[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 56 (Monday, April 7, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


              COMMANDER WARREN E. CUPPS CHANGE OF COMMAND

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 7, 2014

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Commander Warren E. 
Cupps, Captain of the USS Fort Worth. The sixteenth of April two 
thousand fourteen marks a historic day for the United States Navy and 
the City of Fort Worth. Commander Warren E. Cupps will complete his 
successful tour as the Commanding Officer of USS Fort Worth LCS 3, Crew 
103 Rough Riders.
  Commander Cupps successfully commanded his ship and her Sailors 
through sixteen months of arduous sea duty. Taking Command on the 
seventh of December two thousand twelve, he commanded over 80 Sailors 
as crewmembers, mission package detachment crews and aviation 
detachment personnel. He has been instrumental in guiding the various 
mission packages including Surface Warfare Mission Package Detachment 
One, HSM-35 Detachment ONE and Mine Countermeasures Mission Package 
Detachment Three.
  His leadership as the commanding officer is evident when the 
Commander of Naval Surface Forces in the U.S. Pacific Fleet awarded USS 
Fort Worth the 2013 Battle Effectiveness award. The Battle ``E'' is one 
of the highest awards presented to a ship. An annual award, it 
recognizes ships and crews who have demonstrated their combat readiness 
with superior performances in six categories in which they have 
maintained excellence and high standards.
  Commander Cupps has led his crew through many milestones and 
achievements throughout the early life of USS Fort Worth. During his 
tenure, the ship completed Final Contract Trials, the Cybersecurity 
Inspection, the Technical Evaluation and Initial Operational Testing 
and Evaluation Period.
  Final Contract Trials is a major ship inspection by the Board of 
Inspection and Survey, a congressionally mandated inspection. In the 
life of a newly constructed ship, it is the final inspection where the 
ship's material condition and operations are thoroughly tested. This is 
one of the last milestones in a ship's first year of life. Commander 
Cupps led his crew through the first-ever trial period for the newest 
class of ships, the Littoral Combat Ship.
  In addition, USS Fort Worth is completing their Technical Evaluation 
and Initial Operational Testing and Evaluation Period. These events are 
crucial for the Littoral Combat Ship program in final testing of the 
seaframe, Surface Warfare Mission Package including 30mm cannons, 11m 
fast boats with maritime security teams and an MH-60R helicopter. In 
addition, during the crew's Cybersecurity Inspection, the crew set a 
new Fleet Record of excellence.
  USS Fort Worth is one of the newest littoral combat ships to join our 
naval fleet. The Littoral Combat Ship, is a fast, agile and focused-
mission platform designed for operation in near-shore environments and 
open-ocean operation, with war fighting capabilities to defeat 
asymmetric threats such as mines, submarines and fast surface craft. 
USS Fort Worth was christened in 2010 and commissioned in 2012 
celebrating the first time our great city has been named as a Naval 
vessel to honor our city. The citizens of Fort Worth have embraced the 
Sailors of USS Fort Worth with true Texas hospitality. Our city 
maintains a proud military heritage and is home to the Naval Air 
Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base.
  The charge of command is an immense responsibility. It is the very 
soul of our Navy since 1775. It represents the finest level of 
leadership. Commander Cupps upheld the highest degree of naval 
standards and Navy traditions when commanding his Sailors. Through 
relentless hard work and determination, Commander Cupps exemplified 
Fort Worth's ``Grit and Tenacity''. The planks of USS Fort Worth are 
engraved with his leadership in professionalism, honor and virtue.
  Finally, I will say the lasting impression within the bulwarks of USS 
Fort Worth will be the true loyalty and trust in which he instilled in 
his Sailors. At all times, Commander Cupps put his ship and her crew 
above himself. Warren, as a dear friend, I will say Bravo Zulu on your 
Command at Sea. Thank you for taking care of our men and women in 
uniform and keeping our ship combat ready. You are a great American and 
a Naval Officer of high honor and virtue. Fair Winds and Following 
Seas!

                          ____________________