[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 73 (Wednesday, April 28, 2021)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2286-S2287]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                        REMEMBERING DAVID SOULES

 Mr. HEINRICH. Madam President, David Soules was one of the 
kindest people you could ever meet. His easy laugh and infectious 
enthusiasm was always such a welcome presence, especially on excursions 
onto his favorite southern New Mexico public lands. I will always 
treasure the way David could put his ``engineer's brain'' to work, 
diving into complex problems and looking for solutions, from public 
access and wildlife habitat restoration to the siting of transmission 
lines. He was also a real listener, with a rare appetite to always 
learn something new. David always had time to sneak away to a quiet 
corner to compare notes, share thoughts, and strategize about how to 
make something better.
  The decade-plus-long, community-driven effort to establish the Organ 
Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument was successful because of so 
many different people. But it is truly impossible to imagine it 
happening without David Soules. David knew every inch of the Organ 
Mountains- Desert Peaks, and his methodical documentation of historical 
places, artifacts, and unique Chihuahuan desert ecosystems was 
instrumental in qualifying the area for monument designation. The 
National Monument and the 10 new Wilderness Areas that are now 
protected forever within it will endure as an everlasting gift from 
David to all of us.
  David held a doctorate in mechanical engineering and became 
nationally recognized expert in the field of imaging through turbulence 
during his career spanning over 37 years at White Sands Missile Range. 
During that same time, David became a lifelong sportsman and champion 
for wildlife, serving on the New Mexico Game and Fish Commission, 
coauthoring the ``Exploring Organ Mountains-Desert Peaks National 
Monument'' guidebook, serving as a member and supporter of numerous 
nongovernmental sportsmen's and conservation organizations, including 
on the boards of New Mexico Wild and the White Sands Missile Range 
Historical Foundation.
  David Soules was a dear friend and an incredible mentor to my boys. I 
am thinking of his wife, Nancy, their two sons, Kevin and Keith, their 
grandchildren, and all those who knew, loved, and will forever miss 
David. Whenever I am hunting mule deer or javelina in southern New 
Mexico, I will remember David and all he did to protect the wildlife 
and wild places that I hold dear.

[[Page S2287]]

  


                        TRIBUTE TO BRIAN CUCCIAS

 Mr. WICKER. Madam President, today I honor a visionary leader 
whose years at the helm of Ingalls Shipbuilding have left a profound 
impact on the State of Mississippi and on the national security posture 
of the United States. I have had the pleasure of associating with Mr. 
Brian Cuccias both personally and professionally over many years.
  As president of Ingalls Shipbuilding, Mr. Cuccias led the largest 
manufacturing employer in Mississippi. Located near Brian's hometown of 
Biloxi, the Pascagoula shipyard sits on 800 acres of land along the 
Pascagoula River. With 11,500 employees, Ingalls is the largest 
supplier of U.S. Navy surface combatants and has built nearly 70 
percent of the current fleet of Navy warships.
  Mr. Cuccias began his career at Ingalls in 1979. when he joined 
Litton Data Systems, which was then a major division of Litton 
Industries, then owner of what is today Ingalls Shipyard. He served as 
a financial analyst for several Navy programs, including amphibious 
assault ships and Spruance and Kidd-class destroyers. Since then, he 
has held a number of positions of increasing responsibility, including 
assistant to the group vice president of Avondale industries; sector 
vice president for material for Northrop Grumman Ship Systems; program 
manger and vice president for Northrop Grumman's DDG 1000 program; and 
vice president for surface combatants for Northrop Grumman 
Shipbuilding.
  Mr. Cuccias left his mark on both the shipbuilding industry and Navy 
surface combatant programs. Universally recognized for his superb 
leadership, business acumen, and commitment to maritime security, his 
2014 appointment as president of Ingalls Shipbuilding came as no 
surprise to those of us who knew him. During his tenure, Ingalls has 
continued to set the standard for shipbuilding excellence, delivering 
five national security cutters to the Coast Guard, along with two 
America-class amphibious assault ships and two San Antonio-class 
amphibious transport docks to the Navy. Additionally, Mr. Cuccias 
oversaw the reactivation of the Arleigh Burke-class production line, 
delivering four guided missile destroyers to the Navy after a 5-year 
hiatus. As he departs, he leaves the shipyard in perhaps its strongest 
position ever, with 13 ships in various stages of production.
  Mr. Cuccias has left an indelible impact on the Ingalls workforce. He 
spearheaded numerous investments in the health and safety of shipyard 
employees and their families. In 2015, Ingalls dedicated a Family 
Health Center in Gautier, MS a full-service health care facility for 
employees, dependents, and retirees covered by the shipyard's health 
care plans. As part of a $600 million 4-year upgrade to build the 
Shipyard of the Future, he supervised the installation of covered, 
environmentally controlled facilities to protect workers from the 
elements--again prioritizing the health of the Ingalls workforce.
  Always active in his community, Mr. Cuccias served on the executive 
committee and board of directors for the Mississippi Gulf Coast 
Business Council, as well as on the boards of directors for the 
Mississippi Economic Council, the Mississippi Partnership for Economic 
Development, the Jackson County Economic Development Foundation, and 
the Salvation Army of Mobile, AL. In 2018, he was honored as one of the 
Top CEOs in Mississippi by the Mississippi Business Journal.
  I want to express my deep gratitude and appreciation to Brian Cuccias 
for his outstanding leadership in Mississippi and for his unwavering 
support for the missions of the U.S. Navy. As he departs Ingalls for 
retirement, I wish him and his family ``fair winds and following 
seas.''

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