[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 12, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E421]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   RECOGNIZING THE HONORABLE AND DEDICATED SERVICE OF CAPTAIN KEITH 
  ``JUDGE'' HOSKINS, COMMANDING OFFICER OF NAVAL AIR STATION PENSACOLA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 12, 2016

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Captain Keith 
``Judge'' Hoskins, Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Pensacola, 
on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Navy. For more 
than 27 years, Captain Hoskins has served our Nation with honor and 
distinction as a combat pilot during Operations Decisive Edge, Southern 
Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom, as a member of the Navy's 
elite flight demonstration squadron the Blue Angels, as an action 
officer and executive officer in various high-level functions, as third 
battalion officer at the United States Naval Academy, and most recently 
as Commanding Officer of NAS Pensacola.
   A native of Parkville, Missouri, Judge was born into a military 
family, learning the importance of selfless service at a young age from 
his father, who served in the United States Army. After graduating with 
a degree in electrical engineering technology from Missouri Western 
State University, Judge completed Aviation Officer Candidate School in 
September 1989, and in February 1992, he was designated a Naval 
Aviator. Early in his career, Judge participated in vital national 
security missions, when, as a member of the ``Sidewinders'' of VFA-86, 
he completed a deployment onboard the USS America, flying combat 
missions in support of Operations Decisive Edge and Southern Watch.
   Like millions of Americans across the country, Judge was inspired as 
a child by the Blue Angels, but unlike most of us, he didn't just dream 
about becoming a Blue Angel--he actually did it. After returning 
stateside and serving a year as an instructor pilot for the 
``Gladiators'' of VFA-106, Judge joined one of the Navy's most visible 
squadrons--the Blue Angels. During his three seasons as member of the 
Blues, Judge served as the narrator, opposing solo, and lead solo 
pilot, and, in addition, he also served as the Blue Angels' operations 
officer in his final season.
   Upon his return to the fleet, Judge was assigned to the ``Fist of 
the Fleet,'' serving as the operations and maintenance officer of VFA-
25. Like so many of our Nation's brave Naval Aviators, the place where 
Judge truly shined was on the battlefield, and during his time at the 
``Fist of the Fleet,'' Judge flew combat missions in support of 
Operations Enduring Freedom, Southern Watch, and Iraqi Freedom. Through 
these combat missions and deployments, Judge demonstrated time and 
again the type of brave and selfless service that exemplifies our 
Nation's servicemembers.
   Throughout his career, Judge has also shown tremendous leadership 
outside the cockpit, helping fight the Global War on Terror in multiple 
capacities. During a tour at U.S. STRATCOM, Judge served as an action 
officer and executive officer in the Plans and Policy Directorate, 
where he wrote, assessed, and disseminated policy at the highest level 
as STRATCOM was in the midst of restructuring to fight the Global War 
on Terror. Judge's excellence and leadership at STRATCOM were 
recognized by his selection as the aide de camp to the STRATCOM 
Commander.
   After his time at STRATCOM, Judge once again returned to combat 
posture, leading a command tour with ``The Valions'' of VFA-15, as they 
served a combat deployment onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt in 
support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Following the completion of his 
command tour, Judge helped to mold the next generation of Naval 
Officers, serving as the third battalion officer at the United States 
Naval Academy, and as the national director of the NROTC program at the 
Naval Service Training Command.
   In 2013, Judge was named the 56th Commanding Officer of NAS 
Pensacola. As the Cradle of Naval Aviation, Pensacola and the entire 
Northwest Florida community are immensely proud of our area's tradition 
of military service and support for those who wear the uniform. NAS 
Pensacola is also the proud home of the Blue Angels, and Judge became 
the first former Blue Angel to command NAS Pensacola.
   During his long and distinguished career, Judge has logged more than 
3,400 flight hours, 570 arrested landings, and he has been awarded 
numerous decorations including: the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, 
Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Air Medal (three awards with 
combat ``V''), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards with combat 
``V''), Navy Achievement Medal (two awards), and many unit 
commendations and awards.
   Captain Keith ``Judge'' Hoskins embodies the selfless commitment to 
service, sacrifice, and exceptional skill of our Nation's 
servicemembers. Throughout his career, he has contributed greatly to 
keeping our Nation safe and protecting the freedom and liberty of all 
Americans, and he has also inspired countless others to pursue a career 
of service through his leadership and example.
   On behalf of the United States Congress and the people of Florida's 
First Congressional District, my wife Vicki and I thank Judge for his 
service and leadership, we congratulate him on his retirement, and we 
wish him all the best for continued success in his post-Naval 
endeavors. Bravo Zulu.

                          ____________________