[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 166 (Wednesday, October 8, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S7033]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO VICE ADMIRAL SARA A. JOYNER

  Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. President, I submit this statement for the 
Record, alongside my colleague Senator Alsobrooks, to honor and 
recognize an extraordinary leader, trailblazer, and native of Maryland 
VADM Sara A. Joyner, U.S. Navy, on the occasion of her retirement 
following an exceptional 36-year career in service to our Nation.
  Vice Admiral Joyner, known by her call sign ``Clutch,'' hails from 
Hoopers Island, MD, and is a proud graduate of Cambridge-South 
Dorchester High School, where she was valedictorian of the class of 
1985. She was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy by President Ronald 
Reagan and graduated with merit in 1989 with a bachelor of science in 
oceanography. After completing flight training, she earned her ``wings 
of gold'' in 1991, becoming a naval aviator and embarking on a career 
that would break barriers and inspire generations.
  Throughout her distinguished career, Vice Admiral Joyner achieved 
numerous historic milestones. She became the first woman to command a 
Navy strike fighter squadron, VFA-105, in 2010, and in 2013, she made 
history again as the first female commander of a carrier airwing. Her 
operational assignments included deployments aboard the USS Nimitz, USS 
John C. Stennis, and USS Harry S. Truman in support of Operations 
Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, and Iraqi Freedom. She accumulated 
over 3,700 flight hours and 750 arrested landings in naval aircraft, 
including the F/A-18 Hornet, Super Hornet, and Growler.
  Vice Admiral Joyner's leadership extended beyond the cockpit. She 
served in numerous key positions ashore, including as an adversary 
pilot, a Joint Strike Fighter requirements officer, and as director of 
the Navy Senate Liaison Division in the Office of Legislative Affairs. 
Her flag assignments included leading the Physiological Episode Action 
Team (PEAT), serving as director for Manpower and Personnel (J1) on the 
Joint Staff, and commanding Carrier Strike Group 2. Most recently, she 
served as the Director for Force Structure, Resources, and Assessment 
(J8) on the Joint Staff, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the 
Department of Defense's strategic direction and resource allocation.
  As Director of J8, Vice Admiral Joyner oversaw the formulation of 
three Department of Defense budgets and her leadership in global force 
management ensured the readiness and responsiveness of the Joint Force. 
Her efforts have left an indelible mark on the Department of Defense 
and the security of our Nation.
  Vice Admiral Joyner's career is a testament to her resilience and 
determination. She entered naval aviation at a time when women were 
prohibited from flying in combat, yet she persevered, earning the 
respect of her peers and breaking barriers for future generations. She 
has often spoken about the importance of grit and passion, values 
instilled in her during her upbringing on Maryland's Eastern Shore. Her 
words of encouragement to the next generation, including as a 
commencement speaker at her alma mater Cambridge-South Dorchester High 
School, continue to inspire.
  Vice Admiral Joyner's service has been recognized with numerous 
awards, including the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense 
Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Defense Meritorious Service 
Medal, and Air Medal, among others. At the time of her retirement, she 
is the highest ranking female flag officer in the U.S. Navy--a 
remarkable achievement that reflects her dedication, leadership, and 
trailblazing spirit.
  As Vice Admiral Joyner retires, she leaves behind a legacy of 
service, leadership, and inspiration. Her contributions to our Nation's 
security and to the lives of those she served alongside will not be 
forgotten. On behalf of a grateful Nation, we extend our deepest thanks 
to VADM Sara Joyner, her husband of 32 years, Jim Joyner; their 
children ENS Sara Beth Joyner and Mark Joyner; and her family for their 
sacrifices and support throughout her career.
  May her retirement be filled with the same sense of purpose and 
fulfillment that defined her remarkable career. Maryland is proud to 
call her one of our own, and her legacy will continue to inspire 
generations to come.

                          ____________________