[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 99 (Wednesday, July 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1228]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING CAPTAIN JOHN T. HARDIN OF THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 6, 2011

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of the 
distinguished 27-year career of Captain John T. Hardin in the United 
States Coast Guard. Captain Hardin has served in the United States 
Coast Guard with distinction throughout his career, in particular as 
the commanding officer of Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City, which 
is located in the First Congressional District.
  Captain Hardin graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy 
in New London, Connecticut on May 23, 1984 with a Bachelor of Science 
Degree in civil engineering. His first duty station was aboard the USCG 
Sherman where he served as Engineer of the Watch, Auxiliary Officer, 
Electrical Officer, and Fueling Officer. Captain Hardin went on to 
attend Naval Flight Training and received his wings in May of 1987.
  Captain Hardin's diverse career took him to multiple locations 
including Miami, San Diego, and San Francisco. During these assignments 
Captain Hardin served as Morale Officer, Public Works Officer, Aviation 
Material Officer, Rotary Wing Assistant Engineer, Aircraft Salvage 
Officer, HH-65A Instructor Pilot, Engineer Officer, and even President 
of the Flight Examining Board. Captain Hardin became dual-qualified in 
the HH-65A helicopter, the first qualified copilot in the HU-25C Air 
Interceptor, and earned a Master's of Business Administration in 
Technologies Management.
  Captain Hardin's connection to Elizabeth City, North Carolina began 
in 1999 with his first assignment as the HU-25 Product Line Manager at 
the Aircraft Repair and Supply Center. Later, in 2002, Captain Hardin 
transferred to the Engineering Industrial Supply Center as the Aircraft 
Repair and Supply Center Chief Engineer. In 2003, Captain Hardin became 
the commanding officer of the C-130J Aircraft Project Office, and his 
career culminated in July of 2008 when he assumed command of Coast 
Guard Air Station Elizabeth City.
  Captain Hardin has dutifully served our country for the past 27 
years, and eastern North Carolina for over 10 years while stationed at 
Coast Guard Air Station Elizabeth City. It brings me great joy to honor 
the dedication, sacrifice, and commitment to duty demonstrated by 
Captain Hardin.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Captain John T. 
Hardin on his retirement from the United States Coast Guard and offer 
my sincere appreciation for his many years of service to the United 
States of America.

                          ____________________