[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 146 (2000), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8661]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                  COMMENDING MASTER CHIEF ANDE HARTLEY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ROY BLUNT

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2000

  Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, today I commend Master Chief Ande Hartley of 
the United States Navy upon his retirement after twenty-one years of 
service and duty to our country. Ande carried out that duty as a 
submariner.
  Being a member of a submarine crew for two decades is no small 
accomplishment. It is well known among members of our armed forces that 
submarine duty may be among the toughest and most challenging 
assignments in the Navy. After all, in most other assignments in the 
Navy, there is usually an opportunity to leave your station for a few 
hours and have time alone. When you are aboard a submarine there is no 
opportunity for retreat from one's responsibilities.
  Ande's specific duties as a Machinist Mate aboard a nuclear submarine 
were to make sure that the mechanical systems of the submarine ran 
properly. All though I am not aware of all those responsibilities, I 
want to be sure and mention the importance of running the propulsion 
plant spacers and ensuring that all mechanics associated with the 
reactor plant were in proper working order. If a qualified member of 
the crew had not carried out these duties correctly, then this ship 
would be unable to perform its covert operations for the Navy that are 
so vital to the freedom of this nation.
  Without reservation Mr. Speaker, I can say that Master Chief Ande 
Hartley has performed his duties well. I am sure there were days he 
realized he could pursue other employment opportunities and earn better 
pay, and benefits as well as enjoy more time with his family and 
friends. For Ande though, true commitment is more than pay and 
benefits, it is about the preservation of the freedom we enjoy so that 
our family and friends will have the opportunities they now have in the 
future.
  Ande's sacrifices are without doubt noteworthy and commendable. His 
commitment is an example that his family, friends and fellow sailors 
can follow as a pattern in their own lives. Thank you Ande fro serving 
your country so faithfully, for so many years. It is an example we can 
all follow.

                          ____________________