[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 62 (Monday, May 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E596]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


     HONORING SERVICE OF COAST GUARD CAPTAIN CHRISTOPHER L. ROBERGE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CHELLIE PINGREE

                                of maine

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 6, 2013

  Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 
extraordinary service of Capt. Christopher L. Roberge, who is retiring 
after nearly 30 years in the United States Coast Guard.
  For the last two years, Capt. Roberge has shown incredible leadership 
as the Commander of Coast Guard Sector New England, overseeing 1,100 
personnel in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and northern New York. His 
tenure there has capped an extremely distinguished career with over 30 
military decorations, including four Meritorious Service Medals.
  Since taking command, Capt. Roberge has strengthened Coast Guard 
operations in the sector and around the country. He identified key 
vulnerabilities in the sector's emergency communications system and 
implemented vital changes to make the system less susceptible to 
outages--his recommendations paved the way for similar upgrades around 
the country. The Reserve Readiness Assessment Program he developed has 
moved the sector's Reserve unit to the number one position in the 
nation for readiness. And while supporting the planning for the first-
ever tidal power generator in a U.S. waterway, Capt. Roberge's guidance 
has put the Coast Guard in a better position to handle future energy 
projects.
  Capt. Roberge's day-to-day management of the sector also served to 
distinguish him. His leadership and expertise ensured the flawless 
execution of 1,690 vessel boardings, 213 pollution responses, and 1,058 
Search and Rescue cases, with over 2,000 lives saved or assisted and 
$38.9 million in property preserved.
  As an island resident who regularly makes ferry trips across miles of 
water, I have a personal appreciation for the men and women of the 
Coast Guard. I feel safer knowing that they stand ready to respond to 
an emergency with skill and courage, and deeply appreciate their 
willingness to risk their lives to save others. My special thanks to 
Capt. Roberge for the many ways he has better prepared the Coast Guard 
to answer the call when we need them, and for his exceptional service 
to the country. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

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