[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 2, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S2139]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO ZACHARY NORTHCUTT

  Mr. SCHMITT. Mr. President, I rise today to honor Mr. Zachary 
Northcutt of Florida for his promotion to lieutenant commander of the 
Navy after 12 years of dedicated service to our country in the U.S. 
Navy.
  Before coming on to serve as a legislative fellow in my office, Zach 
enlisted and served as a division officer in the U.S. Navy from 2013 to 
2018, overseeing all aspects of missile systems onboard the USS 
Princeton and then as a training officer onboard the USS Curtis Wilbur, 
where he managed a command of 300 personnel. After his time at sea, 
Zach moved to Annapolis, MD, to start as a seamanship and navigation 
instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy, conveying his lessons learned 
during his time onboard to midshipmen. Zach was involved in their 
instruction of navigation principles and helped develop new curriculum.
  Zach then moved to Yokosuka, Kanagawa, Japan in 2021, where he served 
as a department head, responsible for the weapons systems and all 
external and internal communications, computers network, and navigation 
equipment onboard USS Rafael Peralta. Since November 2024, Zach has 
served my legislative team as they review and formulate policy 
proposals, address constituent concerns, and support my work on the 
Senate Armed Services Committee.
  I am grateful for Zach's service to our country and particularly the 
role he has played in protecting America's interest in the Indo-Pacific 
region. It is truly an honor to be part of commemorating his latest 
achievement, promotion to lieutenant commander in the Navy. I wish him 
all the best as he assumes the responsibilities of this new role. He 
shares this achievement with his loving wife Erika, daughter Peggy, and 
their growing family.

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