[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 96 (Wednesday, June 26, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S7059]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          ADM. J. PAUL REASON

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I am pleased to welcome the return of a 
senior Navy constituent to Virginia. Last week, the Senate confirmed 
the promotion of Vice Adm. J. Paul Reason to full admiral, and he will 
be assigned as commander in chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk. He 
will relieve Adm. Bud Flanagan, who is a respected friend to many in 
this Chamber.
  Admiral Reason is the first African-American to receive a promotion 
to four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy's history. He has had a 
spectacular career, beginning with graduation from the Naval Academy in 
1965. Subsequently, he was trained in nuclear propulsion engineering, 
and served three sea duty tours aboard nuclear-powered ships. Along the 
way, he also managed to earn a master's degree in computer systems 
management.
  From 1976 until mid-1979, he served as naval aide to President Jimmy 
Carter--another nuclear-trained, Naval Academy graduate--and then was 
executive officer of U.S.S. Mississippi (CGN-40). He had command of two 
combatants, U.S.S. Coontz (DDG-40) and U.S.S. Bainbridge (CGN-25). 
After selection for flag rank, he was commander, Naval Base Seattle and 
later, commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 1. After promotion to vice 
admiral, Paul was assigned as commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. 
Atlantic Fleet, in Norfolk. He was assigned as deputy chief of naval 
operations--plans, policy, and operations--his current assignment, in 
August 1994. (I include his attached biography for the record.)
  The selection of Paul Reason to command the Atlantic Fleet is an 
inspired decision. I have known of him over the years, and I am 
confident that he will be a superb CINCLANTFLT. I congratulate Admiral 
Reason and his wife, Dianne, and I look forward to working with him for 
years to come.

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