[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 177 (Wednesday, November 16, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1155]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE SERVICE OF VICE ADMIRAL BILL MERZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 16, 2022

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the service of Vice 
Admiral Bill Merz, who will retire from the U.S. Navy on December 1, 
2022, after nearly 40 years in uniform. His long and distinguished 
service to our nation reflects an unwavering devotion to duty and great 
love of country.
  Vice Admiral Merz earned his commission from the United States Naval 
Academy in 1986 and upon graduation entered the fleet as a newly minted 
submarine officer. Having first qualified aboard the attack submarine 
USS Haddo (SSN 604), he subsequently qualified in surface warfare while 
serving aboard the submarine tender USS Proteus (AS 19), which was the 
last remaining vessel in service that observed the end of World War II 
from Tokyo Bay. After commanding the nuclear deep-sea vessel ``NR-1,'' 
the attack submarine USS Memphis (SSN 691), and Submarine Development 
Squadron Twelve, his sea-going career concluded aboard the USS Blue 
Ridge (LCC 19) as commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet.
  Merz' service ashore reflected the same rigors he faced at sea, 
serving in prestigious and demanding roles as Director, Undersea 
Warfare Division (OPNAV N97); Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for 
Warfighting Requirements (OPNAV N9); and in his final tour of duty, 
Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Operations, Plans, and Strategy 
(OPNAV N3N5). During his time at the Pentagon, he had the duty to 
frequently appear as a witness before congressional committees, and to 
present budgets and policy. This can be an arduous experience at times, 
but Admiral Merz never lost his patience, composure, or civility. He 
treated every member with respect and showed a refreshing willingness 
to listen to suggestions. As Chair of the Seapower Subcommittee for the 
last four years, I had the opportunity to see up close the seriousness 
and authenticity with which he approached his job. He understood that 
Article one, Section eight, Clause thirteen of the U.S. Constitution 
vested in Congress the authority to `provide and maintain a Navy.' As 
exasperating as that arrangement can sometimes be, Admiral Merz adhered 
to that edict and thus kept faith with his oath to the Constitution 
from the day he left Annapolis to his departure on 1 December, 2022.
  Madam Speaker, as the proud Representative of Naval Submarine Base 
New London--the Submarine Capital of the World--I recognize the immense 
sacrifice Bill has made for this country. Few choose a life that takes 
them away from their family, but fewer still choose a life in the 
``Silent Service,'' where submariners endure deployments without the 
luxury of frequent communication with their loved ones. For this 
reason, I ask the Members to also recognize the service and sacrifice 
of the Men family--his wife Martha, his daughter Caroline, and his sons 
Thomas and Matthew--without whom these past 40 years could not have 
been possible. They have been an integral part of the admiral's long 
journey and deserve our nation's thanks.
  As Bill brings to an end this chapter of his life and hangs up the 
uniform, I ask that we honor him today for his many years of leadership 
and service to our great Nation. To that end, it is most appropriate 
that my colleagues in the House join me in celebrating Vice Admiral 
Bill Merz and wishing him and his family all the best as they begin a 
new chapter in their lives.

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