[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 66 (Thursday, April 28, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E619]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO MR. MICHAEL S. WILSON, PRESIDENT, GD-OTS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DAVID W. JOLLY

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 28, 2016

  Mr. JOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a gentleman who has 
dedicated his life to serving our nation--a true American leader and 
hero who hails from the state of Florida, Mr. Michael S. Wilson. Mike 
is retiring from General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-
OTS) after forty-seven years of service to our warfighters and the 
defense industry. He currently serves as president of GD-OTS, a 
position he has held since 2001.
  Mike has distinguished himself throughout his career, most notably by 
developing and fielding over 15 programs to our armed forces. The 
latest example of Mike's leadership is the fielding of the Ground 
Mobility Vehicle 1.1 program to the US Special Operations Command 
(USSOCOM).
  Mike led the highly successful merger of GD Armament and Technical 
Products (GDATP) and GD-OTS companies in 2013--resulting in present day 
GD-OTS. His efforts created significant synergy savings and 
efficiencies that directly benefitted GD-OTS customers and shareholders 
resulting in improved service to the customer. Under Mike's astute and 
hands-on leadership, GD-OTS revenue rose over 500 percent since 
acquisition in 2001. Mike created a persistent priority and focuses on 
safety across GD-OTS and accumulated an unparalleled safety record by 
any industry standards.
  One of Mike's proudest career achievements can be framed by the 
performance of OTS during the urgent ramp-up required to meet surging 
demand of Operation Iraqi Freedom/Operation Enduring Freedom (OIF/OEF). 
Virtually overnight, Mike oversaw the ramp-up of all GD-OTS production 
lines to provide ammunition when it was needed the most.
  During his career at GD, Mike led the effort to grow GD-OTS' organic 
production capabilities. With deft precision and timing, Mike 
skillfully invested in facility expansion and organic capabilities to 
achieve strategic vertical integration. This resulted in a dramatic 
expansion of core competencies and several new production franchises 
for GD-OTS.
  Mr. Speaker, the Munitions Industrial Base, commercial industry, and 
each branch of our Armed Forces will miss Mike Wilson's leadership. As 
a nation, let us recognize his intrepid service and dedication to the 
mission of supporting our warfighters. And I ask that this body join me 
in honoring and congratulating Mr. Mike S. Wilson on a most honorable, 
truly energetic, and innovative career.

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