[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 17, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1616]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO ADM. RONALD J. ``ZAP'' ZLATOPER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 17, 1996

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a truly 
outstanding naval officer, Adm. Ronald J. ``Zap'' Zlatoper, who will 
soon be completing his assignment as the 27th Commander in Chief of our 
U.S. Pacific Fleet and retiring from active naval service. It is a 
pleasure for me to recognize a few of his many outstanding 
achievements.
  A native of Cleveland, OH, Admiral Zlatoper was commissioned in 1963 
through the naval ROTC program at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 
Troy, NY. He was assigned to Attack Squadron 65 from 1965 to 1968, 
where he flew the A-6 Intruder on combat missions over North Vietnam. 
In subsequent assignments, he served in Attack Squadron 42 and Attack 
Squadron 34. In 1978 he served as executive officer and then commanding 
officer of Attack Squadron 85.
  In senior operational assignments during the 1980's, Admiral Zlatoper 
commanded Carrier Air Wing 1 aboard U.S.S. America (CV-66), served as 
senior Air Wing Commander of Carrier Air Wing 15 in U.S.S. Carl Vinson 
(CVN-70) and was chief of staff to commander Seventh Fleet aboard 
U.S.S. Blue Ridge (LCC-19).
  After selection for rear admiral in 1988, he was assigned to the 
staff of the Chief of Naval Personnel. In July 1990 he took command of 
Carrier Group Seven, homeported in San Diego. Five months later, 
commanding the eight ships of the U.S.S. Ranger (CV-61) battle group, 
he deployed to the Arabian Gulf for operations Desert Shield and Desert 
Storm. Under his leadership, the battle group executed the first cruise 
missile and aircraft attacks on Iraqi forces. As the antisurface 
warfare commander, he was responsible for the destruction of the Iraqi 
Navy, receiving the Distinguished Service Medal for his 
accomplishments.
  In 1991 Admiral Zlatoper was promoted to vice admiral. He became the 
Chief of Naval Personnel and Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for 
Manpower and Personnel. In 1994 he was promoted to admiral, and he was 
assigned as Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Admiral Zlatoper 
brilliantly led naval forces in the Pacific. Admiral Zlatoper's genuine 
concern for the quality of life of sailors and their families was 
evident in notable improvements in their working and living conditions 
throughout the Pacific.
  During his stellar naval career, Admiral Zlatoper has been awarded 
over 20 personal decorations including the Defense Distinguished 
Service Medal; Navy Distinguished Service Medal; Legion of Merit; 
Distinguished Flying Cross; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal; and 
Navy Commendation Medal (with Combat ``V''); plus various campaign and 
unit awards.
  Admiral Zlatoper, his wife Barry, and their two children Ashley and 
Michael, have made many sacrifices during his 33-year naval career. 
``Zap'' Zlatoper is a tremendous credit to the U.S. Navy and the 
country he so proudly serves. As he now prepares to embark on a second 
successful career, I call upon my colleagues to wish him every success 
as well as fair winds and following seas.

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