[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 93 (Friday, June 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1516]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN ROBERT A. SHAFER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 19, 2009

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
an individual from my Congressional District who has dedicated his life 
to defending the people of this country and preserving the basic 
freedoms and liberties that we hold dear. Commanding Officer Captain 
Robert A. Shafer of the United States Navy is a true American hero and 
today I thank him for his 28 years of naval service. On Monday, January 
22, 2009, Captain Shafer will be honored at his retirement and Change 
of Command Ceremony at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Corona, 
California.
  Captain Robert A. Shafer graduated from the United States Naval 
Academy in 1981. He was commissioned an Ensign and immediately began 
training as a Surface Warfare Officer in Coronado, California.
  During his career, Captain Shafer's assignments included Combat 
Information Center Officer aboard the USS O'Brien (DD-975); Weapons 
Officer and Combat Systems Officer aboard the USS Antietam (CG-54); 
Executive Officer of the USS San Jacinto (CG-56); and Commanding 
Officer of the USS Vincennes (CG-49). Captain Shafer also completed 
seven deployments, primarily to the Western Pacific, Indian Ocean and 
the Arabian Gulf during this time.
  Following his Division Officer tour, Captain Shafer attended the 
Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. There he earned a 
Master of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering and completed the 
requirements for a Weapons Systems Engineering subspecialty. 
Additionally, he is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General 
Staff College as well as the Naval War College.
  Subsequent shore tours include duty as Executive Assistant and 
Instructor in the Department of Weapons and Systems Engineering, United 
States Naval Academy; and as Fleet Liaison for the Technical Director, 
Aegis Combat Systems.
  His previous shore tour included assignment as Chief Staff Officer 
for PEO Theater Surface Combatants, Aegis Combat Systems Engineer, 
Director, Battle Force Systems Engineering, and duties as Military 
Deputy for the Director of Integrated Combat Systems for PEO Integrated 
Warfare Systems.
  Captain Shafer's awards include the Meritorious Service medal with 3 
Gold Stars, the Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, and the Navy 
and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with 3 Gold Stars, as well as 
various unit and campaign ribbons which include five Battle ``E'' 
awards.
  Captain Shafer will retire from naval service with more than just his 
experience, decorated career and remarkable accomplishments; his 
enduring legacy will serve as a shining example and constant reminder 
of what it means to be an American.