[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 1732]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING REAR ADMIRAL DOUGLAS TEESON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE COURTNEY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 27, 2009

  Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rear Admiral 
Douglas Teeson who is retiring from his position as the president and 
chief executive officer of the Mystic Seaport. Admiral Teeson has 
dedicated his life to public service and I am honored to stand here 
today to offer these remarks.
  Admiral Teeson is certainly no stranger to the people of southeastern 
Connecticut, where he has lived with his wife Phyllis for many years. 
He graduated with honors from the Coast Guard Academy in New London, 
Connecticut in 1965 and began his long and distinguished career as a 
Coast Guard officer. While in the Coast Guard he served in a variety of 
commands, including a term as head of the major training center located 
in Yorktown, Virginia. His career came full circle when he returned to 
the Coast Guard Academy to serve as the 36th superintendent, where he 
remained until his retirement in 2001.
  In 2001, Admiral Teeson assumed his role as President and CEO of the 
Mystic Seaport, America's premier maritime history museum. Under 
Teeson's leadership, the Seaport flourished, adding new collections and 
undertaking historic renovations. During his tenure at the Mystic 
Seaport, Admiral Teeson oversaw the opening of the Carlton Marine 
Science Center and the completion of the new 500 ton ship lift facility 
among other important improvements that revitalized this unique 
American treasure.
  Admiral Teeson has also been an integral part of the fabric of 
southeastern Connecticut. Admiral Teeson has served on the Board of 
Directors for The New London Day newspaper and as a commissioner for 
the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism. Admiral Teeson is 
also a recipient of the Eastern Connecticut Chamber of Commerce's 
William Crawford Distinguished Service Award, given annually to an 
individual who has exemplified the spirit of community service and 
contributed to improving the quality of life for all of southeastern 
Connecticut. Never has there been a more deserving recipient of this 
prestigious honor.
  Admiral Teeson's retirement marks the end of an era at the Mystic 
Seaport. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Admiral 
Teeson on his exceptional career and to wish him well in his 
retirement.

                          ____________________