Recognizing Lieutenant Commander Cameron Massey

Floor Speech

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Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Commander Cam Massey, United States Navy, on his service as a legislative fellow in my Washington, D.C. office this year. Cam has played a critical role this year supporting my work on the House Armed Services Committee and representing the proud Navy community in Eastern Connecticut.

As Chairman of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Seapower and Projection Forces, I have the high honor of overseeing much of our nation's Navy, Marine Corps, and various Air Force programs. This year, as our subcommittee considered how best to fund critical shipbuilding programs, revitalize our nation's sealift, and Navy and Marine Corps readiness across the INDOPACOM, Cam provided critical insight and guidance into how our subcommittee could best provide the resources and platforms that our Sailors and Marines need to achieve mission success.

Cam has also seized the initiative in a variety of areas beyond naval affairs. He worked to craft an amendment to this year's NDAA that would prioritize the sourcing and processing of rare earth minerals from the United States and our allies to strengthen our national security supply chains. He has also served as the staff-lead for the Friends of Australia Caucus, of which I serve as co-chair, ensuring that the ties between our countries remain as strong as ever as we recently celebrated more than 100 years of mateship.

Cam's adaptability was put to a severe test this year with the onset of the COVID-19 global pandemic, which completely altered the normal operations of our subcommittee. Cam was able to work remotely, and performed all his assignments without a hitch.

Cam's work ethic, character, humor, intelligence, and first-hand experience when it comes to nuanced naval affairs made an immediate impact on my office and I know their absence will be felt with the same immediacy. Cam and his family have made tremendous sacrifices for our nation, traveling around the world with the fleet. They've uprooted their family nearly a dozen times in just as many years. We're grateful that they've landed close to Washington for the time being and thank them for always answering our nation's call without hesitation.

Madam Speaker, the Navy's legislative fellowship program is an invaluable effort that benefits members of the House and Senate with the insight of junior officers who like Cam, bring real world experience from military duty. I can honestly say I have learned a great deal from Cam's insights based on his training and experience. That has also been the case for each of his predecessors that my office has had the opportunity to host. I also enjoy watching through their eyes the workings of Congress, which I've come to know from end of year debriefs, greatly expanded their understanding of the legislative branch of government. This recurring process that the fellowship program fosters, strengthens civilian-military understanding for future leaders of the greatest military in the world, which I believe is so important to our democracy.

Cam is leaving Congress but he isn't going far and will be serving as an Operations Officer at the National Joint Operations & Intelligence Center, Operations Team Five. I know his expertise and humor will be deeply missed by both my personal staff and Seapower staff.

Our nation is best served at sea and here on shore by officers and leaders of the highest caliber. This perfectly describes Cam, who has a promising career ahead as a commander and leader in service to our nation. On his final month here in Congress, I wish LCDR Massey the best of luck in his new role. To Cam, his wife Cassidy, their children Avery and Colin, Hotty Toddy and War Eagle. Fair winds, and following seas, Massey Family.

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