[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 126 (Thursday, August 1, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5754-S5755]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]



                   Tribute to Captain Eddie Crossman

  Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, I rise today to commend a great public 
servant, CAPT Eddie Crossman of the U.S. Navy, a friend, an outstanding 
sailor, and a dedicated patriot.
  This year, after nearly three decades of service, Captain Crossman is 
retiring from the Navy. I know I speak on behalf of my colleagues, my 
staff, and a grateful nation when I say: Thank you for a job very well 
done.
  Since he left the Naval Academy in Annapolis as a young ensign in 
1996, Captain Crossman has set the standard for excellence and 
achievement. Today, on the other side of his Navy career, I want to 
give Captain Crossman a proper send-off by saying a few words about 
this remarkable public servant.
  This summer, I traveled with Eddie on a congressional delegation 
trip. As usual, he was a top-notch Navy liaison with superb attention 
to detail and a winning, positive attitude. We could not have 
accomplished so much without him. I know my colleagues would be able to 
share similar stories--very many of my colleagues.
  As a member of the Navy Senate Legislative Affairs team, Captain 
Crossman made sure no Senators' question went unanswered. He has left 
no delegation unsupported. The relationship between this body and the 
Navy is better because of his efforts.
  This summer's visit to three of our strong allies capped a working 
relationship between Captain Crossman and me that began in 2009, when I 
was lucky enough to have him join my office as a defense legislative 
fellow. In that role, he conducted himself with distinction. He took 
his job seriously, completing thorough research and staff work, but he 
didn't take himself too seriously.
  I remember one day--Halloween--when the captain entered my office 
dressed in full costume, not in a Navy uniform. He had taken on the 
``Schoolhouse Rock'' character Bill from Capitol Hill. He worked in 
that outfit all day alongside the rest of my staff, who were wearing 
the usual business attire. I can only attribute his costume to his zeal 
for the legislative process.
  His work in my office clearly benefited the people of Mississippi and 
the United States, but I would be remiss if I did not mention how the 
people of Mississippi have supported Captain Crossman, particularly the 
shipbuilders of Mississippi.
  The captain was at sea when COVID-19 hit the United States, extending 
his deployment to 206 days at sea--the longest consecutive deployment 
for a warship in U.S. Navy history. He completed that charge as 
commander of the USS San Jacinto. That vessel, the one that carried him 
on his lengthy deployment--historic deployment--was built on the 
Mississippi gulf coast. Earlier this year, it was my privilege to pay 
one final visit to some Mississippi shipyards with Captain Crossman.
  I have traveled the country and the world with this fine young man--
in some sensitive places and stressful situations. I have come to know 
the measure of CAPT Eddie Crossman--his industry and talents, his 
energy and character. I know he will continue to excel in whatever he 
does next.
  I have served with a lot of military liaison people. I seldom come to 
the floor to do as I am doing this afternoon. But on this occasion, for 
this fine Navy officer and this great American and great friend, I say: 
Fair winds and following seas.
  I yield the floor.
  Mr. CARDIN. Would my colleague yield for a comment?
  Mr. WICKER. I would be glad to yield to my friend.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Senator from Maryland.
  Mr. CARDIN. To Senator Wicker, I am glad that you mentioned Eddie 
Crossman. As you know, we have had a chance to be together when Eddie 
Crossman has been our escort.
  And I just want to underscore that your comments represent my 
thoughts as well. He is a true professional. I told him that what he 
has done in making sure that our representation around the world is 
done in a professional manner, that we stick to the important reasons 
for our missions, that he handles all of this with safety and the way 
it should be done--he is an incredible individual who served our 
Nation.
  And I just really want to join you in thanking him for his service to 
our country and his service to the U.S. Senate and advancing policies 
of our country globally that are critically important for our national 
security.
  So I thank you for taking the time. I should have thought about it 
and done it myself, but thank you for giving me the opportunity to 
stand with you to thank Eddie for his service.
  Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, reclaiming my time, the distinguished 
chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations

[[Page S5755]]

Committee has plenty to do to distract him from thinking of making 
remarks. I am delighted that he happened to be within the sound of my 
voice for this occasion.
  And as Senator Cardin proceeds toward the last 5 months of his 
distinguished service, in both the House and Senate, I do think it 
speaks volumes that he has been so appreciative and benefited so much 
from the great patriotic work of Eddie Crossman.
  I yield the floor.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The senior Senator from Maryland.