[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 108 (Thursday, August 1, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7893-S7894]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              ROGER GENDRON RETIRING FROM YEARS OF SERVICE

 Mr. SMITH of New Hampshire. Mr. President, I rise today to 
commend and congratulate Roger Gendron, who is retiring as the 
Marketing Business Manager at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
  Roger began his career at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard in 1967, as an 
Industrial Engineer Technician. In 1970, Roger became a Computer 
Technician/Computer Systems Analyst, and in 1979, served as a 
Management Analyst until 1986, when he ascended to his current position 
as Marketing Business Manager.
  As Marketing Business Manager, Roger has forged strong community and 
business relations through an aggressive, pro-active marketing strategy 
and outreach programs. He has been an instrumental leader in guiding 
the Yard through the challenges of downsizing, reduced budgets, and 
balancing manpower/workload equations. Through his vision for the 
future, Roger was fundamental in developing the Shipyard's MilCon 
Projects Priority List, which included the construction of the Dry Dock 
#2 Complex; a state-of-the-art Los Angeles Class refueling complex.
  During Roger's distinguished career, he has exhibited extraordinary 
knowledge and leadership, helping to steer Portsmouth Naval Shipyard 
successfully through two Base Realignment and Closure processes. 
Roger's progressive planning contributed significantly to the 
establishment of Partnering, Out leasing, Regional Maintenance, SMART 
Base, and Technology Transfer programs within the Navy and shipyard 
community.
  For several years, I have had the privilege to work with Roger in 
innovating and improving Portsmouth Naval Shipyard's ability to 
maintain America's Los Angeles Class nuclear submarines, a vital 
component in America's national defense. Throughout these challenges, 
Roger has focused continuously upon achieving the most efficient use of 
the shipyard's industrial infrastructure and resources.
  Roger's expert counsel and vast institutional knowledge has 
contributed greatly to Portsmouth Naval Shipyard and to the defense of 
this great nation. Roger has been a dedicated and professional leader 
in his many years of service with Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.

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He will be sorely missed by all of us who have had the honor of working 
with him.
  Roger, I wish you fair winds and following seas. It has been an honor 
to represent you in the U.S. Senate.

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