HONORING LIEUTENANT COMMANDER COREY GREY

On 2026-08-31, Representative Darren Soto (D-FL-9) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING LIEUTENANT COMMANDER COREY GREY" in the House.

HONORING LIEUTENANT COMMANDER COREY GREY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 137 (Monday, August 31, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E826] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING LIEUTENANT COMMANDER COREY GREY ______ HON. DARREN SOTO of florida in the house of representatives Monday, August 31, 2026 Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Lieutenant Commander Corey Grey. Lieutenant Commander Corey Grey, a native of Kissimmee, was recently selected as the recipient of the 2026 Captain Joseph Rochefort Information Warfare Officer Distinguished Leadership Award. Lieutenant Commander Grey received the award during a June 4th ceremony in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, in recognition of his unwavering commitment to others, leadership in the face of complex challenges, and ability to deliver extraordinary cryptologic effects that shape fleet operations. The Captain Joseph Rochefort Information Warfare Officer Distinguished Leadership Award is an annual U.S. Navy peer-nominated honor. It recognizes superior career achievement, leadership and operational contributions by an outstanding information warfare officer. The award is given to officers who embody the professional excellence, selflessness and teamwork demonstrated by Captain Joseph J. Rochefort. ``This award means an incredible amount to me,'' Lieutenant Commander Grey said. ``I've seen combat veterans, commanding officers, admirals and leaders whose service has shaped our community receive this recognition, all while carrying forward the legacy of Captain Joseph Rochefort, a true World War II legend. As the 15th recipient of this honor, being included among such distinguished individuals is deeply humbling. I consider myself fortunate simply to stand in their company, and I am beyond grateful to have received this award.'' While serving as the 7th Fleet cryptologic resource coordinator, Lieutenant Commander Grey led seven forward-deployed Task Force Information Warfare teams and an embarked staff of 18 personnel, directing a combined force of more than 900 cryptologic specialists and officers. ``Like Captain Rochefort, Lieutenant Commander Grey's deep expertise in his craft gives him the foresight to see how cryptology can best support fleet action,'' said Captain Wolf Melbourne, director of the U.S. 7th Fleet Maritime Operations Center. ``Not willing to wait for direction, Lieutenant Commander Grey took the initiative to engage leadership and proactively moved out on turning that vision into reality.'' In this role, Lieutenant Commander Grey's department is responsible for addressing complex cryptologic challenges by adapting existing capabilities and developing new technical methods to support all-domain information operations in future operating environments. ``My success is a reflection of my family, mentors, friends and fellow warfighters I've had the privilege to serve alongside,'' Lieutenant Commander Grey said. ``My parents taught me the character of caring for a stranger, and my second parents, Gerald and Stefanie Jones, taught me the importance of finishing every job strongly. My wife, Michelle, and our three beautiful children are the reason I continue to serve. With their support, any and all success has come easily. ``This award is really a reflection of the countless acts of kindness, encouragement, and support I received growing up in Kissimmee. To my coaches, teachers, pastors, friends, and everyone who invested in me along the way, thank you so much. Your guidance helped shape the leader I am today. I hope this recognition serves as a reminder that no matter where you come from, hard work and the support of a strong community can open any door for you.'' ____________________