[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 107 (Friday, June 29, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1466-E1467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 TO COMMEMORATE CHANGE OF COMMAND, COAST GUARD STATION, HOUSTON, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 28, 2007

  Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, I would like to take the opportunity 
today to commemorate the Change of Command at the Coast Guard Air 
Station located at Houston's Ellington Field. Captain Norman S. 
Schweizer was relieved of his command by Commander Sean M. Mahoney on 
Monday, June 25, 2007.
  Captain Schweizer was born and raised in Miami, FL, and graduated 
from Florida State University in 1984, earning a bachelor of science 
degree in accounting. Following Officer Candidate School in 1984, his 
first assignment was as the Assistant Operations Officer at Group Key 
West, FL. After 20 years of service, Captain Schweizer assumed the 
duties of Commanding Officer of the Coast Guard Air Station in Houston, 
TX. His accomplishments include two Meritorious Service Medals, four 
Coast Guard Commendation Medals, two Coast Guard Achievement Medals, 
and the Commandant's Letter of Commendation.
  The Air Station's new commander, Sean M. Mahoney, is a native of 
Fishkill, NY, and a graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy where he 
received a bachelor of science degree in government. His first 
assignment was as a Deck Watch Officer aboard the USCGC Morgenthau in 
Alameda, CA. Due to honorable service, his decorations include the Air 
Medal, Coast Guard Commendation Medal, Commandant's Letter of 
Commendation, and two National Defense Service Medals. He is also a 
recipient of the Air Force Association of Canada's Air Search and 
Rescue Award.
  Captain Schweizer has played an integral role in leading Air Station 
Houston in its service to a wide range of Coast Guard missions 
including search and rescue, homeland security missions, environmental 
protection, and

[[Page E1467]]

maritime law enforcement cases. Over the past 2 years alone, Air 
Station personnel flew over 4,445 flight hours. ``Always Ready'' flight 
crews supported nearly 1,000 hours in support of President Bush, 
homeland security patrols, and military escorts. Houston's personnel 
responded to over 300 search and rescue cases, saving or assisting 
nearly 1,100 lives, including an outstanding effort to rescue 890 
individuals following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.
  Again, I am privileged to recognize Captain Norman S. Schweizer, 
Commander Sean M. Mahoney, and Air Station Houston for outstanding 
service to our country.

                          ____________________