[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 97 (Friday, May 22, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E478]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING REAR ADMIRAL BRAD COOPER'S SERVICE TO HIS COUNTRY AS THE 
          SECRETARY OF THE NAVY'S CHIEF OF LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 22, 2020

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to both recognize and 
congratulate Rear Admiral Brad Cooper for his service as he concludes 
his tour as the Secretary of the Navy's Chief of Legislative Affairs. 
In this capacity, he oversaw and led a team of 40 Naval officers, 
sailors, and civilians helping set departmental priorities and 
advancing the shared understanding of what our Navy continues to do in 
support of our Nation.
  I have had the distinct pleasure of getting to know Brad through my 
role as Chairman of the Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee in 
various CODELs and oversight hearings. Last year alone, he personally 
accompanied me, and many other members of Congress, to the United 
Kingdom, Iceland and Norway to see first-hand how the Navy was 
conducting anti-submarine operations in the High North and to see the 
awe-inspiring work that our sailors were doing on the USS Dwight D. 
Eisenhower (CVN 69) off the coast of Florida. In various office calls 
and oversight engagements, the quality of assistance given has been 
unrivaled. Simply said, my office, the House Committee on Armed 
Services and this entire chamber is better off due to Admiral Cooper's 
service.
  A career surface warfare officer, Admiral Cooper has served in 
various ships including destroyers, cruisers, and aircraft carriers 
culminating with command of USS Russell (DDG 59) and USS Gettysburg (CG 
64). To help articulate the caliber of officer that Brad is, I will 
share this anecdote: Every year, the Navy awards the Battle E to the 
best ship in a given squadron. Brad, and the phenomenal teams he helps 
build, have achieved this award ten times.
  During his recent tenure as Chief of Legislative Affairs, Brad has 
served admirably through significant change while keeping the Navy's 
Capitol Hill posture even-keeled through the tenures of multiple Navy 
leaders. His staff has flawlessly executed Congressional Delegations 
throughout the world, supported hearings, and negotiated the NDAA while 
considering military, political, and budgetary priorities. His team 
works flawlessly, and is my, and many of my colleagues, staff of choice 
when dealing with defense issues.
  I believe Brad's success is built on his understanding that what 
makes this country great is the ability to establish and keep 
relationships. This fundamental approach to his craft has gained 
respect and admiration in both chambers of Congress and on both sides 
of the aisle. He has worked with us to broaden the Navy's outreach 
beyond just those members of defense committees. His efforts, 
solidified alongside those of the Navy's senior leaders, exposed the 
House of Representatives to the great work our sailors are doing around 
the globe each and every day.
  As Admiral Cooper continues his Naval service, it is my hope that he 
may recall, with a deep sense of pride and accomplishment, the 
outstanding contributions he has made to the United States Navy as 
Chief of Legislative Affairs. I would like to send him, his wife, 
Susan, and their children, Bradford and Katie, my very best wishes for 
continued success in Norfolk and their future endeavors.
  Well done Admiral. Fair winds and following seas.

                          ____________________