[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 93 (Monday, June 2, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3167-S3168]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO COMMANDER CHRISTOPHER PACE

  Mr. PETERS. Mr. President, I rise today to honor an accomplished and 
highly regarded leader CDR Christopher Pace chief of the U.S. Coast 
Guard's Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of Expertise. Commander Pace has 
made an immeasurable impact on the Great Lakes region and the many 
residents and visitors who rely on its waters, and it is a privilege to 
recognize him here today and celebrate his impact in light of his 
upcoming departure from the center and new posting in the Philippines.
  Commander Pace's time with the U.S. Coast Guard began in 2009, where 
he was first stationed in Honolulu, HI, as the vessel boarding and 
security team leader for U.S. Coast Guard Sector Honolulu. From there, 
he was stationed in Chesapeake, VA, eventually becoming the command 
center chief for the U.S. Coast Guard District 5 Command Center. Most 
recently, Commander Pace served as the chief of response for U.S Coast 
Guard Marine Safety Unit Savannah, where he directed all ports, 
waterways, and coastal security response missions for two economic and 
military strategic ports. The capsizing of the GOLDEN RAY, the largest 
maritime salvage incident in U.S. history, was a notable response 
overseen by Commander Pace while in Savannah.
  Commander Pace came to the Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of Expertise 
when it was established in 2022, serving as the center's first 
commanding officer. The center was established by Congress to fill a 
gap in oil spill research, specifically in fresh and icy water as it 
pertains to the Great Lakes. Under his leadership, the center launched 
the service's first open call for research proposals, establishing a 
process that provided $7.5 million in funding to over 50 projects 
during his 3-year command. To date, the projects funded through this 
mechanism have addressed frontline operational needs, including 
submerged oil detection, unconventional oil behavior under ice, and 
standardized response guides and training. His

[[Page S3168]]

efforts also ensured regional responders were provided critical tools, 
including the fielding of 18 uncrewed systems, 19,000 feet of 
containment boom, and three oil recovery systems, strengthening Coast 
Guard response infrastructure across 6,700 miles of Great Lakes 
shoreline. I am eternally grateful for all the hard work that he has 
contributed to the Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of Expertise.
  Commander I cannot understate the impact that CDR Christopher Pace 
has had on the health and safety of the Great Lakes region. As the 
first U.S. Coast Guard chief for the Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of 
Expertise, Commander Pace's strategic vision and dedication to 
excellence have defined the center's identity and established its place 
as a leader in freshwater oil spill research, development, and 
training. Though his leadership at the Great Lakes Oil Spill Center of 
Expertise will be sorely missed, his legacy will most certainly endure 
and continue to inspire. I know he will continue to serve our country 
in the highest regard as he embarks on his next adventure in the 
Philippines.

                          ____________________