[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4198]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING UNITED STATES COAST GUARD COMMANDER NEIL L. NICKERSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 28, 2006

  Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Coast 
Guard Commander Neil Nickerson and to commemorate his illustrious 
career of dedicated service to our nation.
  Commander Nickerson graduated from the Coast Guard Officer Candidate 
School in March 1984. Since then, he has served a wide range of tours 
taking him from the Atlantic, to the Pacific, through the Panama Canal, 
across the Equator and into the Arctic Circle.
  During his first tour in Miami Beach, Florida, Commander Nickerson 
assisted with search, rescue and recovery for the tragic Space Shuttle 
Challenger explosion. He then served in Guam and Alameda, California, 
where he began law enforcement missions ranging from drug interdiction 
to fishery regulation. Several years later, Commander Nickerson began 
service as Coast Guard Liaison Officer to the San Diego, California 
Navy Fleet Training Group. From there, he became Commanding Officer of 
USCGC Liberty in Alaska.
  Over the course of these tours, Commander Nickerson distinguished 
himself as an outstanding officer, earning the respect of his peers and 
superiors alike. Based on these merits, in 1995 he was one of the elite 
few selected to attend post-graduate education at the Naval War 
College. Upon completion of this rigorous coursework, he began service 
in the Budget Office of Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, DC.
  Soon thereafter, Commander Nickerson assumed the position of 
Executive Officer of the USCGC Alex Haley in Alaska. During his tenure, 
he oversaw the complete refurbishing of the former US Navy ship. 
Commander Nickerson then led the USCGC Alex Haley on its maiden voyage 
from the Naval shipyard in Philadelphia through the Panama Canal and up 
to Kodiak, Alaska. Following this tour, Commander Nickerson began 
service as Executive Officer of the USCGC Jarvis in Honolulu, Hawaii, 
where he continues to serve today.
  This year, Commander Nickerson will retire from 22 years of service 
to the US Coast Guard. Throughout his accomplished career, Commander 
Nickerson has kept with the highest traditions of the US Coast Guard 
and serves as an inspiration to us all. In recognition of his 
exceptional performance of duty, Commander Nickerson has been awarded 
six Coast Guard Commendation Medals with Operational Distinguishing 
Device on all. On the occasion of his retirement, the US Coast Guard 
also will be awarding him the Meritorious Service Medal. This 
prestigious honor recognizes officers that have demonstrated expert 
knowledge, effective management and outstanding leadership.
  I ask that my colleagues join me in commending this dedicated public 
servant and in congratulating him on a well-deserved retirement.

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