[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 213 (Wednesday, December 17, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S8830]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               REMEMBERING CAPTAIN WILLIAM ``BILL'' CROW

 Mr. KAINE. Mr. President, on behalf of myself and my colleague 
Senator Mark Warner, I rise today to honor the life and service of 
Retired U.S. Navy CAPT William ``Bill'' Crow, a man whose contributions 
to our Nation's defense and to the shipbuilding industry were matched 
only by the warmth, generosity, and joy he brought to everyone who knew 
him.
  Bill was born on December 20, 1957, in Morganfield, KY, a place he 
loved dearly and held closed to his heart despite his wide-ranging 
travels.
  After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1980, Bill embarked 
on a distinguished 30-year career as a naval officer, serving in 
various assignments including as chief engineer on USS Pharris (FF-
1094), assistant operations officer of Commander Destroyer Squadron 
Twenty-Six, chief engineer on USS Briscoe (DD-977), material officer 
for Commander Destroyer Squadrons Ten and Two, executive officer of USS 
Peterson (DD-969), commanding officer of USS Austin (LPD-4), and 
training and readiness assistant chief of staff for Commander of 
Amphibious Group Two. He held shore commands at Naval Station Norfolk, 
Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, and became the first Commanding 
Officer of Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story. Throughout 
his naval career, Bill was a dedicated public servant and a great 
leader, mentor, and friend.
  Following his retirement from the Navy, Bill continued his service as 
president of the Virginia Ship Repair Association for 13 years. In that 
role, he represented hundreds of member companies across Hampton Roads, 
strengthening a vital industry that supports both Virginia's economy 
and our national security. His leadership left a lasting impact on the 
ship repair community, congressional leaders, and the defense 
industrial base.
  Bill lived a life of faith and loved his family and friends deeply. 
He was incredibly proud of his children John, Karen, Sara, and Kevin 
and shared a beautiful marriage with his beloved wife of 40 years, 
Jeanne. Bill made friends with everyone he met and shared his joy 
widely especially with his booming laugh. Bill spent the last nights of 
his life surrounded by the family who brought him joy through his 
entire life.
  Bill's passing is a loss to all who loved him but also to the 
Commonwealth of Virginia. His dedication to public service, community 
involvement and joyful life lived on principle were a blessing.
  We remember Bill today not only for his distinguished service to the 
Navy and the ship repair industry, but for his faith, his family, his 
friendships, and the joy he brought to all who knew him. We will miss 
him dearly.

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