[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 92 (Friday, June 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1202]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    REMARKS IN HONOR OF CAPTAIN TRACY D. SMYERS, UNITED STATES NAVY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 24, 2011

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Captain Tracy 
D. (T.D.) Smyers for his 27 years of dedicated and distinguished 
service to our nation on the occasion of his retirement from the United 
States Navy.
  It is an honor to join the people of Texas' 12th Congressional 
District in honoring one of our own, Captain Smyers, upon his 
retirement as Commanding Officer of the Naval Air Station Fort Worth 
Joint Reserve Base for the past three years.
  Locally appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy by Representative Charles 
Stenholm of Texas' old 17th district, he graduated from the academy in 
1984 and attended flight school. He was designated a Naval Flight 
Officer (NFO) in September of 1985.
  Spending the majority of his career in a P-3 Orion aircraft, Captain 
Smyers succeeded in all leadership roles in multiple squadrons during 
his career. The most notable position was as the Commanding Officer of 
the VP-62 Broad Arrows. Captain Smyers led this squadron during 
Operation Enduring Freedom in three different operational theaters. 
Additionally, Captain Smyers attended the National Defense University's 
Industrial College of the Armed Forces earning a Master of Science 
Degree in Strategic Resourcing.
  On April 11, 2008, Captain Smyers reported as the eighth Commanding 
Officer of Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, which 
provides support for units from every service and over 11,000 active 
duty, guard, reserve, and civilian employees. It has truly been an 
honor to work with Captain Smyers. He is respected by all for his true 
professionalism. While Captain Smyers has remained focused on the 
mission, his dedication to the sailors under his command has been 
exceptional. He epitomizes the phrase ``Mission First, People Always'' 
and I know the thousands of officers, sailors, and civilians he has led 
hold him in the highest regard.
  Captain Smyers has upheld the highest traditions of the United States 
Navy. We will miss his leadership as Commanding Officer of Naval Air 
Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base, but we look forward to the 
contributions he will make to our community as he and his family 
transition to civilian life in our area.

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