[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 116 (Thursday, September 23, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S9608]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO ADMIRAL JEROME L. JOHNSON

 Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, today I honor an exceptional leader 
and true patriot. After a lifetime of service to our Nation, Jerome L. 
Johnson is retiring from his current position as chairman of the 
Military Officers Association of America, effective October 14, 2004. 
On this occasion, it is fitting to also recognize his 38 years of 
commissioned service as a naval officer and exemplary leadership as 
president and chief operating officer of the Navy-Marine Corps Relief 
Society. Admiral Johnson's career illustrates a lifelong commitment to 
service with honor and dedication to causes than his own self-interest.
  A native Texan, he graduated from Texas A&M University, completed the 
Naval Aviation Cadet Program, and was commissioned as an ensign in the 
U.S. Navy in 1956. As a naval aviator, he served with distinction in a 
wide range of combat, command, and staff assignments. Admiral Johnson's 
distinguished naval career culminated with tours of duty as commander 
Second Fleet, commander of NATO's Striking Fleet Atlantic, and finally 
as the vice chief of Naval Operations. He retired from military service 
in 1994 as the senior naval aviator on active duty, receiving the 
prestigious honorary title of the Navy's ``Gray Eagle.''
  Admiral Johnson's selfless devotion to service and quest for 
excellence continued long after he left active duty. For 10 years, he 
served as president and chief executive officer of the Navy-Marine 
Corps Relief Society, which provides financial, educational, and other 
assistance to active-duty and retired sailors, marines, and their 
family members. He also was elected to the board of directors of the 
Retired Officers Association in 1998, became the chairman of the board, 
and oversaw the organization's successful transformation into the 
Military Officers Association of America. Through his responsible 
stewardship, MOAA continues to support Congress by advocating 
legislative initiatives that improve readiness and quality of life for 
all current and retired members of our services, as well as their 
families.
  We are grateful to Admiral Johnson for his outstanding leadership in 
uniform and in private life by supporting members of the Armed Forces, 
the military coalition, and all veterans. We offer Admiral Johnson a 
sharp salute, and wish him ``fair winds and following seas.''

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