[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 66 (Thursday, April 21, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E393]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





     HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF CAPTAIN JAMES H. PATTON, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 21, 2022

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of United 
States Naval Captain James H. Patton, Jr. Captain Patton passed away 
last year on September 27, 2021, at his home in North Stonington, 
Connecticut. I have had the distinct pleasure of connecting with 
Captain Patton over the years and can personally attest to his 
distinguished character, major contributions to policy conversations on 
our nation's submarine force, and participation and care for his local 
community.
  Born on January 6, 1939, to James H. Sr. and Suzanne Patton in 
Norwood, Massachusetts, James had the spirit of a New Englander through 
and through. Due to his shrewd and strong character, it was no surprise 
that James went on to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, where he graduated 
in 1960. Upon graduation, James immediately set sail on his military 
career, dedicating the next 25 years of his life toward faithful 
leadership within our nation's Navy. It was during these years that he 
became an incredible bank of knowledge with respect to our nation's 
submarine force, serving on five nuclear-powered attack submarines, two 
ballistic-missile submarines, and commanding the USS Pargo. By the time 
of his retirement from the Navy, his merited service had earned him the 
rank of Captain as well as several accolades, including the Legion of 
Merit and the National Defense Service Medal.
  Captain Patton's dedication to the strength of our nation's Navy was 
never intended to end with his retirement from the military. Upon his 
departure in 1985, our region became lucky enough for Captain Patton to 
discover North Stonington as a place to call his permanent home. As a 
newfound resident, Captain Patton would go on to leverage his extensive 
experience with the Navy and found his own advocacy firm, Submarine 
Tactics & Technology, Inc. It was through this medium and his several 
published materials that Captain Patton championed advancing the 
narrative on investing in our ``Silent Service,'' directly contributing 
to our region's existence as a manufacturing powerhouse as well as the 
position of naval strength which we continue to benefit from to this 
day.
  As a resident of North Stonington, Captain Patton made sure his 
outgoing personality also enriched his local community. For instance, 
he was not only a member of but a valuable contributor to the Naval 
Submarine League, North Stonington Lions Club and the Education 
Foundation. Truly, it was always in his nature to lend a helping hand.
  Madam Speaker, as the representative of eastern Connecticut, I cannot 
think of a citizen more outstanding than Captain James H. Patton, Jr. 
The quarter of a century dedicated to serving our nation is commendable 
by itself, but James continued to demonstrate exceptional civic duty 
even upon his initial retirement. Our entire southeastern Connecticut 
community continues to mourn his loss to this day. I find gratitude in 
the fact that his surviving family has stood strong in bearing the 
standard of his memory, namely, his wife Mary Patton, three children 
Terry Rhoads, John Patton and James Patton III, sister Mary Cobbett, 
and numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In particular, I have 
had the opportunity to get to know James III, who has followed the 
example of his fathers informed idealism to serve overseas to promote 
peaceful sustainable international development all over the globe. The 
invaluable contributions of Captain Patton's life and legacy will 
continue to impact our nation's security and his local community for 
generations to come. To these ends, I ask that my colleagues in the 
House join me in honoring Captain James Patton, Jr.'s incredible life 
of service.

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