Senator Collins Hosts Promotion Ceremony in U.S. Capitol for Lewiston Native and Naval Academy Professor

Click HERE for a high-resolution photo of Senator Collins with Commander Berube and his wife, Kristin Berube, on the Speaker’s Balcony

Click HERE for video of Senator Collins speaking at Commander Berube’s promotion ceremony.  Click HERE to download video.

Click HERE to watch Senator Collins administer the oath of office.  Click HERE to download the video.

Click HERE for video of Commander Berube speaking at his promotion ceremony.  Click HERE to download video.

Washington, D.C.—At a ceremony in the U.S. Capitol today, Lt. Commander Claude Berube, a native of Lewiston, was promoted to the rank of Commander.  U.S. Senator Susan Collins delivered remarks and administered the oath of office to Commander Berube, who previously served as a member of her staff.

“This son of the great State of Maine is a dedicated officer and a patriot,” said Senator Collins.  “In addition to his work as a national security fellow in the Senate and at the United States Naval Academy, he has served on active duty assignments in Europe and the Persian Gulf.  As a historian and author, he enlightens us on both our nation’s inspiring naval traditions and the challenges of today and the future.”

“There are two reasons why I asked to do this here [in the Capitol] today,” said Commander Berube.  “The first is because, almost 29 years ago, I came to the Senate for the first time to work for my first Senator to work for a couple of years as a [Legislative Correspondent].  And then I had an incredible opportunity in 2004 to work for [Senator Collins]…I have to thank you for what you do every day for the state and for the people of the country and for what you did for me when I was here in 2004.”

Commander Berube is currently a history professor at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis.  He has authored five books, with a sixth book due to be published next year.  In addition, he served on active duty assignments in Europe and the Persian Gulf, and he worked as a member of Senator Collins’ staff shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. 

Commander Berube’s mother, Georgette, was the longest-serving woman in the Maine legislature, and his father, Gerard, served in World War II.