[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16540]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


                    RETIREMENT OF ADMIRAL VERN CLARK

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 19, 2005

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to rise today in 
order to recognize and honor one of Missouri's favorite sons, Admiral 
Vern Clark, United States Navy, our 27th Chief of Naval Operations, as 
he prepares to turn over the helm of the United States Navy to his 
successor.
  Admiral Clark, the longest serving Chief of Naval Operations since 
Admiral Arleigh Burke held that office nearly 45 years ago, has 
rendered distinguished service to the government of the United States 
and, in my view, ranks among the most superb of a long line of 
outstanding Navy leaders.
  Born in Iowa and raised in the great states of Missouri, Nebraska and 
Illinois, Admiral Clark is a graduate of Evangel College and holds a 
Master's Degree in Business Administration from the University of 
Arkansas. Like so many of his predecessors from our Nation's heartland, 
Admiral Clark determined to go down to the sea in ships; a 
determination that has ultimately redounded to the eminent advantage of 
the country that he has served so well for more than 36 years. From the 
Cold War to the War on Terrorism, his enduring contributions to the 
Navy and the Nation, along with his wise, discerning military judgment 
mark his long career.
  Upon earning his commission in August of 1968, Admiral Clark served 
aboard the destroyers USS John W. Weeks (DD 701) and USS Gearing (DD 
710). As a Lieutenant, the Navy saw fit to give him his first command, 
USS Grand Rapids (PG 98), and he has been in command at every 
opportunity thereafter, including command of USS McCloy (FF 1038), USS 
Spruance (DD 963), the Atlantic Fleet's Anti-Submarine Warfare Training 
Center, Destroyer Squadron Seventeen, and Destroyer Squadron Five. 
After being selected for flag rank, Admiral Clark commanded the Carl 
Vinson Battle Group/Cruiser Destroyer Group Three, the Second Fleet, 
and the United States Atlantic Fleet. All told, Admiral Clark has spent 
more than half his commissioned service doing what he does best, 
leading the men and women who have, in his exceptional words, 
``volunteered to wear the cloth of the nation.''
  Ashore, Admiral Clark has served as Special Assistant to the Director 
of the Systems Analysis Division in the Office of the Chief of Naval 
Operations, the Administrative Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval 
Operations (Surface Warfare) and as the Administrative Aide to the Vice 
Chief of Naval Operations. He served as Head of the Cruiser-Destroyer 
Combat Systems Requirements Section and Force Anti-Submarine Warfare 
Officer for the Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, 
and he directed the Joint Staffs Crisis Action Team for Desert Shield 
and Desert Storm. Admiral Clark has also served as the Director of both 
Plans and Policy (J5) and Financial Management and Analysis (J8) at the 
U.S. Transportation Command; Deputy and Chief of Staff, United States 
Atlantic Fleet; the Director of Operations (J3) and subsequently 
Director of the Joint Staff.
  His tenure as Chief of Naval Operations has been underscored by 
remarkable strength and a clear vision for the future. Anticipating the 
tremendous challenges of the rapidly changing post-Cold War strategic 
environment, he set a course for deep and fundamental transformation, 
enhancing the readiness and responsiveness of the Navy. His relentless 
pursuit of excellence and willingness to not only embrace change, but 
to lead it, were key factors in shaping the most powerful maritime 
force in our history; a force that is built upon a solid foundation of 
the growing and thriving young Americans who have flourished under 
Admiral Clark's leadership. An unwavering sense of duty, the highest 
ideals of honor, and a profound devotion to country have characterized 
this man's service. And I think he would be the first to tell you that 
those long years of service would not have been possible without the 
unwavering support of his wife, Connie. She has devoted her life to her 
husband, to her family and to the men and women of the Navy family. She 
has traveled by his side for these many years visiting the Fleet. Her 
sacrifice and devotion have served as an example and inspiration for 
others, and we will miss them both.
  With these words before the House of Representatives, I seek to 
recognize Admiral Clark for his superior leadership and unswerving 
loyalty to the Navy and to this great Nation. In the time-honored 
tradition of the naval service, I now ask you to join me in wishing 
Vern and Connie Clark ``fair winds and following seas'' as they 
continue their extraordinary journey through life together, and to 
thank them both for service so faithfully rendered.

                          ____________________