FEDERALcongressional record

Congressional Recognition of Alan Black's Retirement

Original title: HONORING ALAN BLACK

May 14, 2026

retirement public service military naval research

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The Frame

What this does

This document serves as an official congressional record of the retirement of a long-term federal employee who managed communications for a $1.4 billion naval research command.

Who is mentioned in the record

Potentially affected actors named in the source documents. Mention is not a position.

Alan Black

He is the subject of the retirement recognition.

Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division

The organization is losing its Director of Strategic Communication and Public Affairs.

What changed

Last recorded activity May 14, 2026.

What's next

Next step not available in the current record.

Summary

Representative Robert J. Wittman formally recognized Alan Black for his over 40 years of public service in the U.S. Air Force and the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division. The statement highlights Black's career in military public affairs and his leadership roles in strategic communication.

Key Facts

Alan Black is retiring after more than 40 years of public service.
Black served 20 years on active duty in the United States Air Force.
Black led public affairs operations during Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Noble Eagle.
Black supported humanitarian relief communications for the Haiti earthquake, Hurricane Katrina, and the East Asia tsunami.
Black joined the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) in 2015.
NSWCDD is a $1.4 billion research and development command.
Black served as the Director of Strategic Communication and Public Affairs at NSWCDD.
Black's responsibilities at NSWCDD included media relations, legislative relations, branding strategy, and STEM outreach.

Why It Matters

This document serves as an official congressional record of the retirement of a long-term federal employee who managed communications for a $1.4 billion naval research command.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division?

It is a $1.4 billion research and development command focused on naval surface warfare, cyberspace defense, and emerging technologies.

What was Alan Black's role in the military?

He served 20 years on active duty in the U.S. Air Force, leading public affairs operations for several major military operations and humanitarian relief efforts.

News Coverage

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Connected Entities

organizationNaval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division“A $1.4 billion research and development command where Black served.”Map →

personRobert J. Wittman“U.S. Representative from Virginia who introduced the remarks.”Map →

personAlan Black“Retiring Director of Strategic Communication and Public Affairs at NSWCDD.”Map →

organizationUnited States Air Force“Branch where Black served for 20 years on active duty.”Map →

Sources

Open source document

www.govinfo.gov

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