Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-09-23

TRIBUTE TO ADMIRAL JENNIFER S. COUTURE

DefenseLabor

Context

On 2026-09-23, Senator Tim Kaine (D-VA) delivered a floor speech titled "TRIBUTE TO ADMIRAL JENNIFER S. COUTURE" in the Senate.

Full Text

TRIBUTE TO ADMIRAL JENNIFER S. COUTURE

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 151 (Wednesday, September 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 151 (Wednesday, September 23, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4913] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO ADMIRAL JENNIFER S. COUTURE Mr. KAINE. Madam President, I rise today to congratulate Rear Admiral Jennifer S. Courture on her retirement from the U.S. Navy and to honor her for more than 31 years of distinguished service to our Nation. Throughout her extraordinary career, Rear Admiral Couture has exemplified the highest ideals of leadership, professionalism, and public service. A native of Vineland, NJ, who spent much of her naval career in Virginia, she was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program at George Washington University in 1995 and went on to serve with distinction across multiple sea, shore, and flag assignments. At sea, Rear Admiral Couture served aboard USS Wasp, USS Saipan, USS Elrod, USS Leyte Gulf, and USS Porter. She commanded USS Kauffman and Destroyer Squadron 28, deploying twice as Sea Combat Commander with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, one of the few women to command a carrier strike group in Navy history, highlighting her role as a trailblazer for women in the armed forces. Her leadership style has focused on empowering sailors and fostering a culture of excellence within her command. Her operational service included support for Operations Joint Endeavor, Active Endeavor, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. Ashore, she held key leadership and policy roles that strengthened the Navy's people, readiness, and operational effectiveness, including service with Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Naval Surface Force Atlantic; U.S. Joint Forces Command; the Center for a New American Security; and the Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel. Furthermore, Rear Admiral Couture completed studies at the U.S. Naval War College and the Joint Forces Staff College and earned a master of arts degree from Old Dominion University and a doctor of education in Organizational leadership from Northeastern University. As a flag officer, Rear Admiral Couture continued to lead at the highest levels, serving as Commander, Naval Service Training Command; Commander, Carrier Strike Group Eleven; and Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy, OPNAV N13. In each role, she advanced the development, readiness, and success of sailors and naval forces entrusted to her leadership. Rear Admiral Couture's career reflects a sustained commitment to mission, mentorship, innovation, and the people who make the U.S. Navy strong. Her accomplishments--including numerous personal, unit, and service awards, among them the Legion of Merit--stand as a testament to her devotion to country and to the sailors she has led and inspired. As she concludes more than three decades of honorable service, I congratulate her on an exceptional naval career and wish her and her family fair winds and following seas in retirement. ____________________

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TRIBUTE TO ADMIRAL JENNIFER S. COUTURE Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 151 (Wednesday, September 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 151 (Wednesday, September 23, 2026)] [Senate] [Page S4913] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] TRIBUTE TO ADMIRAL JENNIFER S. COUTURE Mr. KAINE. Madam President, I rise today to congratulate Rear Admiral Jennifer S. Courture on her retirement from the U.S. Navy and to honor her for more than 31 years of distinguished service to our Nation. Throughout her extraordinary career, Rear Admiral Couture has exemplified the highest ideals of leadership, professionalism, and public service. A native of Vineland, NJ, who spent much of her naval career in Virginia, she was commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps program at George Washington University in 1995 and went on to serve with distinction across multiple sea, shore, and flag assignments. At sea, Rear Admiral Couture served aboard USS Wasp, USS Saipan, USS Elrod, USS Leyte Gulf, and USS Porter. She commanded USS Kauffman and Destroyer Squadron 28, deploying twice as Sea Combat Commander with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, one of the few women to command a carrier strike group in Navy history, highlighting her role as a trailblazer for women in the armed forces. Her leadership style has focused on empowering sailors and fostering a culture of excellence within her command. Her operational service included support for Operations Joint Endeavor, Active Endeavor, Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Inherent Resolve. Ashore, she held key leadership and policy roles that strengthened the Navy's people, readiness, and operational effectiveness, including service with Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Naval Surface Force Atlantic; U.S. Joint Forces Command; the Center for a New American Security; and the Office of the Chief of Naval Personnel. Furthermore, Rear Admiral Couture completed studies at the U.S. Naval War College and the Joint Forces Staff College and earned a master of arts degree from Old Dominion University and a doctor of education in Organizational leadership from Northeastern University. As a flag officer, Rear Admiral Couture continued to lead at the highest levels, serving as Commander, Naval Service Training Command; Commander, Carrier Strike Group Eleven; and Director, Military Personnel Plans and Policy, OPNAV N13. In each role, she advanced the development, readiness, and success of sailors and naval forces entrusted to her leadership. Rear Admiral Couture's career reflects a sustained commitment to mission, mentorship, innovation, and the people who make the U.S. Navy strong. Her accomplishments--including numerous personal, unit, and service awards, among them the Legion of Merit--stand as a testament to her devotion to country and to the sailors she has led and inspired. As she concludes more than three decades of honorable service, I congratulate her on an exceptional naval career and wish her and her family fair winds and following seas in retirement. ____________________