Eric Schmitt: “I rise today to honor CDR Stephen Szachta, Jr., of St. Charles, MO, a leader to service personnel who have served…”

“I rise today to honor CDR Stephen Szachta, Jr., of St. Charles, MO, a leader to service personnel who have served alongside him, a companion to our Japanese allies, and a true frontline warrior in our ensuing fight for global competitiveness against the Chinese Communist Party. Commander Szachta began his career in the U.S. Navy, heeding the call to service following the attacks on September 11 and, after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 2006, would later attend the Naval Postgraduate School, graduating with distinction and earning a master of science in systems engineering. In his distinguished naval career, he has deployed in support of counternarcotics and counterpiracy operations, as well as in key engineering roles aboard such vessels as the USS Preble and USS Cape St. George. Commander Szachta held the privilege of commanding the patrol ship USS Monsoon during her mission critical deployments to the Arabian Gulf, Strait of Hormuz, and the Gulf of Oman, where his crew were awarded the coveted Battle "E" award for the ship's superb performance under Commander Szachta's leadership. Commander Szachta recently commanded over 300 sailors of the destroyer USS Rafael Peralta in Yokosuka, Japan, where he has found himself as part of the increasing struggle to reign in the influences of the Chinese Communist Party in the Indo-Pacific.”