[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 18 (Thursday, February 2, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         CONGRATULATING CAPTAIN BILL PFISTER ON HIS RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRADLEY BYRNE

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 2, 2017

  Mr. BYRNE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Captain William 
``Bill'' Pfister on his retirement and honor him for his over fifty 
years of service to our country as a member of the U.S. Navy and a key 
leader in our nation's shipbuilding industry.
   Bill Pfister graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1962, 
and he went on to serve in the Navy for 27 years. Among his many 
honors, he is a recipient of the U.S. Navy Legion of Merit Award and 
several Meritorious Service Medals. He retired from the Navy in 1989 
and continued to support the Navy through his work on various 
shipbuilding projects.
   He was ``employee negative one'' for Austal USA and helped select 
the Mobile, Alabama site. During his years at Austal, he has overseen 
the impressive construction and expansion of a first-class shipbuilding 
operation. To put it simply: Bill took a green field and built it into 
the Austal of today.
   Austal USA is now the largest private sector employer in Alabama's 
First Congressional District, employing over 4,000 people. Much of the 
success and growth at Austal is because of Bill Pfister's hard work, 
vision, dedication, and leadership.
   Bill has also taken an active role in our local community through 
involvement in civic clubs and organizations including the Partners for 
Environmental Progress, the local Navy League chapter, Mobile 
Baykeeper, Propeller Club, and the Military Officers Association of 
America. Like a true sailor, Bill also enjoys spending time boating on 
Mobile Bay.
   Mr. Speaker, Bill Pfister has poured his heart and soul into the 
success of Austal USA and the overall mission of the United States 
Navy. So, on behalf of Alabama's First Congressional District, I wish 
Bill and his wife, Sally, all the best upon his retirement. Our nation 
will be forever grateful for his service and sacrifice.

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