Roger Wicker: “I rise today to commend a great public servant, CAPT Eddie Crossman of the U.S. Navy, a friend, an outstanding sailor…”

“I rise today to commend a great public servant, CAPT Eddie Crossman of the U.S. Navy, a friend, an outstanding sailor, and a dedicated patriot. This year, after nearly three decades of service, Captain Crossman is retiring from the Navy. I know I speak on behalf of my colleagues, my staff, and a grateful nation when I say: Thank you for a job very well done. Since he left the Naval Academy in Annapolis as a young ensign in 1996, Captain Crossman has set the standard for excellence and achievement. Today, on the other side of his Navy career, I want to give Captain Crossman a proper send-off by saying a few words about this remarkable public servant. This summer, I traveled with Eddie on a congressional delegation trip. As usual, he was a top-notch Navy liaison with superb attention to detail and a winning, positive attitude. We could not have accomplished so much without him. I know my colleagues would be able to share similar stories--very many of my colleagues. As a member of the Navy Senate Legislative Affairs team, Captain Crossman made sure no Senators' question went unanswered. He has left no delegation unsupported. The relationship between this body and the Navy is better because of his efforts. This summer's visit to three of our strong allies capped a working relationship between Captain Crossman and me that began in 2009, when I was lucky enough to have him join my office as a defense legislative fellow.…”