[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 9 (Monday, January 23, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S36]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO REAR ADMIRAL KAREN A. FLAHERTY

 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize a great 
American and a true military visionary who has humbly served our 
country for close to 40 years in the Navy Nurse Corps, both Active and 
Reserve components: RADM Karen A. Flaherty. A native of Winsted, CT, 
she joined the U.S. Navy as a Nurse Corps candidate in July 1973. Upon 
graduation from Skidmore College, she attended Officer Indoctrination 
School in Newport, RI, in August 1974.
  Admiral Flaherty's first assignment was Quantico Naval Hospital, 
where she served as a staff nurse and charge nurse of the Surgical 
Ward, Orthopedic Ward, and the Maximum Care Unit. Upon transfer to the 
Philadelphia Naval Medical Center in 1977, she assumed the duties as 
charge nurse for the General Surgery Unit and the Obstetrics and 
Gynecology Clinic. Admiral Flaherty reported for duty as the officer 
programs officer for Naval Recruiting Command, Navy Recruiting District 
New Jersey in 1979. She transitioned to the Naval Reserve in 1982.
  Admiral Flaherty's subsequent reserve tours included assignments to 
numerous naval hospitals and fleet hospital commands. In her 
distinguished career she has served as commanding officer, Fleet 
Hospital, Fort Dix, executive officer, director of nursing services, 
officer-in-charge, and training officer. In February 1991, she was 
recalled to serve with Fleet Hospital 15, Al Jubail, Saudi Arabia, in 
support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. She served as commanding 
officer of the OPNAV 093 Reserve Unit prior to assuming Flag duties as 
the Deputy Commander Force Integration National Capital Area and the 
deputy chief for health care operations at the Bureau of Medicine and 
Surgery. In each assignment, she excelled and overcame every challenge 
and was rewarded with greater responsibility and opportunities.
  Admiral Flaherty has served at the Navy Bureau of Medicine and 
Surgery as the deputy surgeon general, deputy chief, wounded, ill, and 
injured, and the 22nd director of the Navy Nurse Corps. Her visionary 
leadership and executive management skills have played vital roles in 
forging new frontiers between the Department of Defense, Veterans 
Affairs, and the private sector to improve care for sailors, marines, 
veterans, and their families.
  Admiral Flaherty received her master of science degree from the 
University of Pennsylvania and has held senior executive leadership 
positions at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia, PA, 
St. Francis Hospital in Wilmington, DE, and the Philadelphia Veterans 
Affairs Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA.
  Admiral Flaherty's career has encompassed the full spectrum of 
public, private, academic, and military service. Focusing on quality, 
access, and reliability of wounded warrior care, she is the embodiment 
of joint, interagency, academic, public, and private collaboration. 
Through far-reaching vision, dedication, and inspired leadership she 
improved health care operations across Navy Medicine and built 
relationships between Department of Veterans Affairs and Department of 
Defense Health Systems. Her sustained performance reflects greatly on 
herself, the Department of Defense, and the United States of America. I 
extend my deepest appreciation on behalf of a grateful nation for her 
dedicated military service. Rear Admiral Flaherty, on the occasion of 
your retirement, I congratulate and thank you for your service.

                          ____________________