[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 148 (Wednesday, November 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: November 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                  TRIBUTE TO REAR ADM. JOHN T. NATTER

                                 ______


                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 1994

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Rear 
Adm. John T. Natter, U.S. Navy, Deputy Director of the U.S. Naval 
Reserve, who has served our Nation and Navy so well over his 32\1/2\-
year career and most recently on active duty in Washington. 
Unfortunately, Rear Admiral Natter will be leaving active duty in 
December to return to his law practice and the Naval Reserves in 
Birmingham, AL.
  Born in New York, and raised in Trussville, AL, Jack Natter was one 
of nine children, seven boys and two girls. Over the course of the 
years, the seven sons all joined the military as six naval officers and 
one Air Force officer. Next year, one of Jack Natter's three daughters, 
Beth, currently a senior at Boston College, will be commissioned an 
ensign in the Navy Nurse Corps. I have had the pleasure to know the 
Natter family for nearly 10 years and have personally worked with 
Admiral Natter on a variety of important issues affecting the Naval 
Reserve.
  Admiral Natter attended the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis and was 
commissioned an ensign in 1962. After 6 years of active duty aboard 
ships and in the Special Warfare Command on the West Coast, Western 
Pacific, and Vietnam, Admiral Natter returned to Alabama and received a 
law degree from Samford University in 1973. Upon his termination of 
active duty he remained in the Naval Reserve. Admiral Natter's previous 
significant Reserve assignments include commander, Naval Reserve 
Readiness Command, New Orleans; commander, Naval Inshore Undersea 
Warfare Group Two; and inspector general, Naval Reserve Readiness 
Command.
  He practiced law in Birmingham until 1992, at which time he was 
recalled to active duty in his current job as the deputy director of 
the Naval Reserve. In this capacity he was responsible for formulating 
policy relating to the training and readiness of 113,000 Naval 
Reservists, along with programming and executing an annual budget of 
$3.2 billion. His truly exceptional skills in management and personnel 
policy have been the cornerstone in the consistently strong performance 
of our Naval Reserve programs. His insightful leadership and visionary 
approach during a period of unprecedented change within the Navy and 
its Reserve component have actively promoted the Total Force Concept 
within that great service.
  Admiral Natter chaired a key committee for the Assistant Secretary of 
Defense for Reserve Affairs. The committee conducted a Naval Reserve 
roles and mission study which established the foundation for broadening 
the opportunities for new and expanded roles and missions for the Naval 
Reserve. Admiral Natter was also responsible for developing annual and 
highly successful Total Force Wargames. These wargames addressed the 
integration and employment of the Naval Reserve with their active duty 
counterparts in time of crisis.
  A driving force in the effort to increase the professionalism of the 
Naval Reserve Officer Corps, Admiral Natter directed the development 
and expansion of the Naval Reserve Advance Management Seminar. This 
program is recognized throughout the Naval Reserve as a key element in 
the professional growth and development of Naval Reserve Officers. 
Admiral Natter was also responsible for the development and 
implementation of the Naval Reserve Training Plans which, under his 
superb leadership, have provided the Naval Reserve with a comprehensive 
foundation for identifying all training requirements.
  Admiral Natter's decorations include the Legion of Merit with a gold 
star, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, and 
various unit and campaign medals. He is a dynamic and resourceful naval 
officer who throughout his tenure has proven to be an indispensable 
asset to our Nation and Navy. His superior contributions and 
distinguished service will have long-term benefits for the U.S. Navy 
and the Naval Reserve. As Admiral Natter returns to Birmingham with his 
lovely wife Nancy, our Nation and Navy owe him a debt of gratitude for 
his superb service. Members of Congress, our Nation and our Navy will 
certainly miss him. I wish him fair winds and following seas as he 
concludes his distinguished career.

                          ____________________