[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 158 (Tuesday, September 14, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E977]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        IN RECOGNITION OF THE SERVICE OF JAMES ``HONDO'' GEURTS

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                          HON. MIKE GALLAGHER

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 14, 2021

  Mr. GALLAGHER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize James 
``Hondo'' Geurts. After retiring from the Air Force as a colonel, Hondo 
served in the Senior Executive Service as United States Special 
Operations Command's Acquisition Executive as well as Assistant 
Secretary of the Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition. He is 
formally retiring again after continuing his faithful service by 
performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the Navy. He is not 
only an advocate for the hardworking men and women of Northeast 
Wisconsin, but also a dedicated patriot in service to his Nation.
  During his more than 30 years of service, Hondo served for 22 years 
in uniform as acquisition program manager with engineering and in 
program management leadership positions in numerous weapon systems. As 
a defense civilian, Hondo served in all levels of defense-related 
acquisition leadership including Acquisition Executive, Program 
Executive Officer, and Program Manager of a variety of Major Defense 
Acquisition Programs to include ballistic missiles, surveillance 
platforms, tactical fighter aircraft, advanced avionics systems, 
stealth cruise missiles, training systems, and manned and unmanned 
special operations aircraft.
  After retiring from the Air Force, Hondo served an additional 8 years 
as Acquisition Executive for USSOCOM and Assistant Secretary of the 
Navy for Research, Development and Acquisition until Feb. 2021 when he 
was designated as performing the duties of the Under Secretary of the 
Navy.
  Amidst his commitment as a service member, acquisitions leader, and 
performing the duties of Under Secretary of the Navy, his greatest 
contribution to both national security and to the people of Northeast 
Wisconsin has been his incredible work on the frigate program. Thanks 
to his uncommon skill and unparalleled dedication, the world is a safer 
place. I am incredibly thankful for his selfless and dedicated service.
  Madam Speaker, I urge all members of this body to join me in 
applauding James ``Hondo'' Geurts for his patriotism and inspiring 
service to a grateful Nation.

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