[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 73 (Friday, May 3, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING CAPTAIN PAUL WHITESCARVER, UNITED STATES NAVY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 3, 2019

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Paul A. 
Whitescarver, who retires this week from a nearly 40-year career of 
service to our nation in the United States Navy.
  Captain Whitescarver has served as the 51st Commanding Officer of our 
nation's ``first and finest'' submarine base, Naval Submarine Base New 
London since December 2015. His leadership at the base will without 
question have a lasting impact on its operations and readiness for 
years to come. In his three and a half years as its Commander, he 
oversaw several significant environmental and energy upgrades which 
have helped to continue modernization of the facility, including 
innovative microgrid and fuel cell projects leveraging homegrown 
Connecticut technology to provide standalone power to the base. This 
effort was so successful that the Department of Energy recognized it 
with a 2018 Federal Energy and Water Management award.
  Another tremendous accomplishment under his tenure was the completion 
of Superfund site cleanup. It is great to see the resolution of this 
significant undertaking which was recognized by the Environmental 
Protection Agency (EPA). Captain Whitescarver's leadership throughout 
this process has shown his drive to go above and beyond to improve the 
base.
  Captain Whitescarver has substantially raised the military value of 
the base with his work and proven its enduring mission well into the 
future. He laid the groundwork for the future expansion of pier 
capacity as our submarine fleet continues to modernize and grow towards 
its overall goal of 66 attack submarines. He spearheaded the pier 32 
project for which we are now seeing funding in this year's defense 
budget and expect it to be funded by Congress so that the project can 
commence on time. Many of the new boats constructed in the coming years 
will be stationed in Groton, and without Captain Whitescarver's 
efforts, the base would not be as prepared to accept them as it will be 
once these projects are completed.
  At the same time, it is important to recognize that Captain 
Whitescarver's impact extends beyond the base, reaching the citizens 
and businesses in the surrounding community. He oversaw Connecticut's 
Submarine Century, the yearlong celebration of the 100th anniversary of 
the submarine force in 2015 and 2016, demonstrating strong support in 
his consistent participation at events and collaboration with local 
officials. He projected a positive image for the Navy in a critical 
time for recruitment and promotion of our military and particularly our 
submarine force. As if he did not have enough to do, he also managed 
the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the 
Navy installation which would eventually become Submarine Base New 
London. This milestone underscores how the base has effectively adapted 
over time to meet the needs of the Navy, and we thank Captain 
Whitescarver for his role in ensuring the base continues to be equipped 
to handle our future needs as well.
  A particular highlight of mine working with Captain Whitescarver over 
the last few years was his April 2018 engagement at Asnuntuck Community 
College in Enfield, which he himself attended in 1989. His presence and 
poignant words to students, faculty, and staff reinforced the belief 
that our community colleges are stepping stones to any number of highly 
successful careers.
  Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Captain 
Whitescarver, and his wife Katie, for their service to our nation and 
in wishing them `fair winds and following seas' as they move on to 
their next steps.

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