[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 49 (Tuesday, March 24, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING CAPTAIN LAWRENCE R. VASQUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 24, 2015

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize 
Captain Lawrence R. Vasquez, Installation Commander of Naval Base 
Ventura County, on the special occasion of his Change of Command.
  Since February 2012, Captain Vasquez has been recognized for his 
outstanding leadership and service as Commanding Officer of Naval Base 
Ventura County. His exemplary tour as the senior ranking officer in 
charge has been marked with distinction and remarkable success.
  Under his dedicated command, Naval Base Ventura County became the 
first and to date only military installation to operate manned and 
unmanned aerial systems in FAA-controlled airspace. Naval Base Ventura 
County is also the only Navy installation tapped to support the 
Department of Health and Human Service's mission to house and process 
unaccompanied minors apprehended crossing the border into the United 
States.
  During the Springs Fire of May 2013, Captain Vasquez's exceptional 
leadership enabled a joint city, county, and federal response to the 
fast-moving blaze, which threatened homes, California State University 
Channel Islands, and valuable military assets near the Pacific Coast 
Highway in Ventura County.
  Captain Vasquez has been a staunch supporter of community engagement, 
personally participating in over 250 public meetings, and hosting tours 
and events to bring a better understanding of the Navy's mission and 
better collaboration among community partners, including government 
organizations, schools and business entities.
  Captain Vasquez is the embodiment of an extensive and distinguished 
career of service to our country in the United States Navy. As a Naval 
aviator with over 26 years of commendable service, Captain Vasquez led 
a 12-aircraft helicopter squadron, the HSL-45 ``Wolfpack.'' 
Additionally, he served as the Flag Aide to Commander of the Naval 
Coordinator Mid-South Region, as well as personal administrative aide 
to the Secretary of the Navy.
  Captain Vasquez is recognized for his outstanding leadership and 
served as Commander of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Farah, 
Afghanistan, a joint military and civilian team charged with extending 
the reach of the government in Afghanistan through reconstruction, 
development, governance, and security.
  Captain Vasquez's exemplary work has earned him numerous accolades 
and awards to include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, 
Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and the Marine Corps Commendation 
Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Combat Action ribbon and various 
unit and campaign awards. Additionally, he was awarded the 2004 League 
of United Latin American Citizens' (LULAC) ``Excellence in Military 
Service'' award.
  Captain Vasquez's remarkable career and many accomplishments are 
indicative of his unwavering commitment and dedication to his country 
and community. As he embarks on a new chapter in his career as the 
Chief of Staff for the Navy Region Europe, Africa, Southwest Asia in 
Naples, Italy, I want to express my sincere appreciation for Captain 
Vasquez's honorable and selfless service to our community and wish him 
the best in all his future endeavors.

                          ____________________