[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 90 (Wednesday, June 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1164]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   IN HONOR OF CAPTAIN JAMES R. KNAPP COMMANDING OFFICER, NAVAL AIR 
                            STATION, LEMOORE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 22, 2011

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Captain James 
R. Knapp upon his retirement from the United States Navy.
  Captain Knapp is the Commanding Officer at Naval Air Station, Lemoore 
(NAS Lemoore). He has served the United States Navy with distinguished 
service during the 27 years of his naval career. His devotion to the 
Navy and the Nation is inspiring.
  My initial experience with Captain Knapp began in 2008, when his 
service commenced as Commanding Officer for Naval Air Station Lemoore, 
which is located in my 20th Congressional District in Kings County, 
California. From our initial meeting, a great working relationship was 
formed. Whether we needed clarification on a question or a follow up on 
issues regarding the base, the Captain was always professional, 
knowledgeable, courteous and helpful.
  Captain Knapp attended Texas A&M University and was a member of the 
Fighting Texas Aggie Corps of Cadets. He graduated in 1984 with a 
Bachelor of Arts in History. Captain Knapp was commissioned as an 
Ensign for the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC) program 
and completed advance flight training in 1986, receiving his orders to 
the ``Rough Raiders'' of VFA-125 for F/A-18 FRS training. His naval 
career was commensurate with his education, earning his Master's degree 
in National Security and Strategic Studies at the Naval War College in 
Newport, Rhode Island. He has over 3,500 flight hours in the F/A-18A-E 
series and 1,258 arrested landings on 11 different flight decks, six of 
which remain in active service. Furthermore, Captain Knapp participated 
in the USS Nimitz (CVN-68) Operation ``Iraqi Freedom'' 2003 deployment. 
Prior to his serving as Commanding Officer at NAS Lemoore, Captain 
Knapp served as Chief of Staff of Strategy, Plans and Assessment 
Directorate of the Multi-National Force-Iraq in Baghdad, Iraq.
  In his illustrious career, Captain Knapp received many awards which 
include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (3 awards), Air 
Medal (2 awards), Navy Commendation Medal (4 awards), Navy Achievement 
Medal (2 awards), and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (8 awards).
  It is fitting that the President of the United States has presented 
Captain James R. Knapp with the Legion of Merit for his outstanding 
leadership. I ask that excerpts from the Citation be printed in the 
Record:

       For exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of 
     outstanding service as Commanding Officer, Naval Air Station 
     Lemoore, California from September 2008 to June 2011. Captain 
     Knapp's tenure as Commanding Officer of the world's largest 
     Naval Air Station was exemplified by visionary leadership, 
     mission accomplishment, and an unrelenting drive to improve 
     the lives of Sailors and their families. Despite fiscal 
     restraints and ever-changing requirements, his proactive 
     engagement across the spectrum of strategic imperatives at 
     Naval Air Station, Lemoore resulted in sustained five-star 
     support to Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific, which has 
     significantly contributed to the lethality of the U.S. 
     Pacific Fleet. His tremendous foresight and business acumen 
     prevented airfield encroachment and his direct involvement in 
     water usage issues in the western San Joaquin Valley 
     instilled new hope for local farmers and the regional 
     economy. His personal involvement in the local community was 
     highlighted by the establishment of a perennial Community 
     Relations Program which contributed over 11,000 man-hours 
     towards numerous noteworthy projects, further strengthening 
     the relationship between the air station and the local 
     community. Additionally, his overwhelming concern for his 
     sailors was demonstrated by personally performing over 320 
     Career Development Boards, directly contributing to the 
     professional, financial and personal growth of each Sailor in 
     his command. Captain Knapp's superior performance of duties 
     highlights the culmination of 27 years of honorable and 
     dedicated service. By his dynamic direction, keen judgment 
     and loyal devotion to duty, Captain Knapp reflected great 
     credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the 
     United States Naval Service.

  Captain Knapp is a man of outstanding character and we will remain 
grateful for his unwavering dedication and exceptional insight during 
his career at NAS Lemoore and to our country. On behalf of the United 
States Congress, I wish to express my sincere gratitude for his hard 
work, selfless service, and dedication to the United States Navy. I 
want to personally wish Captain Knapp much continued success and my 
best wishes to his wife, Nancy and his children; daughter, Lauren, 
sons, Will and Ryan, as they embark on their new endeavors.

                          ____________________