[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 24 (Tuesday, March 8, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: March 8, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
    FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS FOR VICE ADM. ANTHONY A. LESS, USN

                                 ______


                          HON. OWEN B. PICKETT

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 8, 1994

  Mr. PICKETT. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that Vice Adm. 
Tony Less will be retiring from the Navy after some 35 years of 
honorable and distinguished service.
  He has most recently served in the Tidewater area as the commander of 
the Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet. In this capacity, he has exercised 
type command of all Atlantic Fleet aircraft carriers and naval aircraft 
squadrons, many of which are currently, and or were formerly deployed, 
in support of operations Deny Flight in the Adriatic Sea, Provide 
Promise in Somalia, Provide Comfort in Bosnia, and Restore Hope in 
Haiti.
  His previous sea assignments have included command of Attack Squadron 
12, Carrier Air Wing 9, U.S.S. Wichita [AOR-1]. U.S.S. Ranger [CV-61], 
Carrier Group 1, Joint Task Force Middle East and Middle East Force, 
and duty as chief of staff to the commander of the U.S. 7th Fleet.
  Vice Admiral Less' shore assignments have included command of the 
Navy's Blue Angles Flight Demonstration Squadron, deputy director for 
politics-military affairs in the strategic plans and policy directorate 
of the Joint Staff in Washington, DC, assistant and later acting deputy 
chief of naval operations (plans, policy and operations) and finally, 
his current assignment in Norfolk, VA. For his exemplary and dedicated 
service, he has been awarded the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, 
Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medial--with oak 
leaf cluster in lieu of second award, Legion of Merit--with gold star 
in lieu of second award, Air Medal with 10 strike/flight awards and the 
Navy Commendation Medal with combat ``V'', in addition to numerous unit 
and campaign awards.
  While Vice Admiral Less is widely acknowledged as a leader and 
visionary in naval aviation, his assistance in promoting effective 
communications and harmonious working relations between the Navy and 
the Hampton Roads community has been equally recognized and appreciated 
by all who have come to know him.
  A man of Admiral Less' talent and integrity is rare indeed, and while 
his honorable service will be genuinely missed, it gives me great 
pleasure to recognize him before my colleagues and to with him and his 
family every success as he brings to a close a long and distinguished 
career in the U.S. Navy.

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