February 11, 1977
Page 4492
TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE J. WILLIAM MIDDENDORF II
Mr. MUSKIE. Mr. President, on January 18, 1977, the Honorable J. William Middendorf II, the outgoing Secretary of the Navy, was honored at a ceremony held at the Washington Navy Yard.
During this ceremony, hosted by Adm. James L. Holloway III, Chief of Naval Operations, and Gen. Louis Wilson, Commandant of the Marine Corps, Secretary Middendorf was presented with a proclamation depicting his accomplishments during more than 31/2 years of service to the Navy. The words inscribed on that proclamation, speak for his official record of accomplishments as Secretary of Navy. To that record I would add my own expression of the personal satisfaction I derived from dealing with a gentleman of his competence and character. I look forward to a continued friendship with him as a private citizen and shall recall with fondness Bill's service as Secretary.
I ask unanimous consent that the Certificate of Accomplishment be printed in the RECORD.
There being no objection, the Certificate was ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as follows:
CERTIFICATE OF ACCOMPLISHMENT
Presented to J. W. Middendorf II in recognition and appreciation of his extraordinary accomplishments in support of the United States Navy and Marine Corps during his tenure as Secretary of the Navy from 10 June 1974 to 20 January 1977.
His public appearances and persuasive arguments contributed to the development of a clear recognition within the Department of Defense, the Executive Branch, the Congress and the American public of the urgent requirement to rebuild the declining United States fleet in the face of the Soviet Navy buildup. During his tenure he visited 350 ships and every major Navy and Marine Corps installation in the United States and worldwide. Under his personal leadership:
Approval was received for construction of 157 ships over the next five years.
Department of the Navy Budget was significantly increased from $26.9B appropriated in FY74 to $40.3B requested for FY78. Shipbuilding funds increased from $3.5B appropriated for FY74 to $6.5B requested for FY78.
Special emphasis was given to procurement of a new class of guided missile destroyers (DDG-47), surface effect ships, and hydrofoil patrol boats (PHM).
CH—53E heavy lift helicopter was developed for Navy and Marine Corps.
Development of improved Harrier (AF—8B) began along with major initiative to develop a new generation of tactical VSTOL aircraft (Type A and B) including the thrust augmented wing (TAW).
Development began on numerous Navy and Marine Corps weapons systems, including TRIDENT, HARPOON, TOMAHAWK, VULCAN, PHALANX, Lasers and Major Caliber Lightweight Gun.
Indian Ocean fleet support facility was established at Diego Garcia.
Free world navies were urged to contribute more to collective security effort. Research and development began or was accomplished on SEAFARER fleet ballistic missile submarine communications system, advanced twinhull surface ships, amphibious assault craft, and gas turbine propulsion.
Approval was received for consolidation of Naval Oceanographic Program, and relocation at Bay St. Louis began.
Downward trend of ship readiness was reversed.
Improved physical fitness standards were instituted in Navy and Marine Corps.
Student Research Program instituted at the Naval War College with Middendorf Award for outstanding students.
Personal participation in Committee on Excellence of Education to review all service schools.
Navy participation in U.S Bicentennial was extensive, highlighted by Operation Sail & International Naval Review of 4 July 1976 in New York Harbor.
Important actions were taken in Navy historical programs, including:
Tingey House and Washington Navy Yard designation as National Historical Landmarks and funding for Tingey House restoration.
Establishment of Naval Historical Center at Washington Navy Yard.
Personal sponsorship of major Naval Historical Museum exhibits and strong support of Naval Combat Art Program.
Numerous important management programactions were taken, including: Establishment of Navy/Marine Corps Acquisition Review Committee.
Strengthening of Project Manager staffs. Increasing shipyard productivity. Implementation of Joint Uniform Military Pay System in Navy and Marine Corps.
As a gifted musician, he left a legacy of marches dedicated to the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and Naval Academy.
J. L. HOLLOWAY III,
Admiral, U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Operations.
Louis H. WILSON, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.