[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 121 (Wednesday, July 30, 2014)]
[Senate]
[Page S5125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING ADMIRAL CHARLES R. LARSON

  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, today I want to pay tribute to an 
exceptional leader, public servant, patriot, and friend. Earlier this 
week, ADM Charles Larson passed away after a 2-year battle against 
leukemia. This morning, we said goodbye to him as he was memorialized 
and laid to rest at the U.S. Naval Academy Cemetery in Annapolis. 
Although it is always hard to lose a friend, and it is certainly proper 
to mourn, I also want to celebrate his life and his tremendous 
accomplishments and contributions to the Navy, Naval Academy, and 
Nation.
  Chuck and I were good friends, flight school roommates, and both 
members of the Class of 1958. An Eagle Scout, brigade commander and 
class president, he continued his meteoric trajectory, becoming the 
first naval officer selected as a White House Fellow and the second 
youngest officer to be promoted to the flag rank. On top of his 
operational commands, he also served as naval aide to President Richard 
Nixon. Chuck was bright, extremely talented, and never shied away from 
a challenge. For instance, after earning his pilot wings and doing a 
tour aboard the USS Shangri-la, he decided to go to nuclear power 
school to become a submariner and be at the tactical tip of the Cold 
War. Similarly, instead of pursuing a lucrative civilian job after 
finishing his tour as the commander in chief, U.S. Pacific Command, he 
took on what he considered his most challenging but rewarding job of 
his career, returning to his alma mater for a second tour as the 
superintendent.
  A man of unparalleled character and vision, Admiral Larson wanted to 
refocus the academy to be ``an ethical beacon for the nation.'' He 
established the Character Development Division and implemented 
innovative ethical and character-enhancing programs and initiatives to 
both the curriculum and student life. His devotion to the academy and 
midshipmen went beyond his two tenures at the helm, serving as the 
chairman of the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation for nearly a decade after 
his retirement.
  Chuck was more than a renowned four-star admiral; he was a friend to 
many, husband to Sally, father to Sigrid, Erica, and Kirsten, and 
grandfather to seven beautiful children. I join many past and present 
members of the Senate Armed Services Committee, the Class of 1958, the 
Naval Academy family, and thousands of military personnel who have 
served under and alongside Chuck in extending our most sincere 
gratitude for his legacy of excellence and ethical leadership.
  Fair winds and following seas, Admiral Larson. You will be missed, 
but not forgotten.

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