[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16236]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            COMMENDING CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER KEVIN J. GALVIN

  Mr. REED. Mr. President, today I pay tribute to the long and 
distinguished service of chief warrant officer and ancient keeper, 
Kevin J. Galvin of the U.S. Coast Guard.
  For over 30 years, Chief Warrant Officer Galvin has served proudly in 
our Nation's Coast Guard, exhibiting the classic attributes of a 
``Coastie'': a profound dedication to duty, unsurpassed technical 
expertise, and an uncompromising commitment to operational excellence.
  Since June 2006, Chief Warrant Officer Galvin has served as the 
commanding officer of Castle Hill Station in Newport, RI. Through this 
period, during which the Coast Guard has taken on an increasing burden 
to help secure our homeland, Chief Warrant Officer Galvin exhibited 
sound and capable leadership. Under his watch, the Castle Hill Station 
exceeded every operational expectation, including the successful 
execution of over 350 search and rescue cases which resulted in 46 
lives saved, 428 persons assisted, and $23 dollars in property secured. 
Chief Warrant Officer Galvin also oversaw more than 500 law enforcement 
boardings, directed multiple ports, waterways, and coastal security 
missions to protect critical infrastructure, provided security for 
visits by the President and foreign heads of state, and led his crew in 
providing security and SAR response for Tall Ships 2007, where 27 ships 
visited Rhode Island from around the world culminating in a Parade of 
Sail with over 6000 spectator vessels.
  On June 21, 2008, Chief Warrant Officer Galvin relieved master chief 
boatswain's mate John E. Downey as the ancient keeper of the Coast 
Guard, becoming the second recipient of the Joshua James Ancient Keeper 
Award. The Ancient Keeper Award is presented to a Coast Guard member on 
Active Duty in recognition of their longevity and outstanding 
performance in boat operations. The award's namesake, CAPT Joshua 
James, is the most celebrated lifesaver in Coast Guard history with 626 
lives saved. Only those who have exemplified the finest traits of 
maritime professionalism and leadership are appointed keepers. The 
ancient keeper is charged with overseeing Coast Guard boat operations 
to ensure the service's traditional professionalism remains intact. 
Chief Warrant Officer Galvin has carried out this responsibility with 
honor and distinction.
  On July 1, 2009, Chief Officer Galvin will bring his long and 
impressive career in the Coast Guard to an end and will be relieved of 
his duty as the ancient keeper and commanding officer of the Castle 
Hill Station by another outstanding member of the Coast Guard, CWO 
Thomas Guthlein.
  Again, I commend Chief Warrant Officer Galvin for his dedicated 
career in the U.S. Coast Guard and thank him for all he has done in 
service to our country.

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