Ron Kind: “I wanted to rise this evening to pay tribute and to express the Nation's gratitude to a man who has served his country…”

“I wanted to rise this evening to pay tribute and to express the Nation's gratitude to a man who has served his country with valor and distinction over 30 years, one of the great patriots of our time, Admiral Jay Johnson. Last weekend in Annapolis, Admiral Jay Johnson retired as Chief of Naval Operations of the United States Navy. In that capacity, Admiral Johnson has firmly led the world's largest Navy through challenges and responsibilities rarely experienced by a peacetime military force. A comparable Navy of such complexity and capability has never before plowed the seas, and Admiral Johnson has been at its helm through tensions in Asia, action in the Persian Gulf and the Balkans, and the humanitarian relief around the world. Admiral Johnson was raised in West Salem, Wisconsin, a small town in my congressional district, and I know the folks back home are immensely proud of their local hero.”