[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 85 (Friday, June 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1153]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN DOUG HUGHES, USN.

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                          HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2004

  Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
outstanding Naval Officer, Captain Doug Hughes, and to recognize his 
dedicated service to our Nation as he prepares to complete his service 
in the United States Navy. It is a great honor for me to take this 
opportunity to thank Captain Hughes and his family for his 24 years of 
distinguished service to our Nation for which he has proudly and 
selflessly served in the defense of freedom.
  It was during his last assignment as director of the Secretary of the 
Navy's Appropriation's Liaison office, that I first came to know 
Captain Hughes. In this capacity, he has proved to be an invaluable 
link between the Secretary and the Chief of Naval Operations to me, my 
staff, and to the professional staff of the Appropriations Committee. 
Captain Hughes has escorted me and other Members of Congress on several 
occasions as we traveled both home and abroad to review military 
operations and confirm the health and welfare of our troops.
  On every occasion, Captain Hughes performed his duties in an exacting 
and precise manner. But far more important to me and the members of the 
Appropriations Committee was the insight he shared with us concerning 
matters of national security and the Department of the Navy. He clearly 
understands the role of the Navy in providing for our Nation's security 
and stability, as well as serving as an ambassador for American values 
throughout the world.
  We have always been able to count on Captain Hughes' candor, 
intelligence, and steadfast devotion to duty mixed in with a flair of 
humor. He was an invaluable asset to me in Congressional deliberations 
in all matters regarding our Armed Forces and his perspective on the 
needs of the Nation with respect to our sea services will be sorely 
missed.
  Mr. Speaker, we all know that behind every service member there 
stands a strong and supportive family so I also want to recognize the 
Hughes family: his lovely wife Nancy, and his children, Reggie and Lee. 
They have been stalwart partners in his service to the United States. 
We can ill afford to forget that it is the strength of family, and 
indeed their love and support, that make it possible to honorably serve 
in uniform. My wife Beverly and I have the highest respect for those 
families who support and enable their sons, daughters, husbands, and 
wives to serve in uniform. We appreciate and honor all the men and 
women who have served, and continue to serve, in defense of freedom.
  In closing, my colleagues on the Appropriations Committee and I want 
to express our thanks and appreciation for the special contribution 
Captain Doug Hughes has made to the United States Navy. We wish Captain 
Hughes and his family continued success and the traditional naval wish 
of ``fair winds and following seas'' as he closes out his distinguished 
military career.

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