[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 3]
[House]
[Page 4006]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO THE SERVICE OF CAPTAIN ANDREW S. WHITSON

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Virginia (Mr. Rigell) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RIGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and congratulate an 
exceptional naval officer, Captain Andrew Shepard Whitson, at the 
completion of 30 years of distinguished naval service, culminating as 
the Director of the U.S. House of Representatives Liaison Office for 
the Department of the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs.
  I'm honored to commend Captain Whitson's achievements and recognize 
his service and devotion to our great country.
  A 1983 graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, Captain Whitson 
earned his wings in 1985 and was designated a naval aviator. He sailed 
around the world, flying the F-14 Tomcat and F/A-18 Hornets. He's 
served in five fighter squadrons, participating in multiple combat 
operations during Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was also 
recognized as the ``East Coast Fighter Pilot of the Year'' in 1997.
  Captain Whitson served as the executive officer and commanding 
officer of the Bounty Hunters of Fighter Squadron Two, leading them 
through two deployments aboard USS Constellation (CV-64), including the 
combat operations in Iraqi Freedom. In 2009 and 2010, he served as the 
commander of Carrier Air Wing 17.
  Captain Whitson is retiring after 30 years of honorable service to 
this Nation. His professional success would not have been possible 
without the support of his wife, Tracy--I've had the privilege of 
getting to know Captain Whitson and his family--and his lovely 
daughter, Alexandra. Their shared sacrifice is a credit to their 
personal character.
  I wish Captain Whitson continued success and fulfillment as he 
transitions to civilian life after three decades of exceptional service 
to our country. His loyal dedication to duty reflects the highest 
standards of naval service.
  I hold him in high personal regard and consider it a privilege to 
call Captain Whitson my friend. And I'm delighted that he and his 
family call Virginia's Second Congressional District their home.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that my fellow colleagues this morning join me, 
all Members of the House, in saluting this outstanding naval officer 
and wishing him and his wonderful family fair winds and following seas.

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