-9999
Floor Speech
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, 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. In that role, he conducted himself with distinction. He took his job seriously, completing thorough research and staff work, but he didn't take himself too seriously.
I remember one day--Halloween--when the captain entered my office dressed in full costume, not in a Navy uniform. He had taken on the ``Schoolhouse Rock'' character Bill from Capitol Hill. He worked in that outfit all day alongside the rest of my staff, who were wearing the usual business attire. I can only attribute his costume to his zeal for the legislative process.
His work in my office clearly benefited the people of Mississippi and the United States, but I would be remiss if I did not mention how the people of Mississippi have supported Captain Crossman, particularly the shipbuilders of Mississippi.
The captain was at sea when COVID-19 hit the United States, extending his deployment to 206 days at sea--the longest consecutive deployment for a warship in U.S. Navy history. He completed that charge as commander of the USS San Jacinto. That vessel, the one that carried him on his lengthy deployment--historic deployment--was built on the Mississippi gulf coast. Earlier this year, it was my privilege to pay one final visit to some Mississippi shipyards with Captain Crossman.
I have traveled the country and the world with this fine young man-- in some sensitive places and stressful situations. I have come to know the measure of CAPT Eddie Crossman--his industry and talents, his energy and character. I know he will continue to excel in whatever he does next.
I have served with a lot of military liaison people. I seldom come to the floor to do as I am doing this afternoon. But on this occasion, for this fine Navy officer and this great American and great friend, I say: Fair winds and following seas.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. WICKER. I would be glad to yield to my friend.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Mr. WICKER. Mr. President, reclaiming my time, the distinguished chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has plenty to do to distract him from thinking of making remarks. I am delighted that he happened to be within the sound of my voice for this occasion.
And as Senator Cardin proceeds toward the last 5 months of his distinguished service, in both the House and Senate, I do think it speaks volumes that he has been so appreciative and benefited so much from the great patriotic work of Eddie Crossman.
BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT
Source