Zach Nunn: “This article documents a number of innovative initiatives undertaken by the Navy at Norfolk Naval Base--energy audits…”

“This article documents a number of innovative initiatives undertaken by the Navy at Norfolk Naval Base--energy audits; joint agreements with civilian port terminals to increase the Navy's railroad access and terminal capacity; and lease arrangements with private real estate developers to increase the quality and quantity of housing for Navy members and their families. Mr. President, this kind of aggressive and innovative approach to reducing infrastructure costs is essential if our military services are going to have the funds to invest in the new systems and equipment need to modernize our forces. According to the Wall Street Journal, the individual most responsible for these efforts at Norfolk Naval Base is Adm. William J. "Bud" Flanagan, the Commander of the Atlantic Fleet. Many of my colleagues remember Admiral Flanagan from his tour as head of the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs in the late 1980's. Following that assignment, Admiral Flanagan commanded the Navy's Second Fleet before taking over as Commander of the Atlantic Fleet. Mr. President, I have known and worked with Admiral Flanagan for many years. He is an extremely capable naval officer, and I am not at all surprised to see that he is also an energetic and creative business manager who is bringing innovative practices to the Navy's base operations. I hope that he keeps up the good work, and that others throughout the military services follow his good example.”