Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-03

HONORING CAPTAIN BRIAN TANAKA

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On 2026-06-03, Representative Robert J. Wittman (R-VA-1) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING CAPTAIN BRIAN TANAKA" in the House.

Full Text

HONORING CAPTAIN BRIAN TANAKA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E518] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CAPTAIN BRIAN TANAKA ______ HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Captain Brian Tanaka on the occasion of his departure from North Carolina Piedmont Region NROTC Program as Commanding Officer and retiring from the Navy after serving for 30 years as a Submarine Officer. I commend him for his extraordinary leadership, steadfast devotion, and distinguished service to our Nation. Captain Tanaka has dedicated 30 years of service to the United States Navy. His sea duty assignments have included Navigation/Operations Officer onboard USS Jefferson City, Executive Officer on USS West Virginia and Commanding Officer of USS Minnesota. While at sea, he completed deployments to the U.S. European and Indo-Pacific Command areas of responsibility, two strategic deterrent patrols and multiple depot level maintenance periods. His more recent ashore assignments include Deputy Director, Navy Liaison to the United States House of Representatives, in the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs, Deputy Commander, Task Force 69 at the Headquarters, United States Sixth Fleet, Commanding Officer, Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific and Commanding Officer, Training Support Department Hawaii, and Commanding Officer of the North Carolina Piedmont Region NROTC Program. Captain Tanaka's leadership has left a lasting impact on those privileged to serve alongside him. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to mission accomplishment while never losing sight of the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and care for the people under his leadership. His contributions have immensely strengthened operational readiness, advanced organizational success, and positively influenced countless colleagues and service members. As he transitions from this command, we also recognize the support and sacrifices made by his family, whose encouragement and unwavering commitment have undoubtedly contributed to his success. Public service is never undertaken alone, and their support deserves our sincere gratitude. Captain Tanaka is an incredible Navy officer and has done a phenomenal job serving our Nation. I will always treasure the times we had while traveling together during his time at Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 1st District of Virginia and the United States Congress, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation to Captain Brian Tanaka for his exemplary service and leadership. I wish him continued success in the next chapter of his life and thank him for his enduring contributions to our Nation. ____________________

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HONORING CAPTAIN BRIAN TANAKA Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 94 (Wednesday, June 3, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E518] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING CAPTAIN BRIAN TANAKA ______ HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN of virginia in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 3, 2026 Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Captain Brian Tanaka on the occasion of his departure from North Carolina Piedmont Region NROTC Program as Commanding Officer and retiring from the Navy after serving for 30 years as a Submarine Officer. I commend him for his extraordinary leadership, steadfast devotion, and distinguished service to our Nation. Captain Tanaka has dedicated 30 years of service to the United States Navy. His sea duty assignments have included Navigation/Operations Officer onboard USS Jefferson City, Executive Officer on USS West Virginia and Commanding Officer of USS Minnesota. While at sea, he completed deployments to the U.S. European and Indo-Pacific Command areas of responsibility, two strategic deterrent patrols and multiple depot level maintenance periods. His more recent ashore assignments include Deputy Director, Navy Liaison to the United States House of Representatives, in the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs, Deputy Commander, Task Force 69 at the Headquarters, United States Sixth Fleet, Commanding Officer, Naval Submarine Training Center Pacific and Commanding Officer, Training Support Department Hawaii, and Commanding Officer of the North Carolina Piedmont Region NROTC Program. Captain Tanaka's leadership has left a lasting impact on those privileged to serve alongside him. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to mission accomplishment while never losing sight of the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and care for the people under his leadership. His contributions have immensely strengthened operational readiness, advanced organizational success, and positively influenced countless colleagues and service members. As he transitions from this command, we also recognize the support and sacrifices made by his family, whose encouragement and unwavering commitment have undoubtedly contributed to his success. Public service is never undertaken alone, and their support deserves our sincere gratitude. Captain Tanaka is an incredible Navy officer and has done a phenomenal job serving our Nation. I will always treasure the times we had while traveling together during his time at Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 1st District of Virginia and the United States Congress, I extend my heartfelt congratulations and deepest appreciation to Captain Brian Tanaka for his exemplary service and leadership. I wish him continued success in the next chapter of his life and thank him for his enduring contributions to our Nation. ____________________