[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 180 (Friday, December 11, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1780-E1781]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE SERVICE OF CAPTAIN CARL A. LAHTI

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 11, 2015

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Carl Lahti, 
United States Navy, as he concludes his service as the 50th Commanding 
Officer of Naval Submarine Base New London. On behalf of southeastern 
Connecticut, I thank Captain Lahti for his service, his leadership and 
his friendship to our region.
  A native of Buffalo, New York, Captain Lahti graduated from the Naval 
Academy in 1989 and went on to serve in a number of capacities 
throughout the Submarine Force at sea and on shore. It was during his 
tour as Commanding Officer of U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London, 
however, that I got the chance to work closely with Captain Lahti. In a 
region that follows developments on the base like a box score, Captain 
Lahti's two and a half-year tour at the base was distinguished

[[Page E1781]]

by a focus on the fundamentals of supporting the submarine force, a 
focus on the vitality and viability of the base, and deepening the 
connections between the base and its host community and state.
  Under Captain Lahti's leadership the base undertook over $36 million 
in major infrastructure projects and capital investment to improve the 
base's operational infrastructure and the quality of life for sailors 
and their families. Most notably, Captain Lahti led the preparations to 
return a new flag officer to SUBASE with the establishment of the new 
Undersea Warfighting Development Center. And, working closely with the 
State of Connecticut, Captain Lahti deepened the innovative 
relationship between the base and its host state through collaborative 
investment in new projects to improve the operations, training and 
security at the base.
  Beyond the nuts and bolts of base infrastructure, Captain Lahti 
prioritized efforts to deepen the connection between the installations 
and the surrounding community. Under his watch, the base community 
contributed thousands of community service volunteer hours in the 
region in local schools and organizations. And Captain Lahti was 
instrumental in broader regional events such as the highly successful 
Coast Guard Birthday Salute event in August 2015.
  Captain Lahti was a fixture in the southeastern Connecticut community 
during his tenure at SUBASE New London, and the base was rightfully 
honored under his leadership. It is no wonder then that SUBASE New 
London was selected by the Mystic Chamber of Commerce as Southeastern 
Connecticut's ``Employer of the Year.'' In addition, Captain Lahti's 
leadership led SUBASE New London to earn the SECNAV Energy Gold Award, 
Galley 5-star Award, and the CNO Environmental Restoration Award.
  As you might imagine, a close working relationship with the 
Commanding Officer of the base is a prerequisite for anyone 
representing eastern Connecticut in Congress. However, I consider 
myself privileged to have worked so closely with Captain Lahti not just 
in his capacity as a Navy officer, but as a friend. He and his team 
have never been more than a phone call or email away, and the 
connection between his office and mine has been nothing short of a two-
way street. I am grateful for his time, his advice, his counsel and 
most of all, his unflagging commitment to Connecticut's base and the 
sailors and submarines stationed at it.
  Leading a major installation like SUBASE is a team effort, and no one 
was a more important part of Captain Lahti's team than his wife Lisa. 
She was actively involved in the surrounding community, attending a 
wide range of events for non-profit organizations, promoting charitable 
activities of all different stripes. Both Carl and Lisa are devoted 
parents to Benjamin, Nathaniel, Samuel, Abraham, Rebehka, and Katheryn, 
who also have been frequent guests at community events.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in thanking Captain 
Lahti for his service to SUBASE New London and our nation, and in 
wishing him and his family, ``fair winds and following seas'' as they 
move on to new challenges.

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