[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 2]
[House]
[Pages 2718-2719]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



   TRIBUTE TO COMMANDER PETER GUMATAOTAO, COMMANDING OFFICER, U.S.S. 
                              ``DECATUR''

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Biggert). Under a previous order of the 
House, the gentleman from Guam (Mr. Underwood) is recognized for 2 
minutes.
  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Madam Speaker, today I rise on behalf of the people of 
Guam to recognize the arrival yesterday Guam time of the naval warship 
U.S.S. Decatur, commanded by our own native son, Commander Peter 
Gumataotao.
  Peter is the embodiment of all that is right with Guam. He is proud 
of his culture and ancestry, the Chamorro people. He understands Guam's 
history and the sacrifices of her people to help restore democracy 
around the world during World War II. And, most importantly, Peter is 
respectful and loyal to his family, his island, his command, and to his 
country.
  He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and earned his Masters 
degree from the Naval War College. He has built an illustrious career 
as a U.S. Naval officer and has been decorated and recognized for his 
good work at every duty station.
  His selection to command the U.S.S. Decatur is demonstrative of his 
continuing excellence and ability; and it is the first time, to our 
knowledge, that a native of Guam has commanded a warship that has 
sailed into Guam.
  Guam is proud of her son, and we welcome him back to our shores. 
Peter will continue to command the Decatur through the high seas and 
into danger, when necessary, to defend democracy around the world.

[[Page 2719]]

  On behalf of the people of Guam and his family, we will continue to 
keep you in our hearts, Peter, and wish you and your crew a safe voyage 
and congratulations. Welcome home. Thank you very much for your 
excellent service.

 Commander Peter A. Gumataotao, United States Navy, Commanding Officer 
                        U.S.S. Decatur (DDG 73)

       Commander Peter. A. Gumataotao, a native of Agana, Guam, 
     earned his commission in May 1981 from the U.S. Naval Academy 
     in Annapolis, Maryland, where he received a Bachelor of 
     Science Degree in Resources Management.
       His first tour at sea was on board U.S.S. Bagley (FF 1069) 
     as First Lieutanant and CIC Officer. He later served as 
     Battery Control Officer in U.S.S. Wordern (CG 18). During 
     this tour was the recipient of the Hawaii Navy League Award.
       Ashore, he served as Assistant Surface Operations Officer 
     and Surface Systems Analysis Officer for COMTHIRDFLT. He was 
     COMTHIRDFLT's primary action officer for the planning and 
     execution of Operational Test Launches of Tomahawk cruise 
     missiles to include the only open ocean Tomahawk Anti-Ship 
     Missile (TASM) live test shot conducted in the Pacific Fleet. 
     During his tour as Combat Systems Officer aboard U.S.S. 
     Reuben James (FFG 57), the ship received the Battle 
     Efficiency Award, and his department was awarded the Spokane 
     Trophy Award for Combat Systems excellence. Commander 
     Gumataotao was the recipient of the COMNAVSURFPAC Shiphandler 
     of the Year award while on board U.S.S. Reuben James. 
     Additionally, U.S.S. Reuben James was one of two ships that 
     accompanied CINCPACFLT on a historic port visit to 
     Vladivostok, Russia in 1990. While serving as Combat Systems 
     Officer for COMDESRON THIRTY ONE, Commander Gumataotao 
     participated in numerous underseas warfare research and 
     development projects both in open ocean and shallow water 
     towed array operations.
       Commander Guamataotao earned a Master of Arts Degree in 
     National Security Strategic Studies at the Naval War College 
     in Newport, Rhode Island and was the United States 
     representative at the Naval Staff College.
       His most recent sea assignment was as Executive Officer on 
     board U.S.S. Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54). During this tour, 
     Commander Guamataotao assumed the duties as Commanding 
     Officer of U.S.S. Curtis Wilbur while the ship was deployed 
     to the Arabian Gulf. Following his sea tour, he served as a 
     Fellow for the CNO Operations Strategic Studies Group at the 
     Center for Naval Analysis in Washington, DC and then served 
     as Congressional Liaison for Surface Programs at the Navy 
     Office of Legislative Affairs.

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