[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 80 (Wednesday, May 8, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H2946]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  CONGRATULATING ADMIRAL JOHN AQUILINO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Guam 
(Mr. Moylan) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, the people of Guam would like to 
congratulate and recognize Admiral John Aquilino, call sign ``LUNG.''
  Admiral Aquilino began his career as a midshipman at the U.S. Navy 
Academy. Upon graduating in 1984, he would go on to receive his aviator 
wings.
  Over his four decades of service in the U.S. Navy, he performed his 
duties with distinction. From his first fighter squadron assignment to 
commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, he has stood a most commendable 
watch.
  As the admiral stood his last watch as commander of the U.S. Indo-
Pacific Command, he ensured 375,000 servicemembers and civilian 
personnel maintained a bias toward action and excellence. This was 
especially the case in his service to the land of America's first 
sunrise, Guam.
  During his tenure as INDOPACOM commander, he led the establishment of 
the Joint Task Force Micronesia and continually advocated for the Guam 
Missile Defense System.
  His efforts ensured the people of Guam know that the Defense 
Department is committed to defending the homeland and our allies 
globally.
  As the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command welcomes Admiral Paparo, we would 
like to take time to thank Admiral Aquilino and his family for their 
support, advocacy, and commitment to the Navy and our Nation.
  Today, we take pause to witness this shipmate go ashore for the final 
time. May God bless Admiral Aquilino. We wish him fair winds and 
following seas. Hooyah.

                              {time}  1045


     Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

  Mr. MOYLAN. Mr. Speaker, as the Nation celebrates Asian American and 
Pacific Islander Heritage Month, I proudly rise to recognize my 
community, the island of Guam.
  Over 7,000 miles away from the U.S. mainland resides a proud 
community of Chamorros, Filipino Americans, Korean Americans, 
Micronesians, and an array of other ethnicities. We are a melting pot 
of different cultures and backgrounds united by our shared values and 
beliefs.
  At the core of it all lies ``inafa maolek,'' which means ``restore 
harmony'' or ``make good.'' The concept of inafa maolek plays a 
significant role within our Asian-American and Pacific Islander 
community on Guam. This cultural value encourages community members to 
uplift one another, take care of each other, and work toward a common 
goal of unity and harmony.
  As Guam's Representative in Congress, I am committed to ensuring that 
the voices and perspectives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders 
are heard on the national stage.
  During this month, may we continue to pay tribute to the achievements 
and invaluable contributions of over 50 ethnic groups speaking more 
than 100 languages and dialects. Let us honor the rich diversity of 
cultures, traditions, and contributions that the AAPI community has 
woven into American history.
  To my community back home and fellow islanders on the mainland, I 
extend my warmest wishes during Asian American and Pacific Islander 
Heritage Month.

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