[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10617]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                          CAPTAIN BOB O'BRIEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. McMAHON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 14, 2010

  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Robert 
O'Brien on his retirement from the United States Coast Guard. Captain 
O'Brien has dedicated his time, energy, and resources to maintaining 
and defending our country's maritime borders.
  Captain O'Brien was born in Savannah, Georgia, and raised in 
Ridgeland, South Carolina. He enlisted in the Coast Guard on April 6, 
1970, and served his country for 40 years. He will officially retire on 
October 1, 2010. He started his career as a seaman, and he rose through 
the ranks to become commanding officer of the New York Coast Guard 
Sector.
  Captain O'Brien had a diverse and honorable history in the Coast 
Guard. In 1976, he was assigned Officer-in-Charge of the USCGC 
Blackberry in North Carolina. He was then promoted to Chief Boatswain's 
Mate in 1979, and was promoted in June 1980 to the rank of Chief 
Warrant Officer.
  He received his commission as a Lieutenant in 1983. He served in many 
different states, ranging from Texas to Virginia. In 2003, he was 
promoted to Captain and assumed command of MSO Hampton Roads. Captain 
O'Brien then assumed command of the USCG Sector New York on June 15, 
2006.
  Captain O'Brien served his country with great distinction during this 
40 year period. He was given the difficult task of keeping New York's 
waterways safe and secure, and performed this task admirably. He has 
also received numerous awards from the Coast Guard, including the 
Meritorious Service Medal, the Coast Guard Commendation Medal, and 
three Coast Guard Good Conduct Medals.
  Ferries and oil liners share the harbor, and both are crucial to the 
economic value of the tristate area, and Captain O'Brien's efforts 
throughout his career have ensured a safe and sound commute for Staten 
Islanders, as well as many New Yorkers, who traverse the waters 
frequently.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Captain 
Robert O'Brien on his dedication to the citizens of New York.

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