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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E538]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING CAPTAIN PAUL WHITESCARVER, UNITED STATES NAVY
______
HON. JOE COURTNEY
of connecticut
in the house of representatives
Friday, May 3, 2019
Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Paul A.
Whitescarver, who retires this week from a nearly 40-year career of
service to our nation in the United States Navy.
Captain Whitescarver has served as the 51st Commanding Officer of our
nation's ``first and finest'' submarine base, Naval Submarine Base New
London since December 2015. His leadership at the base will without
question have a lasting impact on its operations and readiness for
years to come. In his three and a half years as its Commander, he
oversaw several significant environmental and energy upgrades which
have helped to continue modernization of the facility, including
innovative microgrid and fuel cell projects leveraging homegrown
Connecticut technology to provide standalone power to the base. This
effort was so successful that the Department of Energy recognized it
with a 2018 Federal Energy and Water Management award.
Another tremendous accomplishment under his tenure was the completion
of Superfund site cleanup. It is great to see the resolution of this
significant undertaking which was recognized by the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA). Captain Whitescarver's leadership throughout
this process has shown his drive to go above and beyond to improve the
base.
Captain Whitescarver has substantially raised the military value of
the base with his work and proven its enduring mission well into the
future. He laid the groundwork for the future expansion of pier
capacity as our submarine fleet continues to modernize and grow towards
its overall goal of 66 attack submarines. He spearheaded the pier 32
project for which we are now seeing funding in this year's defense
budget and expect it to be funded by Congress so that the project can
commence on time. Many of the new boats constructed in the coming years
will be stationed in Groton, and without Captain Whitescarver's
efforts, the base would not be as prepared to accept them as it will be
once these projects are completed.
At the same time, it is important to recognize that Captain
Whitescarver's impact extends beyond the base, reaching the citizens
and businesses in the surrounding community. He oversaw Connecticut's
Submarine Century, the yearlong celebration of the 100th anniversary of
the submarine force in 2015 and 2016, demonstrating strong support in
his consistent participation at events and collaboration with local
officials. He projected a positive image for the Navy in a critical
time for recruitment and promotion of our military and particularly our
submarine force. As if he did not have enough to do, he also managed
the celebration of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the
Navy installation which would eventually become Submarine Base New
London. This milestone underscores how the base has effectively adapted
over time to meet the needs of the Navy, and we thank Captain
Whitescarver for his role in ensuring the base continues to be equipped
to handle our future needs as well.
A particular highlight of mine working with Captain Whitescarver over
the last few years was his April 2018 engagement at Asnuntuck Community
College in Enfield, which he himself attended in 1989. His presence and
poignant words to students, faculty, and staff reinforced the belief
that our community colleges are stepping stones to any number of highly
successful careers.
Madam Speaker, I ask all my colleagues to join me in honoring Captain
Whitescarver, and his wife Katie, for their service to our nation and
in wishing them `fair winds and following seas' as they move on to
their next steps.
____________________