[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 126 (Tuesday, October 1, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9704-S9705]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            TRIBUTE TO COMMANDER DAVID G. MANERO, U.S. NAVY

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, I wish to take this opportunity to recognize 
an outstanding Naval Officer, Commander Dave Manero, for the tremendous 
work he has done as a member of my staff during the second session of 
the 107th Congress. It is my privilege to recognize his many career 
accomplishments and to commend him for the superb service he has 
provided the Navy, the great State of Mississippi, and our Nation.
  Commander Manero is the son of Carmen and Rosemary Manero of Highland 
Park, NJ. He earned his commission through NROTC at the University of 
Pennsylvania where he graduated in 1988 with a Bachelor of Science in 
Electrical Engineering. He received his Wings of Gold from Helicopter 
Training Squadron Eight at NAS Whiting Field, FL. on July 7, 1989.
  Following flight school, Commander Manero reported to Helicopter 
Anti-Submarine Squadron Light, HSL, 41 where he received training in 
the SH-60B Seahawk with a follow-on tour at the HSL-45 `Wolfpack.' 
While assigned to the Wolfpack, he deployed in USS Paul F. Foster, DD-
964, as Detachment One Operations Officer in support of Operation 
Desert Storm. During the Gulf War, he worked in close coordination with 
British Lynx helicopters in the destruction of six hostile surface 
combatants. He subsequently cruised as Detachment Three Maintenance 
Officer embarked in USS Jarrett, FFG-33, in support of Operation 
Southern Watch. He was presented with the 1991 Naval Helicopter 
Association national ``Aircrew of the Year'' and the 1993 Wolfpack 
``Officer of the Year'' awards.
  Commander Manero's next assignment included selection for the Navy's 
Advanced Education Program where he attended a two-year Masters Program 
at Harvard University. He graduated in 1995 with a Master of Public 
Policy specializing in International Affairs and Security. After 
graduate school, Commander Manero was assigned as Flag Lieutenant, 
Commander Carrier Group ONE located in San Diego, CA. He deployed to 
the South Pacific embarked in USS Blue Ridge, LCC-19, and Arabian Gulf 
in USS Carl Vinson, CVN-70, as a member of the fly-away Joint Forces 
Air Component Commander's staff.
  Commander Manero returned again to the East Coast where he attended 
the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and graduated in December 1997 with 
Class 112. In January 1998, he reported in to the Naval Rotary Wing 
Aircraft Test Squadron in Patuxent River, MD where he served as a Test 
Pilot and as the Sea-Control Department Head. A Member of the Society 
of Experimental Test Pilots, he has accumulated over 2800 flight hours 
in over 30 different aircraft types.
  In May 1999, Commander Manero reported to the HSL-43 `BattleCats' 
where he served as Training Officer, Detachment Officer-in-Charge and 
Squadron Maintenance Officer. Prior to his detachment from his 
department head tour, he was selected for Commander and was nominated 
for the prestigious `John Paul Jones Inspirational Leadership' award. 
Dave is currently assigned as a Legislative Fellow on my staff and has 
made tremendous contributions towards shaping our Navy's future through 
the DD(X), Littoral Combat Ship, LHD, and LHR programs. He also was 
instrumental in securing over $108 million in Military Construction 
funding for Mississippi. I offer my sincere congratulations for Dave's 
recent selection to command. He will depart my staff in December to 
take command of a squadron in mid-2004.
  Throughout his most distinguished career, Dave has served the United 
States Navy and our Nation with pride and excellence. His awards 
include the Air Medal, two Strike Flight, the Navy Commendation Medal, 
five, two with Combat Valor distinction, the Navy Achievement Medal, 
the Combat Action Ribbon, and numerous other campaign and unit 
distinctions.

[[Page S9705]]

  Commander Dave Manero has been an integral member of my staff and has 
contributed greatly to the best-trained, best-equipped, and best-
prepared naval force in the history of the world. Dave's superb 
leadership, integrity, and limitless energy have had a profound impact 
on my entire staff and will continue to positively impact the United 
States Navy and our Nation. On behalf of my colleagues on both sides of 
the aisle, I wish Dave, his wife Justina, and their children Michael 
and Elizabeth ``Fair Winds and Following Seas'' and the best of luck in 
their bright future.

                          ____________________