[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 120 (Thursday, July 13, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING CAPTAIN JESSE BLACK

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. ABIGAIL DAVIS SPANBERGER

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 13, 2023

  Ms. SPANBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Jesse H. 
Black for his remarkable achievement of assuming command of the U.S. 
Naval Research Laboratory.
  Raised in South Florida, Captain Jesse Black's naval career began in 
1990 when he enlisted in the Navy as an Electronics Technician. There, 
he demonstrated exceptional dedication and skill, graduating from the 
naval nuclear training pipeline in 1992.
  Captain Black's pursuit of knowledge and professional development led 
him to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in civil engineering, with a 
focus on hydrodynamic power design and environmental engineering from 
the University of Idaho in 2000. He continued to excel academically and 
obtained a Master of Science degree in electrical engineering from the 
Naval Postgraduate School in 2007, where he published a thesis on solid 
state power systems.
  As an officer, Captain Black's leadership skills and technical 
expertise flourished during his four years aboard the USS Cape St. 
George (CG 71). He demonstrated his versatility by fulfilling various 
engineering roles and serving as the Combat Information Center Officer 
after earning his Surface Warfare Officer (SWO) designation. Captain 
Black then transferred to the Engineering Duty Officer community where 
he served in multiple engineering and project management roles with the 
Program Executive Office for Aircraft Carriers, Naval Sea Systems 
Command, USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000) Program Executive Office, and at both 
the Portsmouth and Norfolk Naval Shipyards.
  Notably, Captain Black's exceptional leadership abilities extend 
beyond engineering. He was specially selected to serve as a Senior 
Sustainability Officer in the White House, serving under two 
presidential administrations. His tireless effort and commitment to 
sustainability initiatives contributed to the nation's broader goals of 
environmental stewardship and energy conservation.
  On June 25, 2021, Captain Black assumed the role of Executive Officer 
of the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory where he oversaw the laboratory's 
day-to-day activities, including maintenance and logistics. As he now 
moves into the role of Commanding Officer, Captain Black's guidance and 
strategic vision will continue to advance the critical research and 
development efforts undertaken at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory.
  Mr. Speaker, Captain Black has selflessly served our Nation and has 
displayed an unwavering commitment to excellence. His contributions 
through his service have upheld the Navy's mission. I congratulate 
Captain Black and his family on this well-deserved honor, and l look 
forward to his continued success. I thank him for his selfless service 
to our country.

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