[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 210 (Friday, December 12, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1190]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE SERVICE OF JARRETT CROSSGROVE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 12, 2025

  Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
contributions of Lieutenant Commander Jarrett Crossgrove, United States 
Navy, during his outstanding service as a legislative fellow in my 
Washington, D.C. office this year. Throughout 2025, Jarrett played a 
vital role in supporting my work on the House Armed Services Committee 
and representing the proud Navy community both active duty and 
retired--in eastern Connecticut.
  As Ranking Member of the House Seapower and Projection Forces 
Subcommittee, which has the solemn, critical duty of overseeing much of 
our Nation's Navy, Marine Corps, and various Air Force programs and 
policies, his experience and perspective were instrumental to me and my 
office's work. Every year, the Department's legislative fellowship 
program brings highly talented individuals to Congress who provide 
invaluable benefits to Members of the House and Senate focused on 
national security issues. Officers like Jarrett bring real-world 
experience from their time in the classroom at the various military 
academies and training schools, as well as experiences from their time 
serving on active duty. This year, as our subcommittee actively worked 
to boost our Nation's critical shipbuilding programs in the Fiscal Year 
2026 National Defense Authorization Act, with a particular focus on 
ensuring full funding in our Virginia and Columbia-class submarine 
programs, Jarrett provided real life experience and informed judgement 
in the research and drafting this complex legislation.
  Jarrett also seized initiative in a variety of areas beyond naval 
affairs that benefit eastern Connecticut. He participated in meetings 
with Navy and Marine Corps leadership, toured General Dynamics Electric 
Boat Shipyard to view ongoing construction of our Block V Virginias and 
first-in-class Columbia submarine, and visited Naval Submarine New 
London where he served in the past to discuss ongoing installation and 
submarine force operations. Jarrett utilized his experience as an 
Engineer on USS SANTA FE (SSN763) and as Executive Officer on USS 
ALABAMA (SSBN 731) (GOLD) to provide invaluable insight into naval 
reactor issues, submarine maintenance and sustainment capacity, and 
vital personnel issues. Lastly, he engaged in persistent communication 
with the embassies of Australia and the United Kingdom to facilitate 
various engagements in my office and around Capitol Hill and, most 
importantly, leveraged those relationships as Congress and the Navy 
continue their strong support of the trilateral AUKUS security 
agreement.
  Jarrett's work ethic, diligence, intelligence, and first-hand 
experience as a Submarine Officer made an immediate benefit and 
memorable impact on my office and subcommittee staff. He was also an 
energetic, affable colleague to my entire congressional staff, willing 
to help in small ways and big ways to serve the constituents of 
Connecticut's 2nd Congressional District. On a personal note, we both 
share a passion (some might call it an obsession) for the great game of 
golf, and dissected all 2025 major championships, particularly Rory 
McIlroy's victory at the Masters. Aside from submarines and sports, his 
curiosity and thoughtfulness on issues outside of his Navy portfolio 
was much appreciated by the whole team, and myself and staff will be 
friends with Jarrett for life.
  After his Junior Officer tour aboard USS Topeka (SSN 754), tour as an 
engineer on USS Sante Fe (SSN 763), on shore duty in Guam, and 
Executive Office tour on the USS ALABAMA, I am thankful for his 
family's tremendous sacrifice to our Nation and for landing in the 
District of Columbia for the current phase of their life. Though 
Jarrett's presence will be deeply missed by both my personal staff and 
Seapower staff, I know he will be an incredible leader and asset to the 
U.S. Navy during his upcoming command tour.
  Mr. Speaker, as has also been the case for each of his predecessors 
that my office has had the opportunity to host, I have benefitted 
greatly from Jarrett's training and background. This recurring process 
that the fellowship program fosters and strengthens civilian-military 
understanding for future leaders of the greatest military in the world, 
which I believe is a necessary component of a strong democracy. Our 
Nation is best served at sea and here onshore by officers and leaders 
of the highest caliber, like Jarrett. He embodies such qualities and 
has a promising career ahead in continued service to our Nation, and we 
owe him much gratitude. I ask that the House join me in wishing LCDR 
Jarrett Crossgrove, his wife Tiffany, and their two children, Audrey 
and Emily, the best of luck in their next life chapter.

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