[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 139 (Friday, November 14, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1590]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING VICE ADMIRAL WILLIAM D FRENCH ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM THE 
                           UNITED STATES NAVY

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 14, 2014

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Vice Admiral 
William D. French on his retirement from the United States Navy after 
35 years of Federal service. Vice Admiral French retired as the 
Commander, Navy Installations Command.
   Admiral French earned his commission as an officer in the United 
States Navy through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps Program 
in 1979. In addition to his bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering 
from Vanderbilt University, Admiral French holds a Master of Science 
degree from Naval Postgraduate School in 1986 and a Master of Arts from 
the Naval War College in 1999.
   He served at sea on a number of submarines including as Executive 
Officer on the USS Helena (SSN 725) and commanded the USS Salt Lake 
City (SSN 716). Admiral French also served as Deputy Commander of 
Submarine Squadron 11; as Chief of the Strategy and Policy Division at 
U.S. Strategic Command and Commanded Submarine Squadron 3 in Pearl 
Harbor, Hawaii.
   Throughout his distinguished naval career, Admiral French has worked 
tirelessly to defend his nation and develop strong community 
relationships wherever he was stationed. Admiral French's commitment to 
community was readily apparent in his second flag officer assignment 
serving as commander, Joint Region Marianas and concurrently serving as 
U.S. Defense Representative to Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern 
Mariana Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and Republic of Palau. 
Admiral French was one of the most popular and effective Admirals to 
have served on Guam.
   In particular, he advocated, prepared for and assisted in the 
military buildup on Guam, and he did it through establishing strong 
relationships within the community. He also worked closely with then 
Brigadier General Doug Owens, Commander 36th Wing at Andersen Air Force 
Base, on implementing the Joint Region concept on Guam. There were many 
unique and difficult challenges in implementing this requirement from 
the 2005 round of BRAC but their framework endures to this day.
   Moreover, he prioritized direct and open lines of communication with 
our community at all the Navy regions he served. On Guam, he 
demonstrated a keen understanding of the Chamorro culture that is an 
important part of understanding Guam and relating to our local 
community. Admiral French demonstrated a model of leadership that 
should be emulated by any military officer. He established ground rules 
on Guam which are still in place today.
   I also commend Vice Admiral French for his leadership as Commander, 
Naval Installations Command. He provided leadership of the shore-based 
Navy installations at a time of budget constraints. He has been able to 
ensure that the sailors and marines are provided with shore facilities 
that support their mission and their families. Despite the budget 
challenges he ensured that the Navy continued to invest in improving 
the housing and facilities that support Marines and sailors.
   Despite his tremendous accomplishments, Vice Admiral French and his 
family suffered an unimaginable tragedy earlier this year. On January 
24, 2014 Admiral French's daughter, Teressa was tragically killed. 
Admiral French and his family stood strong in the face of adversity and 
were an example for us all to follow. In the days following Teressa's 
passing there was a tremendous outreach to his family from any 
community in which Admiral French served or where his family lived. 
That was a clear demonstration of the strength of his personal bonds 
and leadership wherever he served his nation.
   I have enjoyed working with Admiral French when he was on Guam as 
well as during his tenure as Commander, Navy Installations Command. On 
behalf of the people of Guam and a grateful nation, I commend Vice 
Admiral French for his many years of dedicated service to our country. 
I wish him the best in his retirement.

                          ____________________