[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 84 (Thursday, May 18, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E463]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       RECOGNIZING CAPTAIN WILLIAM J. ``BILL'' DIEHL, USCG (RET.)

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 18, 2023

  Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of 
Captain William J. ``Bill'' Diehl after serving 13 years as the 
president of the Greater Houston Port Bureau.
  Captain Diehl was born and raised in Olean, New York, as one of nine 
children. Of those, 6 served in the military, each retiring with more 
than 20 years of service. He is a 1982 United States Coast Guard 
Academy graduate with a master's degree from the University of Michigan 
in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.
  Before working at the Port Bureau, Captain Diehl spent 31 years in 
the U.S. Coast Guard. In his final assignment, he commanded the Coast 
Guard's largest operational unit: Sector Houston-Galveston. During 
Hurricane Ike, Captain Diehl served as the Coast Guard Incident 
Commander, leading 2,600 Coast Guard personnel who saved 235 lives. He 
also directed the clean-up of 240 oil spills and spearheaded the most 
substantial waterway restoration effort in the branch's history. In 
2008, he retired with two Meritorious Service Medals, three Coast Guard 
Commendation Medals, the 9-11 Medal, and the Coast Guard Achievement 
Medal, among many other awards.
  Captain Diehl joined the Greater Houston Port Bureau after his career 
in the Coast Guard. This organization serves more than 260 member 
companies in the Houston region and supplies its members with detailed 
vessel traffic information, market analysis, and maritime expertise on 
safety, security, and environmental issues. Under Captain Diehl's 
leadership, the Port Bureau dramatically increased in membership, 
expanded its business, and hosted countless port education sessions. He 
also worked with the Houston Congressional Delegation to advocate for 
dredging, coastal protection, and Project-11, an initiative to deepen 
and widen the Houston Ship Channel.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor Captain Diehl, who has 
exemplified the Coast Guard's motto, ``Semper Paratus,'' throughout his 
career--both in and out of uniform. A special thank you to his wife, 
Annette; their children, Rachel, Daniel, and Michael; and 2 
grandchildren, Avery and John--without their support, his 
accomplishments and service to country would not have been possible.
  Congratulations to my friend. Bravo Zulu.

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