[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 27, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E674]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CHANGE OF COMMAND FOR THE USS ``JOHN F. KENNEDY'' (CV-67)

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ANDER CRENSHAW

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 27, 2004

  Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Ronald H. 
Henderson, Jr, Commander of the USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). As he 
prepares to move on to a new challenge, I would like to thank him for 
all that he has done as the Commander of Mayport's aircraft carrier, 
the USS John F. Kennedy. His passion for the Navy and its sailors has 
been evident through his leadership during the unprecedented and 
extensive maintenance overhaul that was accomplished here at Mayport. 
It was his management, skill, and persona that brought to a successful 
completion the largest overall ever attempted outside of a Naval 
Shipyard. He epitomizes the dedicated military patriot.
  As the Navy moves into the 21st Century, it will take innovative and 
effective leadership to make this service truly transformational. 
Leaders who possess these characteristics are what makes our Navy the 
greatest in the world. Under his command, both in war and in peace, he 
inspired his crew to rise to all challenges. Thanks to his guidance, 
``Jack is back.''
  Here in the community he should be commended for reaching out to our 
citizens and inviting them to go aboard the Kennedy and share a glimpse 
of life at sea. Civilians, in record numbers, were afforded 
opportunities to experience firsthand the pride that the crew and the 
Navy has in our beloved carrier. Jacksonville has been enriched by his 
service.
  It has been my honor and pleasure to work with him these past two 
years. Jacksonville will miss you, but I know he will continue to lead 
the Navy in whatever new job he is assigned. I wish him luck in his new 
assignment and well-deserved promotion, and best wishes to his family, 
Kathryn and Alexander. I hope when it is time for retirement, he will 
think about returning to Jacksonville.

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