[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 89 (Tuesday, May 12, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S2375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO REAR ADMIRAL BRAD COOPER

  Mr. INHOFE. Madam President, today I wish to recognize and 
congratulate Rear Admiral Brad Cooper of the U.S. Navy on his exemplary 
service to our Nation as the Department of the Navy's Chief of 
Legislative Affairs from July 2019 to May 2020. During this time, he 
led with precision and class.
  Eleven months--a short period, yet the presence of the Navy here in 
the Capitol and the results we have seen since last July would indicate 
a labor of a much longer period. In that time, he has served under 
various leaders, yet in spite of that, the Department of the Navy has 
never been more strongly integrated with Congress than it is today. 
Through dedication and impactful communication, Brad has deftly 
navigated his team, our staffs, and our mutual partnership to new 
heights.
  Brad has had the challenge of being the Navy's lead advocate on 
Capitol Hill and has had the privilege of communicating with all 
Members of Congress, which inherently is no small feat. The hidden 
mission therein is the tireless jobs of educating our staffs, precisely 
executing congressional delegations on all continents, supporting 
hearings, and negotiating the NDAA. He has handled our thousands of 
constituent inquiries and properly represented the Navy while taking 
into account military, political, and budgetary priorities.
  Brad is the reason senior Navy leaders are always well prepared to 
stand before us during all hearings, calls, and numerous briefings. His 
clear, concise, and consistent communication to the Hill during the 
COVID-19 pandemic, ensured the Navy's efforts for the safety of sailors 
and their families and the execution of all missions to support the 
national defense strategy and safety and security of our Nation was 
well understood. Because of Brad's professionalism and visible 
commitment to the Navy and our country, he certainly established 
lasting relationships with all of the Members of Congress.
  On behalf of my colleagues and the entire U.S. Congress, I want to 
personally thank Rear Admiral Brad Cooper for his more than three 
decades of dedicated service to the Navy and our Nation. He will be 
certainly missed. I also want to thank his wife, Susan, and children 
Bradford and Katie for their deep sacrifices and tremendous support. I 
wish them all the best in his next assignment in Norfolk, VA, and I 
sincerely look forward to working with him again in the future. Fair 
winds and following seas to you.

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