[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 82 (Monday, June 20, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING ADMIRAL VERN CLARK, CHIEF OF NAVAL OPERATIONS, FOR HIS 
                         SERVICE AND DEDICATION

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. RANDY FORBES

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 20, 2005

  Mr. FORBES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Admiral Vern 
Clark, Chief of Naval Operations, for his loyal service to the United 
States of America.
  Admiral Clark's dedication and loyalty to the advancement of our 
naval service and the Nation as a whole is to be highly commended.
  Admiral Clark's devotion to duty has reflected the highest standards 
of the military profession through a number of command and staff 
positions. He served aboard the destroyers USS John W. Weeks and the 
USS Gearing. As a Lieutenant, he commanded the USS Grand Rapids. He 
also commanded the USS McCloy, USS Spruance, the Atlantic Fleet's Anti-
Submarine Warfare Training Center, Destroyer Squadron Seventeen, and 
Destroyer Squadron Five. After being selected for flag rank, he 
commanded the Carl Vinson Battle Group/Cruiser Destroyer Group Three, 
the Second Fleet, and the United States Atlantic Fleet. Ashore, he 
served as Special Assistant to the Director of the Systems Analysis 
Division in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He later 
served as the Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval 
Operations and as the Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Chief on 
Naval Operations. He then served as the Administrative Aide to the Vice 
Chief of Naval Operations. He also served as Head of the Cruiser-
Destroyer Combat Systems Requirements Section and Force Anti-Submarine 
Warfare Officer for the Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic 
Fleet, and he directed the Joint Staff's Crisis Action Team for Desert 
Shield and Desert Storm. Admiral Clark's first flag assignment was at 
the U.S. Transportation Command where he was director of both Plans and 
Policy and Financial Management and Analysis. While he was commanding 
the Carl Vinson Battle Group, he deployed to the Arabian Gulf and 
served as Deputy Commander, Joint Task Force Southwest Asia. He also 
served as the Deputy Chief of Staff, United States Atlantic Fleet; the 
Director of Operations and subsequently Director of the Joint Staff. He 
became the 27th Chief of Naval Operations on July 21, 2000.
  Admiral Clark's awards and decorations include the Defense 
Distinguished Service Medal (three awards), the Distinguished Service 
Medal (two awards), the Legion of Merit (three awards), the Defense 
Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (four awards), 
the Navy Commendation Medal, and various service and campaign awards.
  Admiral Vern Clark has shown the highest level of commitment and 
devotion to his country. Today we recognize him for his unwavering 
patriotism and dedication to both his profession and the American 
people.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Admiral Vern Clark, the 27th 
Chief of Naval Operations, on his retirement from the United States 
Navy.

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