[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 128 (Thursday, September 20, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6538-S6539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO ADMIRAL KIRKLAND DONALD

 Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, my colleague Senator Jim Risch joins 
me today in paying tribute to ADM Kirkland Donald, U.S. Navy, as he 
prepares to complete a naval career that began with his graduation from 
the Naval Academy in 1975 and concludes with his past 8 years of 
service as Director of the Office of Naval Reactors.
  As Director of the Naval Nuclear Propulsion Program, Admiral Donald

[[Page S6539]]

has had stewardship of every aspect of the nuclear navy, from fleet 
operations and training to reactor design and ultimate disposition of 
spent nuclear fuel. The dedication required of this mission is 
extraordinary, and our Nation has benefited from Admiral Donald's 
steadfast leadership.
  Over the course of his career, Admiral Donald excelled as an undersea 
commander. He served as the commanding officer of the nuclear-powered 
attack submarine USS Key West, commander of the elite Submarine 
Development Squadron Twelve and Commander Submarine Force, U.S. 
Atlantic Fleet, and Allied Submarine Command, Atlantic. Other 
highlights include tours at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, the Joint 
Staff, and as commander of all U.S. submarine forces.
  While at Naval Reactors, he has ensured the safe operations of the 
nuclear navy. Nuclear-powered warships have safely steamed over 150 
million miles and operated for more than 6,400 reactor years without an 
accident. The most recent 20 million miles and 800 reactor-years have 
been achieved under Admiral Donald's leadership.
  Among his many achievements, one of the most impressive is the 
consistent and quiet success of the Naval Reactors Facility, NRF, in 
Idaho Falls. The highly complex and scientific work done at NRF 
requires not only a highly skilled, diligent workforce but the trust 
and confidence of the people of Idaho. As a result of Admiral Donald's 
work, that confidence has flourished.
  Admiral Donald has been instrumental to the future of the Navy, 
having overseen the highly successful construction of many Virginia-
Class attack submarines, the final design and construction of the next-
generation USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, and the initial design 
of the Ohio-class replacement ballistic missile submarine. All three 
platforms incorporate impressive new technologies into the nuclear 
propulsion plants that have proven to be safe and reliable for nearly 
70 years. These ships will allow the Navy to continue to protect 
America and our interests around the globe and would not be possible 
without the steadfast leadership of Admiral Donald.
  Admiral Donald's selfless commitment to serving our Nation has left 
us safer and better prepared to respond to threats around the world. He 
leaves a legacy of service, dedication to the Navy, and commitment to 
the environment. With our deepest gratitude, we wish him the very best 
in retirement after an impressive and impactful career.

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