[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 150 (Wednesday, September 25, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S6427]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO J. WILLIAM MIDDENDORF II

  Mr. REED. Madam President, today I rise to recognize the 100th 
birthday of Ambassador J. William Middendorf. Ambassador Middendorf is 
an extraordinary Rhode Islander and an extraordinary American. Last 
Sunday, we had a chance to celebrate his birthday at his home in Little 
Compton, RI, and he was as sharp and insightful as ever. Today, along 
with Senator Whitehouse, I would like to take a moment to honor his 
impressive career in service to our country.
  Ambassador Middendorf, now a resident of Little Compton, RI, was born 
in Baltimore, MD on September 22, 1924. As a young man, he attended the 
College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. In 1945, as World War II 
raged in Europe, Ambassador Middendorf interrupted his education to 
serve in the Navy as an engineering officer and navigator aboard the 
landing craft support ship USS LCS-53. After the war, Ambassador 
Middendorf continued his education and graduated from Holy Cross with a 
bachelor of naval science. He later attended Harvard College, where he 
graduated with a bachelor of arts degree, and in 1954, he earned an 
M.B.A from New York University's Stern School of Business.
  Ambassador Middendorf then became an investment banker. Eventually, 
as a cofounder of the prominent Wall Street firm Middendorf, Colgate 
and Company, he began to involve himself in politics. He took on 
important roles within the national Republican Party, including as 
treasurer of the Republican National Committee from 1965 to 1969.
  Eventually, Ambassador Middendorf left his investment firm and began 
his long career in public service. In 1969, President Nixon appointed 
him to be U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands, where he represented our 
Nation with distinction. In 1974, he returned to the U.S. to serve 
first as Under Secretary of the Navy, and then as the 62nd Secretary of 
the Navy, a position he held until 1977.
  As Secretary of the Navy he pushed for the development of four new 
Navy programs, particularly the Ohio-class submarine program. He also 
led the way on developing and fielding the AEGIS missile system, 
Trident missile program, CH-53E heavy-lift helicopter, and the F/A-18 
Hornet attack aircraft. The introduction of these programs resulted in 
major improvements for the Navy and remain key national defense assets 
to this day. The Navy's growth under Ambassador Middendorf's leadership 
is in large part thanks to his relationships in Congress and reputation 
as a respected leader.
  After serving as Secretary of the Navy, Ambassador Middendorf 
returned to the private sector. He served as the president and chief 
executive officer of Financial General Bankshares, which eventually 
became First American Bank.
  After the 1980 election, Ambassador Middendorf led the CIA transition 
team for President Reagan's incoming administration. President Reagan 
then nominated him to be U.S. Ambassador to the Organization of 
American States in 1981. He served in this position until accepting an 
appointment as U.S. Representative to the European Community, now known 
as the European Union.
  In retirement, Ambassador Middendorf has remained a person of 
tremendous intellect and achievement and has become a prolific writer. 
Ambassador Middendorf continues to share his strong and insightful 
opinions as a frequent contributor to the ``Providence Journal.'' While 
we don't always agree, his columns always make for a lively and 
interesting read. He has also written several books, and his newest 
title, ``On My 100-Year Watch: Tyrants and Patriots,'' is set to be 
released later this year.
  Following the tradition of naming naval destroyers after U.S. naval 
leaders and heroes, the future Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile 
destroyer--DDG-138--will be named USS J. William Middendorf. Once 
commissioned, the USS J. William Middendorf will join U.S. naval forces 
in protecting our country for years to come. And today, I am proud to 
rise in recognition of Ambassador J. William Middendorf, an exceptional 
Rhode Islander and American, and wish him a happy 100th birthday.

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