[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 142 (Thursday, September 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1693]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNITION OF ADMIRAL MIKE MULLEN'S FORTY-THREE YEARS OF DISTINGUISHED 
                   SERVICE IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. HOWARD P. ``BUCK'' McKEON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2011

  Mr. McKEON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Admiral Mike 
Mullen who is retiring as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of 
Staff after more than 43 years of distinguished service to his country.
  A proud graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy's Class of 1968, his rise 
in the Navy started at sea, when Ensign Mullen deployed to the western 
Pacific and participated in combat operations off the coast of Vietnam 
aboard USS Collett. Over the course of his career at sea he 
subsequently served on six other warships, including command of three 
of those vessels. Admiral Mullen also commanded the George Washington 
Carrier Strike Group and U.S. Second Fleet.
  In July of 2005, Admiral Mullen was sworn in as the 28th Chief of 
Naval Operations, serving as the top uniformed leader and 
representative to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During his tenure, he 
oversaw the service's efforts to man, train, and equip our Navy to 
fulfill its traditional missions at sea. Additionally, he conceived and 
championed the Navy's contributions to the fight on the ground in Iraq, 
Afghanistan, and other nations in support of our country's effort to 
combat violent extremism.
  After successfully completing his tour as Chief of Naval Operations, 
Admiral Mullen assumed duties as the 17th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs 
of Staff on October 1, 2007. Since assuming duties as Chairman, he has, 
in concert with our Nation's leadership, overseen multiple, sustained 
joint military operations that disrupted terrorist networks, provided 
humanitarian assistance at home and abroad, and improved the security 
and stability in Iraq and Afghanistan.
  While continuing to lead our men and women in uniform around the 
world, Admiral Mullen has been the catalyst for a nationwide dialogue 
to advance awareness and support for our warriors, veterans, and their 
families. I have no doubt his commitment to these Americans who have 
given so much will indeed be enduring, lasting far beyond his days in 
uniform.
  Please join me in recognizing and commending Admiral Mike Mullen for 
a lifetime of service to his country and to wish him the best in his 
retirement. May God bless Mike and Deborah, and their family, for all 
they have given and continue to give our country. The United States 
Navy and our military will dearly miss one of its most respected and 
valued leaders.

                          ____________________