Recognizing Captain William J. ``bill'' Diehl, Uscg (Ret.)

Floor Speech

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Captain William J. ``Bill'' Diehl after serving 13 years as the president of the Greater Houston Port Bureau.

Captain Diehl was born and raised in Olean, New York, as one of nine children. Of those, 6 served in the military, each retiring with more than 20 years of service. He is a 1982 United States Coast Guard Academy graduate with a master's degree from the University of Michigan in Naval Architecture, Marine Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering.

Before working at the Port Bureau, Captain Diehl spent 31 years in the U.S. Coast Guard. In his final assignment, he commanded the Coast Guard's largest operational unit: Sector Houston-Galveston. During Hurricane Ike, Captain Diehl served as the Coast Guard Incident Commander, leading 2,600 Coast Guard personnel who saved 235 lives. He also directed the clean-up of 240 oil spills and spearheaded the most substantial waterway restoration effort in the branch's history. In 2008, he retired with two Meritorious Service Medals, three Coast Guard Commendation Medals, the 9-11 Medal, and the Coast Guard Achievement Medal, among many other awards.

Captain Diehl joined the Greater Houston Port Bureau after his career in the Coast Guard. This organization serves more than 260 member companies in the Houston region and supplies its members with detailed vessel traffic information, market analysis, and maritime expertise on safety, security, and environmental issues. Under Captain Diehl's leadership, the Port Bureau dramatically increased in membership, expanded its business, and hosted countless port education sessions. He also worked with the Houston Congressional Delegation to advocate for dredging, coastal protection, and Project-11, an initiative to deepen and widen the Houston Ship Channel.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor Captain Diehl, who has exemplified the Coast Guard's motto, ``Semper Paratus,'' throughout his career--both in and out of uniform. A special thank you to his wife, Annette; their children, Rachel, Daniel, and Michael; and 2 grandchildren, Avery and John--without their support, his accomplishments and service to country would not have been possible.

Congratulations to my friend. Bravo Zulu.

BREAK IN TRANSCRIPT

Source