[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 82 (Wednesday, June 3, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          UPON THE CHANGE OF COMMAND AT THE PORT OF BALTIMORE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ELIJAH E. CUMMINGS

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 2009

  Mr. CUMMINGS. Madam Speaker, as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Coast 
Guard and Maritime Transportation, I rise today to recognize the 
accomplishments of Captain Brian Kelley, who has served as the 
Commander of Coast Guard Sector Baltimore since June 2006. He is 
transferring out of this assignment on May 29.
  As Captain of the Port of Baltimore, Captain Kelley oversaw all Coast 
Guard operations at this major port, currently ranked 12th in value of 
foreign cargo handled and 14th in foreign tonnage handled.
  During his tenure, Captain Kelley conducted Major Control actions or 
detentions of 23 foreign vessels for safety violations--ensuring the 
safety of vessel operations in the Port of Baltimore. He also managed 
more than 1,100 search and rescue cases that saved the lives of more 
than 250 mariners in distress.
  Captain Kelley oversaw a major effort to improve environmental 
conditions at Sector Baltimore and directed the clean-up of the 
abandoned vessel Sea Witch, preventing the release of more than half a 
million gallons of oil into the environment.
  Captain Kelley's next assignment will be as the Deputy Commander of 
the Coast Guard's Personnel Services Command. As such, he will assist 
in managing all personnel services for all of the Coast Guard's nearly 
42,000 active duty military members and in supervising the Coast 
Guard's recruiting efforts.
  Since graduating from the Coast Guard Academy in 1982, Captain 
Kelley's assignments have included service as the Commander of cutters 
ATTU and POINT FRANKLIN. He also served as Chief of the Strategic and 
Business Planning Division at Coast Guard headquarters and was a 
Federal Executive Fellow at the Center for Strategic and International 
Studies.
  On a personal note, I have known Captain Kelley to be an 
extraordinarily conscientious leader--and have appreciated his personal 
hospitality during numerous events at Sector Baltimore.
  I have also appreciated his diligence in keeping me and my staff 
fully informed of developments at Sector Baltimore, including the 
Sector's evaluation of the proposed LNG terminal at Sparrow's Point in 
the Port of Baltimore.
  Captain Kelley is an outstanding officer who embodies the highest 
ideals of the Coast Guard and I commend him for his dedication to 
excellence in the service of our nation.

                          ____________________