[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 192 (Thursday, December 17, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E3036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        IN MEMORY OF DAVID STONE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JANE HARMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2009

  Ms. HARMAN. Madam Speaker, the post-
9/11 world has posed many challenges--especially to the old way of 
doing business. Someone who stepped up and used his military training 
and experience to transform airport security was David Stone. David 
died unexpectedly earlier last month, at age 57, and I rise to 
commemorate my friend and his exceptional career.
  Admiral Stone was selected as the first federal security director at 
LAX--the top terror target on the West Coast--shortly after 9/11. He 
proved more than equal to the task. Working under immense pressure and 
close public scrutiny, Stone established strict new federal airport 
security standards, secured nearly $1 billion in federal funding for 
security upgrades and positioned LAX to become a test site for new 
security technologies that are now used around the world.
  The Bush administration noticed and Stone was asked to apply his 
talents at the national level. As the Nation's third TSA administrator, 
he was charged with overseeing security at not just one airport--but 
all of them, in addition to ports, railroads, and pipelines. In just 2 
years, he shaped the role of the TSA for years to come.
  When Stone left the TSA it marked a culmination of more than three 
decades of national service. He was a decorated soldier, a graduate of 
the U.S. Naval Academy who rose to rank of Rear Admiral. During his 28-
year military career he commanded warships, vessel fleets, NATO naval 
forces, and an aircraft carrier battle group. For his valor he received 
three Legions of Merit, five Meritorious Service medals, and three Navy 
Commendation medals.
  A lovely memory is how David spoke to high school seniors in my 
district who were applying to the military academies. He was so excited 
about them--and recalled his own journey decades earlier. David Stone 
also shared this excitement and talent with a grateful nation. He is 
fondly remembered.

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