[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 56 (Monday, April 1, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E381]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





         IN HONOR OF THE LIFE OF ADMIRAL DENNIS MATTHEW BROOKS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. MIKE ROGERS

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 1, 2019

  Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the life of 
Admiral Dennis Matthew Brooks.
  Admiral Brooks was born on November 23, 1934 in Fairfield, Alabama. 
He married the love of his life Dolores (Lorrie) Gober following his 
graduation from the Naval Academy in 1957. They had three children, 
Mark, Amy and Allison and two grandchildren, James and Mary Katherine.
  He served his country for 35 years until his retirement in 1992. His 
assignments included fighter pilot, test pilot and teacher at the Naval 
Academy. His command assignments included fighter squadrons VF-51 
``Screaming Eagles'' and VF-121 ``Pacemakers'', USS Kansas City and USS 
Constellation, Carrier Group Seven and Battle Force and Carrier Strike 
Forces of the U.S. Seventh Fleet. In 1988, he was assigned as the 
initial commander of the Combined Joint Task Force, Middle East, 
involving all U.S. Forces in the Persian Gulf. Ashore Admiral Brooks' 
major assignments included Director, Navy Space Command and Military 
Director of the National Reconnaissance Office.
  The USS Constellation (Connie) under the command of then Captain 
Brooks was visited by Ronald Reagan shortly after the President's 
recovery from wounds received in an assassination attempt. Following 
his inspection, the President declared ``Connie'' to be ``America's 
Flagship'', presented the crew a presidential flag and announced: ``Let 
friend and foe alike know that America has the muscle to back up its 
words, and ships like this and men like you are that muscle.'' Later 
the Connie gained her motto, ``Go Ahead Make My Day'', which was 
painted on the ship's island.
  Following his Navy career, the Admiral and Lorrie retired to Pell 
City where he continued his service as Rotary District Governor for 
District 6860. His philanthropic efforts included Pell City's Habitat 
for Humanity, the Board of the Eastern Health Foundation and the Pell 
City Library Guild. He was an Eagle Scout and continued throughout his 
life to be involved in Scouting. Posthumously, the Greater Alabama 
Scout Council presented the ``Heart of an Eagle'' Award to his family.
  Admiral Dennis Matthew Brooks, United States Navy (Ret), of Pell 
City, Alabama, passed away November 12, 2018. Admiral Brooks lived an 
exemplary life and brought out the very best in those who were 
fortunate to serve with him in the Navy and those who were fortunate 
enough to know him in civilian life.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the life of Admiral 
Brooks.

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