[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 92 (Thursday, May 26, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Page S2747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO ADMIRAL CHASE DAVID PATRICK

  Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, today, I honor a superb leader, liaison 
and warrior. After 2 years of service as Director of the Navy Senate 
Liaison Office, Chase Patrick is deservedly moving on and assuming the 
responsibilities of a rear admiral, lower half. I believe it is fitting 
to recognize Admiral Patrick's distinguished service and dedication to 
fostering the relationship between the U.S. Navy and the Senate.
  While I was just starting my time in the Senate in 1994, Admiral 
Patrick was graduating from the University of Virginia that same year. 
He showed his value quickly upon joining the Navy and has been 
consistently relied upon for his exceptional leadership and 
unparalleled work ethic. A surface warfare officer by designation, 
Admiral Patrick has led our Nation's young men and women on shore and 
at sea, most prominently in command of USS Chafee (DDG-90), where the 
Navy selected him to receive the Vice Admiral Stockdale Award for 
Inspirational Leadership and Commander Destroyer Squadron 50 and Task 
Force 55.
  Admiral Patrick has excelled in numerous other leadership positions 
in the Navy, most recently as the director of the Navy Senate Liaison. 
In Washington, DC, and around the globe, Admiral Patrick filled the 
role that was initially created and held by the late Senator John 
McCain after his return from Vietnam as a Navy Captain. Decades later, 
Admiral Patrick had the job of leading the Navy Senate Liaison Office 
through the COVID-19 pandemic, relentlessly coordinating congressional 
delegations for our Members and our staffs during the most troubling of 
times and ensuring continuity between this Chamber and the U.S. Navy.
  Over the course of the last few years, Admiral Patrick led six 
congressional delegations to 10 different countries. He escorted over 
half of the Members of this Chamber on travel and became a trusted 
adviser and friend to many of us. I have had the pleasure of traveling 
with Admiral Patrick on several trips, including his first trip as 
director of the Navy Senate Liaison Office. He distinguished himself by 
going above and beyond the call of duty to facilitate and successfully 
execute each and every congressional delegation, despite any number of 
weather, aircraft, and diplomatic challenges.
  This month, Admiral Patrick departs Washington for Naples, Italy, to 
serve as the director of Maritime Headquarters, U.S. Naval Forces 
Europe, Africa and Sixth Fleet. This Chamber will feel Admiral 
Patrick's absence. I join many past and present Members of Congress in 
my gratitude and appreciation to Admiral Patrick for his outstanding 
leadership and unwavering support of the missions of the U.S. Navy. I 
especially recognize his patient and supportive family, his wife Mrs. 
Paurenia Patrick and his children, Sara, Chase, Jr., Harry, and Oliver. 
I wish this Navy family ``fair winds and following seas.''

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