[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E518]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING CAPTAIN BRIAN TANAKA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 3, 2026

  Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Captain 
Brian Tanaka on the occasion of his departure from North Carolina 
Piedmont Region NROTC Program as Commanding Officer and retiring from 
the Navy after serving for 30 years as a Submarine Officer. I commend 
him for his extraordinary leadership, steadfast devotion, and 
distinguished service to our Nation.
  Captain Tanaka has dedicated 30 years of service to the United States 
Navy. His sea duty assignments have included Navigation/Operations 
Officer onboard USS Jefferson City, Executive Officer on USS West 
Virginia and Commanding Officer of USS Minnesota. While at sea, he 
completed deployments to the U.S. European and Indo-Pacific Command 
areas of responsibility, two strategic deterrent patrols and multiple 
depot level maintenance periods. His more recent ashore assignments 
include Deputy Director, Navy Liaison to the United States House of 
Representatives, in the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs, Deputy 
Commander, Task Force 69 at the Headquarters, United States Sixth 
Fleet, Commanding Officer, Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific and 
Commanding Officer, Training Support Department Hawaii, and Commanding 
Officer of the North Carolina Piedmont Region NROTC Program.
  Captain Tanaka's leadership has left a lasting impact on those 
privileged to serve alongside him. Throughout his career, he has 
demonstrated a deep commitment to mission accomplishment while never 
losing sight of the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and care for 
the people under his leadership. His contributions have immensely 
strengthened operational readiness, advanced organizational success, 
and positively influenced countless colleagues and service members. As 
he transitions from this command, we also recognize the support and 
sacrifices made by his family, whose encouragement and unwavering 
commitment have undoubtedly contributed to his success. Public service 
is never undertaken alone, and their support deserves our sincere 
gratitude.
  Captain Tanaka is an incredible Navy officer and has done a 
phenomenal job serving our Nation. I will always treasure the times we 
had while traveling together during his time at Navy's Office of 
Legislative Affairs. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 1st District of 
Virginia and the United States Congress, I extend my heartfelt 
congratulations and deepest appreciation to Captain Brian Tanaka for 
his exemplary service and leadership. I wish him continued success in 
the next chapter of his life and thank him for his enduring 
contributions to our Nation.

                          ____________________