[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 17]
[Senate]
[Page 23638]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO VICE ADMIRAL CONRAD C. LAUTENBACHER, JR.

 Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, although many Americans may never 
have heard of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, 
the agency plays a significant role in the daily lives of Americans, 
whether it is providing daily weather forecasts, supporting marine 
commerce, or monitoring our climate.
  For nearly 7 years, NOAA has been guided by the leadership of VADM 
Conrad C. Lautenbacher. When he retires on October 31, Admiral 
Lautenbacher will leave a lasting legacy at NOAA that has helped 
strengthen our knowledge and understanding of our oceans and 
atmosphere.
  Life on Earth relies on the ocean. Our oceans regulate our planet's 
climate, support global commerce, and provide food. The livelihoods of 
millions of Americans rely on our oceans. Yet, we know little about 
what lies beneath the surface of our oceans. Ninety-five percent of our 
oceans are unexplored. Working with the Senate Commerce Committee, 
Admiral Lautenbacher commissioned America's first ship for ocean 
exploration, the Okeanos Explorer. The ship's missions will include 
reconnaissance to search unknown areas and map the deep seafloor. 
Through telepresence, the ship and its discoveries will be connected to 
live audiences so they can see what lies beneath the waters and help 
inspire a new generation of ``aquanauts.''
  Under Admiral Lautenbacher's leadership, the National Weather Service 
has improved its severe weather warnings. Seconds make a difference 
during flash floods, tornados, tsunami, and severe thunderstorms. With 
improved scientific knowledge, NOAA is providing storm-based warnings 
that give the public more geographically specific information about 
severe weather. These storm-specific warnings allow first responders 
and those in harm's way to take the necessary actions to protect lives 
and property.
  An important part of NOAA's mission is to understand and predict 
changes in the Earth's environment. Admiral Lautenbacher has led U.S. 
efforts working with more than 60 countries and the European Commission 
to develop the Global Earth Observation System of Systems, GEOSS. Earth 
observations are critical to our understanding of complex climate and 
ocean systems. With improved data about the interconnectedness of Earth 
systems, we will be better equipped to help emergency managers make 
evacuation decisions, to aid State and local decisionmakers in 
protecting coastal communities and improving infrastructure 
development, and to more accurately predict weather and climate changes 
that affect our economy.
  Admiral Lautenbacher also worked closely with Senator Stevens and me 
to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management 
Act. This act marks a natural evolution in fisheries management because 
it recognizes not only the need to carefully manage fish populations, 
but the ocean ecosystems our fisheries occupy.
  Given the size of the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone in the Pacific and 
the reliance of Hawaii and the Pacific Islands on the oceans, NOAA's 
programs are of critical importance to the Pacific. More than lending 
technical assistance, Admiral Lautenbacher matched word to deed by 
growing NOAA's capacity in the Pacific region--from establishing a new 
National Marine Fisheries Service regional office and lab, to breaking 
ground on a NOAA Pacific Regional Facility, to developing the data and 
environmental monitoring infrastructure needed to support science-based 
management.
  Admiral Lautenbacher has my gratitude and deserves our Nation's 
gratitude for his dedication to public service. I wish him well as he 
moves into the next chapter of his life.

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