[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 69 (Friday, May 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E899-E900]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     ADM. JAMES M. LOY'S RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. FRANK A. LOBIONDO

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 2002

  Mr. LoBIONDO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very special 
patriot who has committed his entire career to the mission of defending 
America. Admiral James M. Loy, commandant of the United States Coast 
Guard, is retiring from duty at the end of May and will bring to a 
close his remarkable 38-year career.
  Admiral Loy, a 1964 graduate of the Coast Guard Academy, spent much 
of his career on the water. He served aboard a number of Coast Guard 
cutters and commanded a patrol boat during combat in Vietnam. His 
experience comes from duty on the front lines, teaming the Coast 
Guard's traditions and missions from those who served before him, 
carrying on a tradition that stretches back to 1790. For his service, 
Admiral Loy has been awarded a number of decorations including two 
Department of Transportation Distinguished Service Medals, four Coast 
Guard Distinguished Service Medals, the Defense Superior Service Medal, 
two Legion of Merit awards, the Bronze Star with Combat ``V,'' the 
Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, the 
Combat Service Ribbon as well as other unit and campaign awards. This 
recognition denotes a fine service career in and of itself, but James 
Loy still had much to give the Coast Guard and America.
  While a very experienced sea-going officer, Admiral Loy has also 
distinguished himself on land as well, earning two masters degrees and 
winning recognition for himself and for the service through his duty as 
Commander of the Eighth Coast Guard District, the Chief of Personnel 
and Training, Commander of the Atlantic Area and as Coast Guard Chief 
of Staff before becoming Commandant in 1998.
  His leadership has helped transform the Coast Guard and improve the 
service's readiness to serve effectively well into the 21st `` Century. 
He has been a vocal and effective advocate for the Coast Guard and for 
America's need to keep our shores, ports and waterways safe for the 
maritime industry and for the millions of Americans who enjoy boating 
and fishing on our waters. He has also been able to look ahead at the 
new challenges facing America today. Because of Admiral Loy's 
leadership and foresight, the Coast Guard was able, during the terrible 
days of September 2001, to coordinate and carry out the evacuation of I 
million people from Lower Manhattan and to immediately send recovery 
teams to New York and Washington while putting in place a security 
cordon around our nation's port cities. His leadership and the efforts 
of the Coast Guard from September 11th up until today demonstrate a 
living example of the Coast Guard's motto Semper Paratus--Always Ready.

[[Page E900]]

  Mr. Speaker, I rise today as Chairman of the House Coast Guard and 
Maritime Transportation Subcommittee to congratulate Admiral James M. 
Loy, Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard on his magnificent career and 
to thank him for his long service to America. Admiral, we wish you and 
your wife Kay every happiness as you begin this new posting and thank 
you both for your dedication to service and duty.

                          ____________________