[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 53 (Thursday, May 5, 1994)]
[Senate]
[Page S]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: May 5, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
               RETIREMENT OF VICE ADM. STEPHEN F. LOFTUS

  Mr. INOUYE. Mr. President, on May 1, of this year, our Navy, the 
Congress, and the Nation lost the services of a dedicated officer, 
public servant, and naval aviator. On this day, Vice Adm. Stephen F. 
Loftus will retire from the Navy where he is serving as the Deputy 
Chief of Naval Operations--Logistics--after 37 years of faithful 
service to our country.
  Vice Admiral Loftus was designated a naval flight officer in 1957, 
and has performed in a consistently outstanding manner under the most 
challenging circumstances. His early assignments included a variety of 
staff, operational, and combat duties, which led to his command of 
Patrol Squadron 45 in 1976.
  Vice Admiral Loftus has served in numerous Washington tours on the 
staff of the Chief of Naval Operations and as the executive assistant 
and naval aide to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial 
Management. In 1981, Vice Admiral Loftus assumed command of U.S. Naval 
Air Station Bermuda/Commander Task Group 24.3. Returning again to 
Washington he served as the Assistant Director of Budget and Reports in 
the Office of the Comptroller of the Navy.
  Following his promotion to flag rank in 1984, Vice Admiral Loftus 
served as Deputy Commander/Comptroller of the Naval Sea Systems 
Command, and as inspector general.
  In August 1986, Vice Admiral Loftus assumed command of Commander, 
Fleet Air Mediterranean, with additional duty as Commander, Maritime 
Air Forces Mediterranean. In 1987 he returned to Washington as Director 
of Office of Budget and Reports for the Department of the Navy. In 
1989, he was assigned as the Director, Office of Program and Appraisal, 
Office of the Secretary of the Navy.
  During these 37 years, Vice Admiral Loftus has received numerous 
personal awards and decorations which include the Distinguished Service 
Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the 
Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (three 
strike/flight awards), the Navy Achievement Medal, Vietnam Service 
Medal (with four bronze stars), the Vietnam Cross for Gallantry with 
Palm as well as various campaign and unit awards.
  The Department of the Navy, the Congress, and the American people 
have been defended and well served by this dedicated naval officer for 
over 37 years. Vice Adm. Stephen Loftus will long be remembered for his 
leadership, service, and dedication. He will be missed, and we wish 
Steve and his lovely wife, Martha, our very best as they begin a new 
chapter in their life together.

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