[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 123 (Wednesday, September 18, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S6592]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO REAR ADMIRAL MARK D. GUADAGNINI

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, today I honor a superb leader, aviator, 
and American. After more than 33 years of service to a grateful nation, 
RADM Mark D. Guadagnini is retiring from the United States Navy and his 
position as the Director of U.S. Fleet Forces Command's Maritime 
Headquarters. On this occasion, I believe it is fitting to recognize 
Rear Admiral Guadagnini's years of distinguished service and dedication 
to fostering the relationship between the military and this Chamber.
  Rear Admiral Guadagnini is a 1980 distinguished graduate of the U.S. 
Naval Academy. Over the course of his career, he participated in six 
combat Operations, including Desert Storm, Provide Comfort, Deliberate 
Force, Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, 
accumulating almost 5000 hours of flight time and accomplishing nearly 
100 combat missions. He has led at the highest levels of operational 
aviation command at Strike Fighter Attack Squadron 15, Carrier Air Wing 
17, and Carrier Strike Group NINE.
  In addition to his impressive accomplishments at sea, he was also one 
of our most well-rounded officers, serving as a test pilot, flag aide, 
fleet staff officer, manpower distribution officer, a Capitol Hill 
liaison, and, not coincidentally, as one of my first and best 
legislative fellows 20 years ago. While in the flag ranks, Rear Admiral 
Guadagnini leveraged his expertise serving as the chief of Naval Air 
Training; head of Human Resouces for the Naval Aviation Enterprise; 
Deputy Commander for Fleet Management at U.S. Fleet Forces Command, and 
lastly, as the director of Maritime Headquarters at U.S. Fleet Forces 
Command.
  I could not be prouder of the accomplishments that ``Guad'' has 
earned while wearing the uniform of the world's greatest fighting 
force. His impact, particularly in the aviation community, will 
continue well into the future and our navy and nation will feel his 
absence. I wish him and his whole family ``fair winds and following 
seas.''

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