[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 91 (Wednesday, June 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1454]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF THE PASSING OF CAPTAIN JOHN J. COONAN, JUNIOR

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                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 16, 2009

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor retired Navy 
Captain John J. Coonan, Jr., who passed away on June 12, 2009. Captain 
Coonan served our nation, our Navy and the people of Northwest Florida 
with honor and distinction, and I am humbled to recognize him.
  Known to his friends as Captain JJ Coonan, John was an American 
patriot who served over 30 years as a career Naval Officer. He worked 
as a single-seat jet pilot in carrier aviation and accumulated over 
5,000 flight hours and 1,000 carrier landings. JJ's command assignments 
varied among squadron, Carrier Air Wing, and deep draft ship command. 
His most notable assignment came in 1988 when he served as Commanding 
Officer of the USS America, a Kitty Hawk class supercarrier of the U.S. 
Navy. Captain Coonan's distinguished naval career is a testament to his 
profound dedication to his country.
  Upon his retirement from active duty in 1996, Captain Coonan joined 
the staff at the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation in Pensacola, 
Florida. He began as Director of Development and later transitioned to 
a position as Vice President of Education and Chief Operating Officer. 
Captain Coonan's leadership at the Foundation had a tremendous impact 
on all those who visited the museum; however, his most lasting 
contribution is his stewardship of the National Flight Academy. The 
academy will be the leading aviation-inspired education program in the 
country. In a tribute to the life of Captain Coonan, today the National 
Flight Academy broke ground on the new facility, paving the way for 
construction and completion of the academy in May of 2011. His 
dedication to the service of others will live on through the academy 
long after his passing.
  The people of Pensacola and our entire area have many reasons to be 
proud of Captain Coonan. My wife Vicki and I will keep his entire 
family, especially his wife, Kathryn, children Michael and Kelly, and 
grandchildren in our prayers. Northwest Florida will truly miss Captain 
JJ Coonan.

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