[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 19 (Monday, January 31, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S411-S412]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT JONATHAN KOKOT

   Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, today I honor an exceptional member of 
the U.S. Navy, LT Jonathan Kokot. I am proud to enter this tribute into 
the Record as I have had the pleasure of traveling overseas with Jon on 
multiple occasions, allowing me to see his professionalism, leadership, 
and dedication to duty firsthand.
   Lieutenant Kokot has distinguished himself through his professional 
character and dedication to serving this Nation in uniform. He has 
continued to excel in peerless service to our country while assigned to 
the Navy Senate Liaison Office. A native of Houston, TX, Jon is a 2013 
graduate of Vanderbilt University and was commissioned through the 
Naval ROTC program. He completed primary flight school at VT-27 in 
Corpus Christi, TX, followed by advanced flight training at HT-28 in 
Milton, FL.
   Lieutenant Kokot joined the Battlecats of Helicopter Maritime Strike 
Squadron Seven Three (HSM) 73 in April, 2016. He deployed to the 
Western Pacific onboard USS Sampson (DDG 102), an Arleigh Burke class 
guided-missile destroyer, in September 2016 in support of the Oceania 
Maritime Security Initiative (OMSI) and received a Humanitarian Service 
Medal for his part in disaster relief following an earthquake in New 
Zealand. On Jon's second deployment, his helicopter squadron was 
embarked on USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), and later USS Halsey (DDG 
97), for a deployment to the CENTCOM and INDOPACOM areas of 
responsibility.
   Lieutenant Kokot has also been published in ``Rotor Review'' 
magazine. His article, ``Deployment: A Junior Officer's Perspective,'' 
was recognized as the article of the year in 2018. That article 
discussed the ``beauty'' of flight deck operations on a modern aircraft 
carrier, writing: ``one only has to watch the flight deck during launch 
and recovery of jets to realize there's a half-century worth of 
training involved in each evolution. The movement of six different 
types of aircraft, including fixed-wing and helicopters, transformed 
from parked and folded to engines full blast within minutes, is mind-
boggling. Five-thousand people aboard this floating fortress work 
around-the-clock to make this dance happen, and each member plays his 
or her role in a system of cogs which drives the most powerful peace 
machine on the planet.''
   Lieutenant Kokot also models a commitment to volunteering. During 
his time in the Senate, he served additionally as a White House social 
aide, supporting more than 30 high-visibility events. He also served as 
a mentor and role model for disadvantaged youth who need a helping 
hand. While in flight training in Corpus Christi, Jon cofounded a 
mentorship program at Flour Bluff High School and personally provided 
10 hours of mentoring per week to students in need. He continued this 
worthy effort with his involvement in the Big Brothers Big Sisters 
program, beginning with his first fleet assignment in San Diego and 
again these last 2 years here in Washington, DC. He regularly spent a 
dozen hours each month with his young mentee. Jon's interest and 
empathy for underprivileged youth reflects the influence of his mother, 
who mentored middle and high school youth for over a dozen years in 
Houston.
   As a legislative liaison in the Navy Senate Liaison Office from 
February 2019 to February 2022, Lieutenant Kokot performed his duties 
with distinction, supporting the 116th and 117th U.S. Congresses. Jon's 
direct assistance provided critical information necessary for the 
passage of three National Defense Authorization Acts in the U.S. 
Senate, as well as peace of mind for members concerned about the 
welfare of our constituents. His efforts also helped ensure the 
confirmation of the 77th and 78th Navy Secretaries and the 32nd Chief 
of Naval Operations.
   Lieutenant Kokot led 28 congressional delegations across the United 
States and the globe. He has escorted many Members of this Chamber on 
travel, as well the personal and professional staff who work in this 
Chamber. I have had the pleasure of traveling with Jon on a number of 
these trips. He has gone above and beyond the call of duty to 
facilitate and successfully execute each trip, despite any weather, 
aircraft, or diplomatic complications. He consistently performs his 
duties selflessly, and with a smile.

[[Page S412]]

   After 3 years of serving in this vital role, during which he became 
a very popular fixture on Capitol Hill, Lieutenant Kokot will return to 
sea duty in USS Tripoli (LPH 10), the Navy's newest America class 
amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego, CA. Tripoli was built 
in Pascagoula, MS, and is the third ship to bear the name of the first 
U.S. battle fought on foreign soil. This Chamber will keenly feel 
Lieutenant Kokot's absence. A substantial debt is owed to Jon's 
parents, Ronald and Pamela Kokot, for the parenting and love that 
produced this outstanding young leader. Regrettably, Jon's mother 
passed away when he was 22, but I know that she watches over her son 
with the same pride that is felt by many Members of Congress. I am 
grateful for LT Jonathan Kokot's service and his work with my office 
and the Senate, and I salute him. May he always have ``fair winds and 
following seas.''

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