[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 130 (Tuesday, July 29, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4814-S4815]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO COMMANDER STEPHEN SZACHTA, JR.

  Mr. SCHMITT. Madam President, I rise today to honor CDR Stephen 
Szachta, Jr., of St. Charles, MO, a leader to service personnel who 
have served alongside him, a companion to our Japanese allies, and a 
true frontline warrior in our ensuing fight for global competitiveness 
against the Chinese Communist Party.
  Commander Szachta began his career in the U.S. Navy, heeding the call 
to service following the attacks on September 11 and, after graduating 
from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2006, would later attend the Naval 
Postgraduate School, graduating with distinction and earning a master 
of science in systems engineering. In his distinguished naval career, 
he has deployed in support of counternarcotics and counterpiracy 
operations, as well as in key engineering roles aboard such vessels as 
the USS Preble and USS Cape St. George. Commander Szachta held the 
privilege of commanding the patrol

[[Page S4815]]

ship USS Monsoon during her mission critical deployments to the Arabian 
Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman, where his crew were 
awarded the coveted Battle ``E'' award for the ship's superb 
performance under Commander Szachta's leadership. Commander Szachta 
recently commanded over 300 sailors of the destroyer USS Rafael Peralta 
in Yokosuka, Japan, where he has found himself as part of the 
increasing struggle to reign in the influences of the Chinese Communist 
Party in the Indo-Pacific. In his career, Commander Szachta has been 
well-deservingly decorated with the Meritorious Service Medal, two Navy 
Commendation Medals, and two Navy Achievement Medals, as well as 
numerous other awards and decorations.
  CMDR Stephen Szachta, Jr., is truly a Champion of Missouri. His 
selfless service to his country and fellow sailors have truly given 
great pride to our State, and I am truly honored to represent him and 
honored to call him a Champion of Missouri.

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