     the American people that the military's ``time will come and 
     they will make us proud!'' Well . . . our time has come, the 
     Enterprise, Theodore Roosevelt, Stennis, and Kitty Hawk 
     Battle Groups have triumphed, and the JFK and Vinson Battle 
     Groups have stepped in and filled their shoes. Whether you're 
     on the tip of the spear, preparing to be there, or supporting 
     those who are, We have a mission and one clear objective . . 
     .  to win the war on terrorism and we will.

[[Page E449]]

       The Enterprise and Theodore Roosevelt Battle Groups led the 
     way from right here in Hampton Roads and have carried on the 
     fight for all of us here at home. In the not too distant 
     future, it will be Truman's turn to take her place on station 
     to cheers of ``Give 'em Hell Harry!''
       When that time comes, I known you will be ready. This 
     carrier and her embarked Air Wing brings with it elements 
     that cannot be matched by any other force. You will be 
     challenged and you must remain flexible--the flexibility of 
     Naval aviation was evident early in Operation Enduring 
     Freedom. After the first two weeks of the war, the fixed 
     targets were all but destroyed, leaving over 80% of the 
     targets unknown to the aircrews prior to launch requiring 
     them to quickly adapt mission plans enroute in order to 
     perform time critical strikes. Mission accomplishment 
     required the Presence, Power and Precision that only carrier 
     aviation can provide. Persistence is another factor. On 
     station 24/7, available on call when needed, the forward 
     deployed carrier, with the latest in technology, stands 
     ready, delivering precision guided ordnance to over 90% of 
     her targets as opposed to the 10% rate used in Operation 
     Desert Storm. This is a campaign where we measure targets per 
     aircraft not aircraft per target. It is not about numbers of 
     tons of bombs but about making every bomb count.
       Carrier Aviation continues to excel. Commander, Carrier Air 
     Wing 8, who returned in November aboard USS Enterprise, 
     recently attributed training and preparation with the success 
     his Air Wing experienced while deployed for Operation 
     Enduring Freedom. He also noted that this training was 
     essential for naval aviation to remain agile an adaptable.
       Our operations require stalwart dedication from the entire 
     Battle Group, not just the fighter/attack aircraft and crews. 
     For example, the organic tanker capability of the S-3 Viking, 
     which CAPT Logsdon and I are remotely familiar with, is more 
     valuable than ever to the Air Wing and Battle Group 
     Commanders and continues to be essential to mission 
     accomplishment in Operation Enduring Freedom.
       Logs, you would be interested to note that Viking squadrons 
     deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom have flown about 
     4,000 hours and have passed over 5.5 million pounds of fuel . 
     . .  which contrasts significantly with the total of 2,400 
     hours and 2.5 million pounds for a typical peacetime 
     deployment.
       Many of the current flight schedules have been requiring 7 
     of 8 Vikings airborne at a time and they are enjoying the 
     highest aircraft utilization rate in the Air wing.
       Now let me focus on some of the wonderful things that 
     Captain Logsdon and his crew have accomplished during his 
     time in Command.
       People talk about the character of a ship and I believe it 
     starts with its namesake, but it doesn't end there.
       The character of a ship transcends through the leadership 
     and most importantly is represented by the men and women who 
     comprise the crew.
       As one leader relieves another, . . .  as crew members come 
     and go . . .  the character stays, the pride, the energy the 
     enthusiasm that makes the ship great comprise the character 
     that embodies the ship.
       All you have to do is walk aboard this great ship and you 
     can feel it. This ship has character and that character is 
     here to stay.
       President Truman's favorite expression was: ``Always do 
     right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.''
       This principal applies well to what you do aboard this 
     great ship and in fact gives our Navy a guiding principle, 
     during this time of great challenge for our Navy and our 
     nation.
       * Truman ensured that our peacetime military was essential 
     to our way of life in the future.
       * In speaking of the need for a strong military he said, 
     ``We must be prepared to pay the price of peace or assuredly 
     we shall pay the price of war.''
       I wonder what President Truman would think if he were in 
     the audience with you today. How much would it have meant to 
     him to have this great symbol of military might in his Navy?
       Remember that this ship answered the call during Operation 
     Southern Watch.
       On her last deployment:
       Logging 8,000 arrested landings;
       84 days supporting;
       869 missions flown;
       supporting 2,700 flight hours;
       the list of accomplishments for this ship during Operation 
     Southern Watch is staggering, earning unprecedented 
     recognition for a newly commissioned ship.
       I know Captain Logsdon would quickly deflect any praise for 
     himself onto all of you. However, we all recognize that his 
     leadership was essential to the great things Harry S. Truman 
     has attained and his legacy will be a part of this great ship 
     for a long time to come.
       Another great source of pride for Truman is your conduct as 
     ambassadors for our nation overseas . . . you put our 
     nation's best foot forward . . . and what a tremendous job 
     you did as ambassadors . . . Since Captain Logsdon is a 
     student of history and no doubt a student of Harry S. Truman, 
     it is no coincidence that aboard his namesake vessel on your 
     maiden deployment you made back to back port visits in Turkey 
     and Greece . . . two of the nations center to the Truman 
     Doctrine and I am sure that your crew now has experiences and 
     memories that will last a lifetime.
       Launching and recovering aircraft and projecting air power 
     will always be the function of aircraft carriers and will 
     continue to be the centerpiece of our Naval strategy for many 
     years to come, this is of course your mission and our mission 
     is always the primary focus.
       Our number one resource by accomplishing our mission is our 
