[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 29, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E457-E458]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO COMMANDER CHARLES L. STUPPARD

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANNY K. DAVIS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 29, 2006

  Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate 
Commander Charles L. Stuppard, United States Navy, for his outstanding 
and brilliant performance as Commanding Officer of the United States 
Ship

[[Page E458]]

Arleigh Burke (DDG 51) from March 5, 2004 to April 3, 2006. USS Arleigh 
Burke was commissioned in Norfolk, Virginia on July 4, 1991. She is the 
first of the most powerful and survivable class of destroyers ever put 
to sea. She possesses the AEGIS weapons systems with multifunction 
radar, capable of detecting and tracking hundreds of targets 
simultaneously while conducting multiple engagements.
  On March 5, 2004, in Norfolk, Virginia, Commander Stuppard's took 
command 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 in the A-10A, T-46 and SF-340 aircraft programs for 
Fairchild Republic Corporation in Long Island, New York. In 1985 he 
joined the Navy as an aviation officer candidate. After commissioning 
and flight training Commander Stuppard switched to Surface Warfare. In 
1998 Commander Stuppard obtained his master's degree in national 
security and strategic studies at the Naval War College in Newport, 
Rhode Island.
  During Commander Stuppard's flawless and noteworthy tour of duty as 
``Captain,'' he masterfully led his ship, the Arleigh Burke with 300 
sailors, through an extensive and demanding training phase followed by 
a major fleet inspection. He then took the ship through a rigorous 
intermediate and advanced training cycle, which included two Joint 
Maritime Course exercises off the coast of the United Kingdom, 
particularly in Scotland and a Submarine Commander's Course off the 
islands of the Bahamas. With his crew fully prepared and ready, he 
deployed to the Mediterranean Sea as the sole United States member of 
the Standing NATO Maritime Group Two from November 2005 to May 2006 in 
support of Operation ACTIVE ENDEAVOR and NATO operations with a primary 
mission to prevent terrorists from using the high seas for their 
misdeeds.
  Under his sterling leadership USS Arleigh Burke maintained an 
impeccable record of outstanding achievements. His attention to detail, 
keen foresight and dedication to duty resulted in 100 percent 
operational and combat readiness and a very successful 6 months 
deployment in southern Europe. On April 3, 2006, Commander Stuppard 
will have his change of command ceremony while on his European 
deployment in Valletta, Malta. His tour of command was nothing short of 
magnificent. His next duty station will be at the Command Leadership 
School in Newport, Rhode Island where he will be an instructor to all 
naval prospective commanding officers over the next 3 years. His 
experience and leadership will positively affect a whole generation of 
future naval commanding officers. I am looking forward to pay him a 
visit there.
  Commander Stuppard's excellent reputation and commitment to duty will 
become an indelible mark on the crew of this legendary Navy vessel, the 
USS Arleigh Burke. Commander Stuppard consistently projects the Navy 
core values of ``Honor, Courage and Commitment'' and will always be 
remembered by every Arleigh Burke officer, chief and sailor known as 
``team 51'' who served under his command. Commander Stuppard immensely 
and effectively touched the life of so many of our men and women in 
uniform. The following five words are the motto by which Commander 
Stuppard led his brave and valiant crew: ``Be Good--Do Good Work''.
  Commander Stuppard's accomplishments and achievements are truly 
outstanding and serve as an example to all citizens throughout our 
country, the United States of America. Commander Stuppard is a true 
gentleman and an outstanding American. I congratulate Commander Charles 
L. Stuppard and the crew of the Arleigh Burke for a job well done.

                          ____________________