[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 98 (Thursday, July 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1299]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 RECOGNIZING REAR ADMIRAL ROLAND KNAPP

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                          HON. NORMAN D. DICKS

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2002

  Mr. DICKS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding 
naval officer, Rear Admiral Roland Knapp, from Gig Harbor, Washington. 
Admiral Knapp has served with considerable distinction and dedication 
for the past 33 years, and I would like to take this opportunity in the 
House of Representatives to thank him for his service and his 
contributions to the defense of our great nation.
  On July 26, Admiral Knapp will retire from the Navy after 33 years of 
active service, and he will leave command of the Navy's Executive 
Office for Aircraft Carriers here in Washington, DC.
  During his tenure as Commander of the Navy's Aircraft Carriers 
Office, Admiral Knapp has overseen the christening of USS Ronald 
Reagan, our newest nuclear aircraft carrier, the complex refueling 
overhaul of the USS Nimitz and the contract awarding of CVN-77. He has 
also been responsible for all aircraft carrier acquisition and life 
cycle support programs the past 2\1/2\ years. During this tenure his 
command worked with the fleet to ensure our ``in-service'' carrier 
force was maintained at the highest possible levels of readiness. Their 
brilliant dedication to our force was visibly evident during the recent 
sustained combat-operations conducted during Operation ``Enduring 
Freedom.'' In addition, Admiral Knapp has ensured the success of our 
aircraft carrier programs well into the future through his numerous 
innovative business practices as well as merging the latest 
technological advances into our carrier fleet.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize Admiral Knapp and his wife Jean 
for their honorable service to our nation. I Join my colleagues in the 
House today in wishing them continued success and the traditional naval 
wish of ``Fair winds and Following seas'' as Admiral Knapp closes out 
his distinguished military career.

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