     people . . . every one of you here today . . . without you we 
     cannot accomplish our mission.
       Do you know what the CNO's ``number one'' priority is for 
     our Navy today? Manpower . . . our people . . . Since Admiral 
     Clark became CNO, he has said we are in a battle for people 
     to maintain the greatest Navy in history. Part of the reason 
     for that is the ``type'' of people we must recruit and 
     retain, we cannot operate aircraft carriers with just anyone, 
     there are special traits that our people must possess.
       ``One of the most important things we do in our Navy is 
     give people responsibility at very young ages. Some people, 
     frankly, don't prosper in that environment and will not do 
     well. Ours is a demanding profession--and we ask a lot. But 
     the people who thrive on responsibility will always do 
     well.''
       Harry S. Truman is a leader in providing for the quality of 
     life and quality of service . . . you are a crew that does 
     thrive on the awesome responsibility you are entrusted with . 
     . . and your record clearly reflects that.
       Faced with a lengthy availability, the strength of your 
     leadership and the determination of your crew were clearly 
     demonstrated.
       You set the standard for Aircraft Carrier availabilities 
     you raised the bar for all the ships that will follow you, 
     you completed your PIA millions of dollars under budget and 
     ahead of schedule, a true testimony to the character of this 
     great ship and you accomplished what many thought was 
     impossible.
       The leadership from Norfolk Naval Shipyard was unanimous in 
     their praise for the ``Truman Team One'' concept employed 
     from the beginning of the maintenance availability process.
       In fact, the Shipyard Commander, an officer who has been 
     involved with many outstanding aircraft carrier maintenance 
     availabilities lauded your team in saying:
       ``I have never worked with a commanding officer who was 
     more dedicated to the success of the mission. . . . His 
     leadership and commitment were inspirational and contagious 
     to everyone on the ship both Truman crew and Norfolk Naval 
     Shipyard workers alike.''
       The best thing of all is that because of your initiative, 
     ingenuity and dedication . . . the ships that follow you will 
     have an advantage, the whole carrier fleet benefits from the 
     lessons learned from your successes.
       It is abundantly clear to anyone that your leadership has 
     been essential in these many accomplishments.
       Captain Logsdon in addition to providing your people the 
     tools to accomplish their mission:
       You have provided the leadership needed in order to ensure 
     that the men and women of the Harry S. Truman know the value 
     of their contribution and feel pride in themselves and their 
     service to country.
       Among the records that Captain Logsdon must be most proud 
     is to lead the CINCLANTFLT honor role for retention . . .
       Harry S. Truman retained almost 60% of its first term 
     sailors and over 77% of second term Sailors . . . 3% and 10% 
     higher than Navy averages and earned back-to-back Fleet 
     Retention excellence Awards under his leadership.
       The record speaks for itself, the crew has worked hard and 
     clearly likes being part of the Harry S. Truman team and 
     while your leadership Captain Logsdon is key, you didn't do 
     it alone.
       There is an unseen element of your leadership that no one 
     can deny and that is of your wife Rise (Reece-uh). While you 
     were out to sea leading sailors, she was back at home helping 
     families, not only your two wonderful children, but 
     supporting the entire family network of the Harry S. Truman a 
     daunting task for anyone, a task deserving of a large salary 
     for which she receives nothing, but I know she has your 
     gratitude, let me add mine as well.
       Sometimes leaders don't recognize things outside the skin 
     of a ship or the walls of a building. But you do. You 
     understand what an incredible part of your crew's success 
     depends on the families back home and it shows.
       Captain Logsdon, I'm sure it seems like a very short time 
     ago that you were assuming command of this great ship. I know 
     in my experience the time seems to just fly by, you are 
     likely leaving here with a heavy heart, knowing that you will 
     be saying farewell to this great crew.
       But you will quickly become energized when you get back on 
     campus at the University of South Carolina and back in the 
     heart of NASCAR country what a homecoming that will be . . . 
     and what a thrill to have an impact on those young people who 
     will become leaders for our future Navy. It will certainly be 
     a rewarding experience.
       As you leave this great ship, I am sure there are many 
     things you had hoped to accomplish, but simply ran out of 
     time. That's hard to imagine with the success you have had 
     here, but is still probably true.
       Now let me turn to the future. Groot, you will be given 
     many resources and with that you will be expected to produce 
     that fruit called readiness. You are embarking on the

[[Page E450]]

     greatest professional experience and challenge of your life 
     and I know you are up to it. You take the helm of this great 
     warship today and will soon carry her forward to even greater 
     heights and a place in our Nation's history books. To those 
     of you who don't know Captain Mike Groothousen let me tell 
     you a little about him: He is an accomplished aviator (A-7 F/
     A 18), Executive Officer aboard USS George Washington, 
     Commanding Officer aboard USS Shreveport, dedicated 
     professional and Champion of Sailors.
       Captain Groothousen you will be fulfilling a dream and I 
     know you will stay sharp, stay focused, stay safe and make us 
     all proud.
       You and Tricia are in for the ride of your lifetime. All 
     the years of training, the dedication and sacrifice required 
     of you and your family will be worth it. Command of an 
     aircraft carrier is like nothing else on this earth and I 
     know you will both walk away richer for the experience.
       Always remember to trust in your faith, and in your 
     shipmates. God bless you, the crew of this great ship and God 
     Bless the United States of America.

     

                          ____________________