[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 9 (Wednesday, January 17, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E45]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE EXTRAORDINARY LIFE OF SERVICE OF REAR ADMIRAL BRIAN DAVIES

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                          HON. ELISSA SLOTKIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 17, 2024

  Ms. SLOTKIN. Mr. Speaker, today I honor a dear friend, a former 
colleague, a devoted public servant, and a true American hero. Rear 
Admiral Brian Davies was not only one of the kindest people I have ever 
known, he was the epitome of valor, honor, and dedication. He bravely 
navigated the challenges of both a distinguished career in the United 
States Navy and a battle with cancer, and in doing so left a lasting 
legacy.
  When a young Brian Davies enrolled at the United States Naval 
Academy, he didn't do so with the goal of earning accolades or climbing 
the ranks; he simply wanted to use his talents in the service of his 
nation. And that service was extraordinary, proof that there is no 
limit to what a person can accomplish in the rare instance when a 
brilliant mind, a humble spirit, and a leader's heart come together.
  Much can be said about Rear Admiral Davies' remarkable career: his 
service on both fast attack and ballistic missile submarines, his six 
strategic deterrent patrols, his deployments to the Arctic, Western 
Pacific, North Atlantic and Indian Ocean. Much can also be said about 
his long list of awards and decorations, including a Distinguished 
Service medal, the Defense Superior Service medal, five Legion of Merit 
awards, three Meritorious Service medals, four Navy Commendation 
medals, three Navy Achievement medals, and various campaign, unit, and 
service awards. There are even awards and circumstances we can't 
discuss in detail, like those surrounding the prestigious Presidential 
Unit Citation he and his entire team received for their top secret work 
when he commanded the USS Jimmy Carter.
  But what should never be lost in the litany of awards, honors, and 
accolades he so rightly earned was his profound humanity. I came to 
know him as Captain Davies when we served together at the Pentagon; he 
was the Special Military Assistant when I was Principal Deputy 
Undersecretary of Defense for Policy. Despite his rank and resume, he 
was approachable and humble in ways that belied his many 
accomplishments, and someone who went out of his way to uplift and 
encourage all those around him. Never the loudest voice in the room, 
and despite his challenging responsibilities, Rear Admiral exemplified 
kindness in every interaction.
  His profound impact extended far beyond the military or the office, 
as he was a devoted family man whose love for and pride in his daughter 
radiated through all he did. I will always remember how he went out of 
his way to support another colleague through the challenges of her 
husband's deployment, and the way he treated every person he 
encountered with dignity and respect. His commitment to the principles 
of ``not self, but county,'' will forever stand as a beacon for all who 
worked and served with him and those who had the privilege of learning 
from him. May his memory be a blessing and a source of inspiration for 
generations to come.
  Fair winds and following seas to Rear Admiral Brian Davies. His 
legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him, and 
here, in the United States House of Representatives.

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