[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 131 (Monday, August 10, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E780]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF REAR ADMIRAL RICHARD S. LOFGREN, UNITED 
                              STATES NAVY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JAKE ELLZEY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, August 10, 2026

  Mr. ELLZEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize a proud 
son of Texas and an exceptional leader, Rear Admiral Richard S. 
Lofgren, on his retirement from the United States Navy. For over three 
decades, he faithfully served our Nation, first as a surface warfare 
officer and eventually as the Acting Chief of Navy Reserve and Acting 
Commander, Navy Reserve Force.
  Commitment to service runs deep in his family. A proud 1993 graduate 
of The University of Texas at Austin, Rear Admiral Lofgren earned his 
commission through the Navy Reserve Officer Training Corps and followed 
in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, who were both Naval 
Aviators. His career can be characterized simply: he answers the call.
  Rear Admiral Lofgren began his active-duty career assigned to the USS 
WASP (LHD-1), where he completed critical deployments in support of 
Operation Uphold Democracy in Haiti and Operation Joint Resolve in the 
Balkans. These missions, undertaken far from home, reflect our Nation's 
commitment to safeguarding liberty wherever it is threatened.
  On September 11, 2001, a day that forever changed our Nation, he 
answered the call by affiliating with the Navy Reserve, embarking on a 
distinguished career of strategic leadership and operational excellence 
across the fleet. Like so many patriots moved by that tragic day, he 
chose service over comfort, and duty over ease, proving once again that 
America's strength lies in those willing to defend her.
  Throughout his time in the Navy Reserve, he commanded at numerous 
levels, excelling in maritime expeditionary, coastal riverine, and 
surface warfare missions. When asked to assume the immense 
responsibility of Acting Chief of Navy Reserve, Rear Admiral Lofgren 
did so with characteristic selflessness. Once again, he answered the 
call.
  Leaving behind his civilian career as a Managing Director in Assets 
and Wealth Management at Goldman Sachs with merely one day's notice, he 
moved from Dallas, Texas to the halls of the Pentagon.
  Like many who don the cloth of the Nation, he never imagined he would 
still be serving thirty years after first joining the Navy. Each new 
tour was an opportunity to demonstrate servant leadership and continue 
upholding an oath to the Constitution. In reflecting on his final 
uniformed leadership role, he regarded the time as a humbling 
opportunity to shine a light on the incredible teammates who serve 
alongside him. His service reflects the enduring strength of the 
American spirit and the unwavering belief that our Nation's ideals are 
worth defending.
  A successful career never occurs in a vacuum, absent of support and 
sacrifice. His rapid transition to Washington, D.C. combined with 
decades of continued service, stands as a profound testament to his 
wife, Jennifer. Her steadfast support, resilience, and dedication have 
been the foundation of his career, reminding us all that military 
service is a true family commitment.
  That proud legacy of service now continues with the next generation--
a fourth generation of Navy service. Their son, Lieutenant Junior Grade 
Richard J. Lofgren, recently qualified in submarine warfare and is on 
active duty with the silent service, stewarding the most critical and 
survivable part of our nuclear arsenal, and demonstrating our Nation's 
commitment to peace through strength.
  Mr. Speaker, Rear Admiral Lofgren's career reflects a sustained 
commitment to operational excellence, to the defense of the United 
States, and to freedom writ large. On behalf of a grateful Nation and 
my fellow Texans, I extend my deepest gratitude to Rear Admiral Richard 
S. Lofgren and his family for their unwavering dedication, leadership, 
and decades of sacrifice for the United States of America.
  As they conclude this remarkable chapter of their lives, I wish him, 
Jennifer, and their entire family fair winds and following seas. May 
their legacy continue to inspire future generations to serve, protect, 
and cherish the ideals that make our Nation exceptional.

                          ____________________