[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 51 (Monday, March 20, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Page S4205]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                TRIBUTE TO REAR ADM. RICHARD G. KIRKLAND

 Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise to recognize the dedication, 
public service, and patriotism of Rear Adm. Richard G. Kirkland, U.S. 
Navy, on the occasion of his retirement after 26 years of faithful 
service to our Nation. Admiral Kirkland's strong commitment to 
excellence will leave a lasting impact on the vitality of our modern 
warfighters, commanding admiration and respect from his military 
colleagues and Members of Congress.
  Rear Admiral Kirkland was born August 17, 1947, in Coronado, CA. He 
graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1969 with a bachelor of 
science degree and earned a master of science in aeronautical systems 
engineering from the University of West Florida.
  Rear Admiral Kirkland's first duty assignment was Patrol Squadron 56 
(VP-56) from June 1971 through May 1974. He then was attached to Air 
Test and Evaluation Squadron 1 (VX-1) as operations test director, 
Harpoon weapons system from June 1974 through May 1977. In August 1977, 
he reported to U.S.S. Constellation (CV-64) for duty as assistant 
navigator. During this tour, the ship deployed twice to the Western 
Pacific and was the first carrier to deploy into the Indian Ocean. 
While on
 board, he qualified and was designated as surface warfare officer. He 
then went to the Naval Military Personnel Command [NMPC] as VP sea duty 
detailer and sea duty coordinator from May 1979 to January 1981. His 
next assignment was with the Pelicans of Patrol Squadron 45 (VP-45) as 
operations officer from June 1981 until April 1983. He was then 
assigned to Patrol Wing 11 as operations officer between April 1983 and 
April 1984. He was selected to serve with the Mad Foxes of VP-5 as 
executive officer from May 1984 until June 1985. Subsequently, he took 
command of Patrol Squadron 5 (VP-5) from July 1985 through September 
1986. He returned to serve a second tour at NMPC as the assistant 
aviation commander detailer from September 1986 until March 1988. He 
then was assigned command of Patrol Squadron 30 (VP-30) from April 1988 
through July 1989. After completion of this command tour, he was 
selected as a CNO Fellow and served as a member of the Strategic 
Studies Group IX from August 1989 to July 1990 which marked his third 
tour outside the VP community. Upon completion of this tour, he was 
assigned as Commander, Patrol Wing 11 from July 1990 until April 1992. 
He served as director, Navy/Marine Corps Senate liaison office from 
April 1992 to December 1993 before assuming his present position.

  Rear Admiral Kirkland's awards include the Legion of Merit, 
Meritorious Service Medal with three gold stars, and numerous other 
unit awards and personal decorations.
  Our Nation, the U.S. Navy, his children Keith, Heather, and Ryan, can 
truly be proud of the Admiral's many accomplishments. A man of his 
extraordinary talent and integrity is rare indeed. While his honorable 
service will be genuinely missed in the Department of Defense, it gives 
me great pleasure to recognize Rear Admiral Kirkland before my 
colleagues and wish him all of our best wishes in his new and exciting 
career.


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