[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 120 (Friday, July 9, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E749-E750]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING U.S. NAVY CAPTAIN JEFF CHISM

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, July 9, 2021

  Ms. BROWNLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize a true American 
leader and patriot, Captain Jeff Chism, on the occasion of his 
retirement after 26 years of honorable service in the United States 
Navy.
  A native of Tigard, Oregon, Captain Jeff Chism is a distinguished 
graduate of Biola University, the University of Southern California, 
the Graziadio School of Business at Pepperdine University, and the 
Naval War College. Captain Chism earned his commission in the U.S. Navy 
through the University of California, Los Angeles Naval Reserve Officer 
Training Corps program. He is a designated Naval Flight Officer, 
Prowler Tactics Instructor, and operationally flew in the EA-6B Prowler 
and the EA-18G Growler.
  Captain Chism's sea duty assignments included the ``Black Ravens'' of 
VAQ-135; the ``Garudas'' of VAQ-134; the Balkans Combined Air 
Operations Center Electronic Warfare Coordination Cell (EWCC) Vicenza, 
Italy; and the CENTCOM Combined Theater EWCC at the USAFCENT Combined 
Air Operations Center, Qatar.
  During these tours, he deployed aboard the USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) 
in support of Operations DESERT FOX and SOUTHERN WATCH; a combat flying 
deployment to Incirlik Air Base, Turkey, in support of Operation 
NORTHERN WATCH; two combat flying deployments to Bagram Air Field, 
Afghanistan, in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM; and two 
individual augmentee deployments first in support of Operations JOINT 
FORGE and JOINT GUARDIAN and then Operations ENDURING FREEDOM, IRAQ 
FREEDOM, and NEW DAWN.
  Ashore, he served with the ``Bloodhounds'' of VX-30; as Commander, 
U.S. THIRD FLEET (J7); and with the Office of the Under Secretary of 
Defense for Acquisitions and Sustainment Deputy Assistant Secretary of 
Defense Tactical Warfare Systems.
  Captain Chism also Commanded the ``Zappers'' of VAQ-130. During this 
tour, he deployed aboard the USS Harry S Truman (CVN 75) in support of 
Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. Under his command, the squadron earned the 
2013 Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific Fleet Battle ``E'', 2013 
Commander Naval Air Forces Admiral Arthur W. Radford Award, and 2013 
Chief of Naval Operations Safety ``S.''
  Captain Chism's personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious 
Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (fifteen Strike/
Flight awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Air Force 
Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal (three awards), and various 
campaign and unit awards.
  In June 2018, Captain Chism assumed his duties as commanding officer 
of Naval Base Ventura County, located in California's 26th 
Congressional District. With great distinction, he dutifully oversaw a 
diverse installation that supports more than 80 tenant commands with a 
base population of more than 19,000 personnel, including the Naval 
Construction Group ONE--also known as the ``Seabees.''
  Captain Chism's career at Naval Base Ventura County has been 
underscored by his exemplary leadership, perceptive planning, and focus 
on both mission execution and community engagement. These efforts were 
clearly demonstrated by Captain Chism's remarkable command of major 
aviation, shore, and port facilities, comprised of three primary sites: 
Point Mugu, Port Hueneme, and San Nicolas Island.
  Captain Chism also directed the day-to-day operations at the base, 
providing comprehensive support services to the Fleet, Fighter, and 
Family. He also directed diverse installation

[[Page E750]]

programs, including fleet support operations, facilities maintenance 
and construction, utilities, environmental stewardship, housing, 
childcare, recreation, safety, resource management, protocol, public 
affairs, family support service, and IT technology management.
  Naval Base Ventura County plays a critically important role in our 
national defense, and it will continue to do so for many years to come, 
thanks in part to Captain Chism 's wise stewardship over the past 3 
years.
  As Representative of California's 26th Congressional District, 
including the men and women who serve our Nation at Naval Base Ventura 
County, I am pleased to join a grateful community to extend my most 
sincere congratulations and appreciation for his countless 
contributions to Ventura County, the U.S. Navy, and the United States 
of America.

                          ____________________