TRIBUTE TO REAR ADMIRAL WILLIAM G. TIMME
______
HON. JAMES P. MORAN
of Virginia
in the House of Representatives
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rear Admiral
William G. Timme on the occasion of his retirement from the United
States Navy on November 30, 2006, a service he entered as a Midshipman
at the Naval Academy in 1974.
Over the past four years, Admiral Timme has performed superbly as the
Naval Sea Systems Command’s Deputy Commander for Undersea Warfare. His
energy, drive, leadership, keen understanding of national goals,
objectives, and priorities, and ability to develop innovative
approaches has left an exceptionally positive impact across the
Undersea Warfare enterprise.
Admiral Timme’s personal efforts have successfully steered the
Undersea Warfare directorate through trying workforce downsizing
initiatives, delivered significant cost savings, and improved submarine
maintenance planning. Most importantly, he directly supported key Team
Submarine strategic goals in maximizing operational days for submarines
and deep submergence vehicles, improvement of modernization fits,
optimization of submarine fleet engagements, and preparation of
personnel to meet future technical and management challenges.
Admiral Timme has worked closely with senior shipyard personnel to
develop process changes that have resulted in reduced costs and
increased efficiency at our nation’s public and private shipyards.
These include major initiatives in coordinating work across the Naval
Shipyards and strengthening vital areas such as the innovative One
Shipyard concept.
After the USS San Francisco grounding incident in January 2005,
Admiral Timme developed the repair and transit procedures that directly
help save this high value, and operationally critical platform for the
Navy. Additionally, in his role as submarine safety certifying
official, he has presided over the certification process for sea trials
and unrestricted operations of over 47 submarines and manned
submersibles.
The son of a career military officer, Admiral Timme attended Rutgers
University for 1 year prior to entering the Naval Academy in 1974,
graduating with distinction in 1978 with a degree in mechanical
engineering. Following commissioning and completion of nuclear power
school and basic submarine training, Admiral Timme reported to USS
Archerfish. He served as Reactor Controls Assistant and Weapons
Officer, completing three deployments. In March 1983, Admiral Timme was
assigned to the Personnel Exchange Program with the Royal Navy in the
United Kingdom. He served on the staff of Flag Officer Submarines at
the Commander-in-Chief Fleet Headquarters in Northwood, England.
Admiral Timme completed Submarine Officers Advanced Course in October
1985, earning the L. Y. Spear Award as class honorman. He then reported
as new construction Engineer Officer on the PCU Tennessee, where the
ship earned the Navy Unit Commendation during the shipyard construction
period.
Later, Admiral Timme served at the Bureau of Naval Personnel in
Washington, D.C., as the submarine department head detailer. During
this tour he earned a masters degree in Engineering Management from The
Catholic University. He relieved as Executive Officer of USS Chicago in
April 1991, earning the Battle Efficiency “E” award. Subsequently, he
served
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as Flag Secretary and Senior Aide to Commander Submarine Force, U.S.
Pacific Fleet.
In March 1995, Admiral Timme relieved as Commanding Officer, USS
Helena and conducted two western Pacific deployments, which included
numerous exercises and operations, including supporting the USS
Constellation Battle Group. Subsequently, USS Helena conducted an
interfleet transfer and began a Depot Modernization Period at
Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. In May 1998, he reported to the New Attack
Submarine Program as the Warfare Requirements and Fleet Liaison
Officer. In June 2000, Admiral Timme relieved as the Program Manager
for Undersea Weapons, responsible for all of the Navy’s torpedo
programs.
Admiral Timme’s awards include the Legion of Merit Medal, Meritorious
Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and
several unit and service awards.
The Department of the Navy, the Congress, and the American people
have been well served by this dedicated naval officer. Admiral Timme’s
professionalism, superior technical and managerial expertise and
determination to support the Fleet are unrivaled. He has been
instrumental in ensuring that the U.S. submarine force is, and will
remain, the world’s most preeminent in the 21st century. He leaves an
enduring legacy.
Mr. Speaker, I am honored to rise today to express appreciation to
Admiral Timme for his outstanding service to the nation. I also want to
recognize and thank his wife Suzette and his daughters Savannah and
Morgan for their loyalty and support. No one in our armed serves can do
their job without the love and understanding of their loved ones. They
have shared equally in all of Admiral Timme’s success. On behalf of the
citizens of Virginia’s 8th district, I would like to thank Admiral
Timme for his steadfast service to his country over his illustrious 28-
year career and wish him and his family fair winds and following seas
in his retirement.