[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. WHITEHOUSE. Madam President, I rise today to wish a happy 100th 
birthday to J. William Middendorf II, known to family and friends as 
Bill. Bill lives in Little Compton, RI, and celebrated this remarkable 
milestone on Sunday. Bill led a distinguished career in public service. 
He served in World War II as a naval engineering officer and navigator. 
He was appointed U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands in 1969. Following 
his ambassadorship, he served as Under Secretary of the Navy.
  In 1974, Middendorf was appointed by President Nixon to serve as the 
62nd Secretary of the Navy. During his leadership in the Navy, 
Middendorf championed the Navy's submarine program and oversaw the 
creation of General Dynamics Electric Boat's Quonset Point location. 
Rhode Islanders know well the importance of the Quonset Point facility 
to our State's economy and its role at the forefront of our national 
security efforts. Bill was also instrumental in the development of the 
F/A 18 Hornet, which was in part named for the Revolutionary warship, 
the USS Hornet that had been commissioned by his ancestor, Captain 
William Stone. And he approved the first Marine Corps Marathon, which 
is still run to this day.
  Last December, I was very pleased to take to the Senate floor to 
celebrate that an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer was 
named USS J. William Middendorf, which follows the tradition of naming 
destroyers after U.S. naval leaders. That recognition was a testament 
to Bill's remarkable career in public service and many contributions to 
our State and country. Bill, my best wishes to you on your 100th 
birthday.

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