[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 119 (Monday, July 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1249]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 PAYING TRIBUTE TO COMMANDER PETER T. COURTNEY ON HIS RETIREMENT AFTER 
    24 YEARS OF SERVICE TO THE UNITED STATES NAVY AND TO OUR NATION

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. KAY GRANGER

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 28, 2014

  Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Commander Peter T. 
Courtney, on his retirement after 24 years of Commissioned Service to 
the United States Navy and for his extraordinary dedication to duty and 
to the United States of America.
  I have worked with Commander Courtney personally over the past five 
years--first in 2009, when he was a Defense Legislative Fellow assigned 
to my office, and then for three years as the Deputy Director, 
Appropriations Liaison in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the 
Navy (Financial Management and Comptroller). I would like to share with 
you some highlights of his fine career.
  Commander Peter Courtney graduated from the United States Naval 
Academy in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science. 
Following Commissioning and flight school, he was designated a Naval 
Flight Officer. He reported to his first sea assignment aboard USS 
Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) flying the F-14 Tomcat. He then transferred 
to Navy Fighter Weapons School for duty as a TOPGUN Instructor. He 
later reported to Fighter Squadron Thirty Two (VF-32) aboard USS 
Enterprise (CVN-65) and participated in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and 
direct action missions during Operation DESERT FOX. After he completed 
his Master of Arts degree at the Naval War College he reported to USS 
George Washington (CVN-73) participating in Operations SOUTHERN WATCH 
and ENDURING FREEDOM.
  Peter served with distinction in a variety of assignments ashore: as 
Aide to then Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Vern Clark; Office of 
the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Financial Management & 
Comptroller) as a Congressional Appropriations Liaison; and with Office 
of the Chief of Naval Operations Staff for the Naval Aviation 
Enterprise, including Adversary Aircraft Requirements, Acquisition 
Reform, and Manpower Planning and Resourcing.
  After completing a Military Legislative Fellowship, Commander 
Courtney reported to his current assignment as Deputy Director Navy 
Appropriations Matters Office where he helped the Department of the 
Navy achieve their financial and legislative goals. For nearly four 
years, Commander Courtney has demonstrated exceptional leadership and 
foresight, engaging Members of the Appropriations Committee and its 
Staff to provide information essential to resourcing the Navy for its 
role as the world's dominant sea power. In an increasingly difficult 
budget environment, Commander Courtney provided essential support in 
shepherding three Navy budgets through the appropriations process. 
Peter served our Navy and nation with integrity, insight and 
dedication. My office, the subcommittee staff, and I have found him to 
be a pleasure to work with and all respect his professionalism.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful nation, I join my colleagues 
today in saying thank you to Commander Peter T. Courtney for his 
extraordinary dedication to duty and steadfast service to this country 
throughout his distinguished career. We wish Peter, ``Fair Winds and 
Following Seas,'' as he leaves the Naval Service.

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