[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 107 (Thursday, July 10, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1136]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE DEDICATED SERVICE OF LIEUTENANT GENERAL CHARLES R.
``C.R.'' DAVIS
______
HON. JEFF MILLER
of florida
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 10, 2014
Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Lieutenant
General Charles R. ``C.R.'' Davis upon the occasion of his retirement
after 35 years of honorable service to our great Nation in the United
States Air Force.
A native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, General Davis' career in
the Air Force began in 1979 after receiving his commission through the
Air Force Academy. Throughout his decorated career and myriad
assignments ranging from flying test aircraft to setting acquisition
plans and policy, General Davis' commitment to service never wavered.
As a testament to his dedication, General Davis was a distinguished
graduate from every school he attended, as well as a First Assignment
Instructor Pilot. As all great leaders do, General Davis led from the
front by setting the example that others should follow.
In his final assignment as the Military Deputy to the Assistant
Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, General Davis was
responsible for the research and development, test, production, and
modernization of all Air Force programs, an annual combined worth of
$40 billion. Other career highlights include Senior Acquisition
Executive for the Air Force, where he was responsible for the award of
over 260 major contracts that directly preserved and enhanced over 250
mobility, fighter/attack, bomber, and other weapons systems and
Commander, Air Armament Center and the Air Force Program Executive
Officer for Weapons, Air Force Material Command at Eglin Air Force Base
in my district, where he oversaw the development, acquisition, testing,
deployment and sustainment of all air-delivered weapons.
Having flown over 3,400 hours in 53 different types of aircraft,
General Davis has either been protecting our Nation's skies in fighter
jets or ensuring that our Nation's skies remain protected by testing or
procuring our Nation's latest technology. While he has had to make
tough decisions to achieve cost savings, he also contributed to the
Secretary of Defense's initiative to rebuild the acquisition workforce,
resulting in 1,465 new positions. Whether instructor pilot, fighter
pilot, test pilot, squadron commander, system program office director,
wing commander, program executive officer, or center commander, General
Davis always exemplified the Air Force core value of exuding excellence
in everything he did.
Mr. Speaker, General Davis leaves a legacy of integrity, selfless
service, and an excellence that is unparalleled. He consistently
conducted himself in a professional manner, which brought great credit
upon himself and the United States Air Force. His exemplary character
and years of service has helped shape Air Force acquisitions, while
ensuring the tip of the spear is always sharp and that our Nation's Air
Force was equipped to remain the greatest in the world. Without
question, he concludes a career of which he and his family can be very
proud. On behalf of the entire United States Congress, it is a
privilege to honor the career and service of Lieutenant General C.R.
Davis. My wife Vicki and I congratulate him and wish him, his wife
Susan, and their family all the best.
____________________