[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 113 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4264-S4265]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO REAR ADMIRAL LEONARD ``BUTCH'' DOLLAGA

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the service and 
achievements of an esteemed and valued member of our Armed Forces, Rear 
Admiral Leonard ``Butch'' Dollaga, who will retire from the U.S. Navy 
on October 1, 2024, after 34 years in uniform. His long and 
distinguished service to our Nation reflects an unwavering devotion to 
duty and a great love of our country.
  Rear Admiral Dollaga grew up next to the shipyards in Honolulu, HI, 
and his hometown of Vallejo, CA. He earned his commission from the U.S. 
Naval Academy in 1990 and upon graduation entered the fleet as a 
submarine officer. After serving as a division officer aboard USS Los 
Angeles (SSN 688), an engineer officer aboard USS Rhode Island (SSBN 
740), and executive officer aboard USS Cheyenne (SSN 773), Rear Admiral 
Dollaga commanded USS Charlotte (SSN 766) in Pearl Harbor, HI. He also 
served as commodore of Submarine Development Squadron 12 in Groton, CT.
  Ashore, Rear Admiral Dollaga's service reflected the same rigors he 
faced at sea. He served in a number of important roles, including 
admissions officer at the U.S. Naval Academy, technical assistant to 
the Director of Naval Nuclear Propulsion, nuclear officer program 
manager and submarine officer community manager on the staff of the 
Chief of Naval Personnel, instructor for the Submarine Command Course, 
Chief of the Joint Staff's Program and Budget Analysis Division, and 
Director of the Navy Appropriations Matters Congressional Liaison 
Office.
  His flag assignments included serving as commander of the Undersea 
Warfighting Development Center in Groton, CT, and most recently as 
commander of Submarine Group SEVEN/Task Force 54/Task Force 74, where 
he led undersea operations in both the U.S. Central Command and U.S. 
Indo-Pacific Command areas of responsibility.
  Over the past 2 years, Admiral Dollaga has served as the Navy's Chief 
of Legislative Affairs. As the principal representative of the 
Secretary of the Navy and the Chief of Naval Operations to the Senate 
and House of Representatives, he has provided invaluable support to 
Members and congressional staff. Rear Admiral Dollaga understands the 
importance of maintaining a strong partnership between senior Navy 
leadership and the Hill. He ensured, to the best of his abilities, that

[[Page S4265]]

there were no surprises, and he never shied away from tough 
conversations.
  Rear Admiral Dollaga provided exemplary vision, strategy, and 
direction in executing numerous hearings, briefings, and engagements 
with Congress on the strategic direction and challenging issues facing 
the Department of the Navy. As he brings this chapter of his life to a 
close, I want to personally thank him and ask that we honor him today 
for his more than three decades of leadership and service.
  Submariners endure deployments that take them away from their family 
and the luxury of frequent communication with their loved ones. For 
this reason, I also want to recognize the service and sacrifice of Rear 
Admiral Dollaga's family: his wife Lani, his daughters Sarah and Malia, 
and his son Kyle. Without their support and sacrifice over these past 
34 years, his service would not have been possible. They have been an 
integral part of his journey and deserve our Nation's gratitude. I know 
my Senate colleagues will join me in congratulating Rear Admiral 
Dollaga on an outstanding career and in wishing him and his family all 
the best as they embark on a new chapter together.

                          ____________________