[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 108 (Tuesday, June 22, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E676-E677]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING REAR ADMIRAL JOHN A. OKON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 22, 2021

  Mr. PALAZZO. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Rear Admiral 
John A. Okon for his profound leadership while in command of the Naval 
Meteorology and Oceanography Command (CNMOC) at John C. Stennis Space 
Center in South Mississippi from 2017 to 2021.
  Rear Adm. Okon grew up in Syracuse, New York where he married his 
wife, Valerie Gessner. Okon first graduated from the State University 
of New York Maritime College at Fort Schuyler in 1991 with a Bachelor 
of Science in Meteorology and Oceanography. He also earned a bachelor's 
degree in National Security Studies from the Naval War

[[Page E677]]

College in Newport, Rhode Island and holds master's degrees in 
Meteorology and Physical Oceanography from the Naval Post Graduate 
School in Monterey, California.
  While Okon's previous commands include locations such as Osaka, 
Japan, and Monterey, California, his tenure at CNMOC will be fondly 
remembered for successes such as procuring funding for a new 
oceanographic survey ship (T-AGS 67) built at VT Halter Marine 
Pascagoula, Mississippi, launching the Unmanned Systems Operations 
Center in the Naval Oceanographic Office, and endorsing a Memorandum of 
Understanding with NOAA to execute language in the Commercial 
Engagement for Ocean Technology (CENOTE) Act. He was also instrumental 
in overseeing several Naval Technology Exercises along the Mississippi 
Gulf Coast and Port of Gulfport
  Rear Adm. Okon has played an influential role in fostering community 
engagement by educating organizations on the critical contributions the 
Navy makes to our National Security. His collection of personal awards 
includes the Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, in 
addition to various campaign and service awards.
  As the Congressman for the Fourth Congressional District of 
Mississippi, it is an honor and privilege to recognize Rear Admiral 
John Okon today for his selfless duty and commitment to the Navy and to 
the United States of America.

                          ____________________