[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 12, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E834-E835]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING COMMANDER CHARLES L. STUPPARD, UNITED STATES NAVY AND THE 
 OFFICERS, CHIEF PETTY OFFICERS, AND CREW OF THE USS ``ARLEIGH BURKE'' 
                                (DDG 51)

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 12, 2004

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this 
opportunity to congratulate Commander Charles L. Stuppard, United 
States Navy and the officers, Chief Petty Officers, and crew of the USS 
Arleigh Burke (DDG 51). USS Arleigh Burke was commissioned in Norfolk, 
Virginia, on July 4, 1991.

[[Page E835]]

She is the first of the most powerful and survivable class of 
destroyers ever put to sea. She possesses the AEGIS Weapons System with 
ultifunction radar, capable of detecting and tracking hundreds of 
targets simultaneously while conducting multiple engagements.
  On March 5, 2004, in Norfolk, Virginia, Commander Charles L. Stuppard 
became the 9th Commanding Officer of this powerful navy vessel. 
Commander Stuppard graduated from Cornell University in 1982 with a 
bachelor of science degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering. He 
worked for 3 years as a Design and Test Engineer for Fairchild Republic 
Corporation in the A-10A, T-46 and SF-340 Aircraft programs. In 1985 he 
joined the Navy as an aviation officer candidate. After commissioning 
and flight training, Commander Stuppard switched to Surface Warfare.
  Commander Stuppard served successively on board the following ships, 
September 1987 to July 1990, as Boilers Officer and Advanced Combat 
Direction Systems/Computers Officer, USS Biddle (CG 34) in Norfolk, 
Virginia; November 1990 to May 1993, as Electronics Readiness Officer/
Combat Systems Officer, USS Reeves (CG 24) in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; 
January 1993 to September 1994, as Combat Systems Officer, USS Sides 
(FFG 14) in San Diego, California; April 1995 to September 1997, as 
commissioning Combat Systems Officer, USS Gonzalez (DDG 66) in Bath, 
Maine and Norfolk, Virginia. From September 1997 to November 1998, 
Commander Stuppard attended the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode 
Island where he earned a Masters degree in National Security and 
Strategic Studies. Afterwards, he served as Executive Officer of USS 
Nicholas (FFG 47) in Norfolk, Virginia.
  After a 3-year tour of duty in the Pentagon as an Action Officer and 
then as an Executive Assistant to the Deputy Director for European 
Politico-Military Affairs, the Joint Staff Directorate of Strategic 
Plans and Policy, Commander Stuppard was selected as the Commanding 
Officer of the USS Arleigh Burke (DDG 51). Commander Stuppard's 
accomplishments and achievements are truly outstanding and serve as an 
example to all men throughout the country. Commander Stuppard is a fine 
citizen and an outstanding American. I congratulate Commander Stuppard 
and the crew of the Arleigh Burke for such a superb assignment.

                          ____________________