[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 10, 1996)]
[House]
[Page H10167]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RETIREMENT OF REAR ADMIRAL THOMAS F. HALL, U.S. NAVY, CHIEF OF NAVAL 
                                RESERVE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Mississippi [Mr. Montgomery] is recognized for 5 
minutes.
  Mr. MONTGOMERY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 
dedication, public service, and patriotism of Rear Adm. Thomas F. Hall, 
U.S. Navy, Chief of Naval Reserve. Admiral Hall retires from the Navy 
on October 1, after a distinguished 37-year career of service to our 
Nation.
  A native of Barnsdall, OK, Admiral Hall reported to the U.S. Naval 
Academy in 1959, graduated in 1963 and was designated a Naval Aviator 
in 1964. After earning his wings of gold, Admiral Hall joined the 
maritime patrol forces flying the new P-3 Orion. During flight 
training, he was named the outstanding student, and graduated No. 1 in 
his class. Admiral Hall continued to distinguish himself throughout his 
flying career amassing almost 5,000 pilot hours.
  His initial fleet assignment was with Patrol Squadron Eight, flying 
combat missions in Southeast Asia. Subsequent tours included the U.S. 
Naval Academy, as a company officer and executive assistant to the 
commandant of midshipmen, Patrol Squadron Twenty-Three, completion of 
the command and staff course at the Naval War College, graduating with 
distinction, and assignment to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, where his 
billets included aviation staffs placement officer, head of air combat 
assignment. Admiral Hall returned to VP-8 as executive officer and then 
assumed duties as commanding officer. Admiral Hall also completed the 
course of instruction at the National War College, again graduating 
with distinction, and served on the staff of the Chief of Naval 
Operations where he served as head of the program objective memorandum 
development section, as chief of staff to Commander Fleet Air Keflavik, 
and as a fellow to the CNO's strategic studies group. In addition to 
command of VP-8, Admiral Hall has also served in command of Naval Air 
Station Bermuda, the Icelandic defense forces, and most recently, 
command of the Naval Reserve.
  Since September 1992, Admiral Hall has been the Chief of Naval 
Reserve, guiding the Naval Reserve force through its largest drawdown, 
while maintaining readiness and significantly increasing contributory 
support to the fleet. Under Admiral Hall's leadership, the total force 
policy was realized--Regular Navy and Navy Reservists working side-by-
side, meeting forward presence requirements in operations worldwide.
  In August 1989, Admiral Hall was promoted to rear admiral (lower 
half) and in July 1992 to his present rank of rear admiral (upper 
half). Admiral Hall wears the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of 
Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, and 
various unit and campaign awards, holds a masters degree in management 
from George Washington University and attended Harvard University 
senior executive program. In July 1992, Admiral Hall was awarded the 
Icelandic Order of the Falcon, Commander's Cross with Star, by the 
President of Iceland.
  Our Nation, his wife Barbara, and his son Tom, can be immensely proud 
of the admiral's long and distinguished career and his service to our 
country. I wish Admiral Hall and his family best wishes in his 
retirement.

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