[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 15]
[Senate]
[Page 21267]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 21267]]

               A TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN WILLIAM JAMES BUSHAW

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, I rise today to recognize Captain 
William James Bushaw, who is retiring from the United States Navy after 
nearly 30 years of service. Captain Bushaw leaves behind a legacy of 
versatility and consistency, as he has consistently been successful in 
whatever area he has been asked to perform.


  Upon graduating from the University of Michigan, Captain Bushaw 
attended Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, Rhode Island. He was 
commissioned as an ensign May 14, 1971, receiving the award of 
Distinguished Naval Graduate.
  While on active duty, Captain Bushaw served as the Gunnery Officer 
aboard the U.S.S. Joseph Strauss. From January of 1972 until August of 
that same year he participated in several combat operations in Vietnam, 
including Operation Freedom Train, Operation Linebacker and Operation 
Notification Line. During these operations, U.S.S. Joseph Strauss fired 
over 15,000 rounds of ammunition, earning the Navy Unit Citation. 
Captain Bushaw himself earned the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V 
and the Combat Action Award.
  Following active duty Captain Bushaw transferred to the selected 
reserve. As a drilling reservist, he served as Commanding Officer of 
three Navy reserve units and Executive Officer of two other units. For 
his efforts, he received a Navy Commendation Medal.
  Captain Bushaw currently serves as the Emergency Preparedness Liaison 
Officer to the Governor of the State of Michigan, representing the 
United States Navy in all issues of emergency preparedness. He recently 
received the State Legion of Merit award from the Adjutant General of 
the Michigan National Guard.
  I applaud Captain Bushaw on nearly thirty years of extraordinary 
service to our Nation. I know that the United States Navy will greatly 
miss his leadership, as will the many men he has commanded. On behalf 
of the entire United States Senate, I thank Captain William James 
Bushaw for his service, and wish him the best of luck in 
retirement.

                          ____________________