[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 123 (Tuesday, September 10, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Pages S10205-S10206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




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

 Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, 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 chose to join 
the maritime patrol forces flying the new P-3 Orion. Excelling in 
flight training, he graduated No. 1 in his class, and was named the 
outstanding student. Admiral Hall continued to distinguish himself 
throughout his flying career amassing almost 5,000 pilot hours.
  His initial fleet assignment was with Patrol Squadron 8, 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 23, completion of the command 
and staff course at the Naval War College, graduating with distinction, 
and assignment to the Bureau of Naval Personnel, were his billets 
included aviation staffs placement officer, head of air combat 
placement, and assistant head of aviation junior officer 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, leading the Naval Reserve Force through its largest drawdown, 
while maintaining readiness and significantly increasing reserve 
contributory support to the fleet. Under Admiral Hall's leadership, the 
total force policy became a reality--Regular Navy and Naval Reservists 
working side-by-side, in operations worldwide, meeting the Navy's 
forward presence requirements.
  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 
executives program. In July 1992, Admiral Hall was awarded the 
Icelandic Order of the Falcon, Commander's Cross with star, by the 
President of Iceland.

[[Page S10206]]

  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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