[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 8]
[Senate]
[Page 11527]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO COMMANDER WILLIAM MOELLER

  Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Mr. President, today I wish to honor the tremendous 
lifetime of service by one of our Nation's most courageous heroes, CDR 
William Moeller. Commander Moeller has served for 22 years in the Coast 
Guard in four location assignments, dedicating his time, energy, and 
even risking his life for his fellow servicemen and women, the U.S. 
Coast Guard, and his country. On September 1, 2012, he will retire from 
the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve.
  Upon graduation from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1990 
with a B.S. in government, Commander Moeller began his career and his 
sea tour as a deck watch officer aboard the USCGC Tamaroa. He soon rose 
to first lieutenant and in this capacity led the rescue of four members 
of the Air National Guard in October 1991. This rescue among monstrous 
waves, churned by the worst storm off the Eastern seaboard in 100 
years, captured the Nation's imagination in the book and later the film 
adaptation of ``The Perfect Storm.''
  Following his commission as group captain, he transferred to reserve 
status at the Port Long Island Sound in New Haven. Promoted to 
lieutenant commander in the Marine Safety Office located in Portland, 
ME, he served in the Coast Guard Reserve until recalled to active duty 
during 9/11. Returning to reserve status and to the Sector Long Island 
Sound, he was promoted to commander in 2006. After a few years at 
Activities New York, he returned to New Haven in 2010 for the last time 
as reserve logistics section chief. Commander Moeller's dedicated 
protection of the Nation, most of which took place at the Long Island 
Sound--waters significant to Connecticut and the Eastern seaboard--is 
appreciated by millions.
  In addition to receiving extensive military recognition--including 
the Coast Guard Medal for Extraordinary Heroism, the Coast Guard 
Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Commendation Medal--Commander 
Moeller has been awarded the Coast Guard Medal by President George W. 
Bush. In April 2012, he was inducted as a member of the Coast Guard 
Academy's Wall of Gallantry.
  Commander Moeller has further contributed to our Nation's safety and 
security as a business executive with Pratt & Whitney. In this 
capacity, he has furthered the development of the aerospace industry, 
committed to our national defense by both air and sea.
  I invite my Senate colleagues to join me in congratulating Commander 
Moeller on his retirement and remarkable allegiance to the Coast Guard 
and his country. We wish him great success and thank him for his 
tremendous service.

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