[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15795]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF FRANKLIN D. MELLOTT, EXECUTIVE OFFICER, NAVAL AIR STATION, 
                                LEMOORE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 19, 2009

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Commander 
Franklin D. Mellott, United States Navy, upon his retirement after 
twenty three years of service to the United States Navy and to the 
Nation.
  Commander Mellott has served the United States Navy with 
distinguished service over his exceptional career. His devotion to the 
Navy and the Nation is inspiring.
  My initial experience with Commander Mellott began when his service 
commenced in 2006 as Executive Officer for Naval Air Station Lemoore, 
which is located in my 20th Congressional District in Kings County, 
California. I met with Commander Mellott at the base to introduce 
myself and my staff and from that day on, a great working relationship 
was formed. Commander Mellott served as Committee Chair for my 20th 
District Academy Committee. During this time, he devoted countless 
extra hours to coordinating the committee and assisting my office with 
academy nominations. Whether we were calling Frank to ask a question or 
to follow up on issues my office was working on with the base, Frank 
was always professional, courteous and helpful. His volunteer service 
to my office will always be remembered.
  It is so fitting that the President of the United States has 
presented Commander Franklin Mellott with the Meritorious Service Medal 
for his outstanding leadership as Executive Officer of NASL. I ask that 
excerpts from the Citation be printed.
  ``For outstanding meritorious service as Executive Officer, Naval Air 
Station Lemoore, California, from June 2006 to June 2009. Commander 
Mellott displayed extraordinary leadership and exceptional insight in 
supporting half the fleet's tactical air combat power at the Navy's 
largest and busiest master jet base. Brilliantly assisting the 
Commanding Officer in every facet of business and operations, he 
provided superior support to Commander Strike Fighter Wing Pacific, 
four operational air wings, 16 squadrons, and a work force of more than 
10,000 military and civilian personnel through mishap-free control of 
more than 700,000 operational and training sorties. Under his 
leadership, the installation opened more than 2,500 cubic miles of new 
training airspace to the fleet, the largest new training airspace the 
Navy has developed in more than 25 years, completed several large 
military construction projects valued at over $150 million, provided 
support to 16 helicopters fighting wild fires in Northern California, 
and provided award winning services to a community of more than 25,000 
constituents. Additionally, he helped orchestrate and align Navy 
efforts to preserve the strategic value of Naval Air Station Lemoore in 
the future with an exceptionally diplomatic strategy to influence 
current land-use decisions by local governments and to develop 
productive forums for perpetual engagement. Singularly responsible for 
good order and discipline aboard the installation, he balanced justice 
with mercy in the effective handling of countless delicate and emergent 
law enforcement and operational matters during his tour. His actions 
culminate a 23 year career of distinguished service to the Navy and the 
Nation. Commander Mellott's decisive, principled, and visionary 
leadership and inspiring devotion to duty reflected great credit upon 
him and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval 
Service.''
  Commander Mellott has always been available to myself and my staff 
and we are sad to say goodbye. He is a man of outstanding character and 
we will remain grateful for his unwavering dedication and exceptional 
insight.
  On behalf of the United States Congress, I wish to express my sincere 
thanks for his hard work, selfless service, and dedication to the 
United States Navy.
  I want to personally wish Frank continued success and my best wishes 
go out to his wife, Sheri, and his children; sons, Alex and Nathaniel 
and daughter, Francesca as they embark on their new endeavors in 
Pennsylvania.

                          ____________________