[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 129 (Wednesday, November 15, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2062-E2063]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                TRIBUTE TO REAR ADMIRAL WILLIAM G. TIMME

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 15, 2006

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rear Admiral 
William G. Timme on the occasion of his retirement from the United 
States Navy on November 30, 2006, a service he entered as a Midshipman 
at the Naval Academy in 1974.
  Over the past four years, Admiral Timme has performed superbly as the 
Naval Sea Systems Command's Deputy Commander for Undersea Warfare. His 
energy, drive, leadership, keen understanding of national goals, 
objectives, and priorities, and ability to develop innovative 
approaches has left an exceptionally positive impact across the 
Undersea Warfare enterprise.
  Admiral Timme's personal efforts have successfully steered the 
Undersea Warfare directorate through trying workforce downsizing 
initiatives, delivered significant cost savings, and improved submarine 
maintenance planning. Most importantly, he directly supported key Team 
Submarine strategic goals in maximizing operational days for submarines 
and deep submergence vehicles, improvement of modernization fits, 
optimization of submarine fleet engagements, and preparation of 
personnel to meet future technical and management challenges.
  Admiral Timme has worked closely with senior shipyard personnel to 
develop process changes that have resulted in reduced costs and 
increased efficiency at our nation's public and private shipyards. 
These include major initiatives in coordinating work across the Naval 
Shipyards and strengthening vital areas such as the innovative One 
Shipyard concept.
  After the USS San Francisco grounding incident in January 2005, 
Admiral Timme developed the repair and transit procedures that directly 
help save this high value, and operationally critical platform for the 
Navy. Additionally, in his role as submarine safety certifying 
official, he has presided over the certification process for sea trials 
and unrestricted operations of over 47 submarines and manned 
submersibles.
  The son of a career military officer, Admiral Timme attended Rutgers 
University for one year prior to entering the Naval Academy in 1974, 
graduating with distinction in 1978 with a degree in mechanical 
engineering. Following commissioning and completion of nuclear power 
school and basic submarine training, Admiral Timme reported to USS 
Archerfish. He served as Reactor Controls Assistant and Weapons 
Officer, completing three deployments. In March 1983, Admiral Timme was 
assigned to the Personnel Exchange Program with the Royal Navy in the 
United Kingdom. He served on the staff of Flag Officer Submarines at 
the Commander-in-Chief Fleet Headquarters in Northwood, England. 
Admiral Timme completed Submarine Officers Advanced Course in October 
1985, earning the L. Y. Spear Award as class honorman. He then reported 
as new construction Engineer Officer on the PCU Tennessee, where the 
ship earned the Navy Unit Commendation during the shipyard construction 
period.
  Later, Admiral Timme served at the Bureau of Naval Personnel in 
Washington, D.C., as the submarine department head detailer. During 
this tour he earned a masters degree in Engineering Management from The 
Catholic University. He relieved as Executive Officer of USS Chicago in 
April 1991, earning the Battle Efficiency ``E'' award. Subsequently, he 
served as Flag Secretary and Senior Aide to Commander Submarine Force, 
U.S. Pacific Fleet.
  In March 1995, Admiral Timme relieved as Commanding Officer, USS 
Helena and conducted two western Pacific deployments, which included 
numerous exercises and operations, including supporting the USS 
Constellation Battle Group. Subsequently, USS Helena conducted an 
interfleet transfer and began a Depot Modernization Period at 
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. In May 1998, he reported to the New Attack 
Submarine Program as the Warfare Requirements and Fleet Liaison 
Officer. In June 2000, Admiral Timme relieved as the Program Manager 
for Undersea Weapons, responsible for all of the Navy's torpedo 
programs.

[[Page E2063]]

  Admiral Timme's awards include the Legion of Merit Medal, Meritorious 
Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and 
several unit and service awards.
  The Department of the Navy, the Congress, and the American people 
have been well served by this dedicated naval officer. Admiral Timme's 
professionalism, superior technical and managerial expertise and 
determination to support the Fleet are unrivaled. He has been 
instrumental in ensuring that the U.S. Submarine force is, and will 
remain, the world's most preeminent in the 21st century. He leaves an 
enduring legacy.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to express appreciation to 
Admiral Timme for his outstanding service to the nation. I also want to 
recognize and thank his wife Suzette and his daughters Savannah and 
Morgan for their loyalty and support. No one in our armed serves can do 
their job without the love and understanding of their loved ones. They 
have shared equally in all of Admiral Timme's success. On behalf of the 
citizens of Virginia's 8th district, I would like to thank Admiral 
Timme for his steadfast service to his country over his illustrious 28-
year career and wish him and his family fair winds and following seas 
in his retirement.

                          ____________________