[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 48 (Thursday, April 27, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING COAST GUARD CAPTAIN PETER V. NEFFENGER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 27, 2006

  Ms. HARMAN. Mr. Speaker, U.S. Coast Guard officers are measured by 
the depth of their dedication to protecting our country and its 
citizens, and by the respect they earn from the men and women who serve 
under them. By every measure, CPT Peter V. Neffenger is an outstanding 
commander.
  On April 28th, Captain Neffenger concluded his accomplished tenure as 
Commanding Officer, Captain of the Port, and Federal Maritime Security 
Coordinator for the U.S. Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach.
  During his three-year command, he skillfully guided over 2,400 active 
duty, reserve, civilian, and auxiliary men and women through times of 
dramatic change and increasing responsibility. He leaves the nation's 
largest port complex better prepared for the daunting security 
challenges of the 21st century.
  Captain Neffenger has overseen unprecedented security improvements at 
the Port of Los Angeles-Long Beach. Under his leadership, the Coast 
Guard's Los Angeles-Long Beach Sector conducted over 150 vessel 
boardings and over 500 commercial vessel escorts. The Captain led the 
Sector in several major exercises, including the largest one in Coast 
Guard history.
  In his role as Federal Maritime Security Coordinator, Captain 
Neffenger spearheaded the coordination of federal, state and local 
agencies. He worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Customs 
and Border Protection, county and local law enforcement, and others to 
develop a communications network for law enforcement personnel.
  His leadership produced the first Area Maritime Security Committee, 
an interagency body that serves as a model for ports around the nation. 
Captain Neffenger was a key member of the expert panel that developed 
the first National Strategy for Maritime Security, and he established a 
joint-operations partnership with the Coast Guard and CBP for daily 
intelligence and information-sharing within the port complex.
  Captain Neffenger leaves the Port of Los Angeles-Long Beach safe and 
secure. His foresight, expertise and courage will be sorely missed, but 
his work in Washington as the Chief of Programs and Budget for the 
United States Coast Guard will undoubtedly serve our homeland security 
interests and make our country safer.
  On behalf of my constituents and the communities surrounding the port 
complex, I extend our congratulations to a friend and neighbor, Pete 
Neffenger, and best wishes for his next assignment.

                          ____________________