[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 93 (Friday, June 29, 2001)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7187-S7188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RETIREMENT OF VICE ADMIRAL JAMES F. AMERAULT

  Mr. LOTT. Mr. President, it is with great pleasure that I rise to 
take this opportunity to recognize the exemplary service and career of 
an outstanding naval officer, Vice Admiral James F. Amerault, upon his 
retirement from the United States Navy at the conclusion of more than 
36 years of honorable and distinguished service. It is my privilege to 
commend him for outstanding service to the Navy and our great nation.
  Vice Admiral Amerault embarked on his naval career thirty-six years 
ago, on the 29th of June 1965. In the years since that day, he has 
devoted great energy and talent to the Navy and protecting our national 
security interests. It would be hard to calculate the innumerable hours 
this man has stood watch to keep our nation safe. He has been steadfast 
in his commitment to the ideals and values that our country embodies 
and holds dear.
  Following his commissioning at the United States Naval Academy, he 
embarked on the first of many ships that would benefit from his 
leadership and expertise. Vice Admiral Amerault served at-sea as 
Gunnery Officer and First Lieutenant on board USS Massey (DD 778). He 
then served as Officer in Charge, Patrol Craft Fast 52 in Vietnam, a 
challenging and dangerous assignment that kept him in harm's way. His 
courage and commitment to our nation was more than evident during these 
tumultuous years as he conducted more than 90 combat patrols in hostile 
waters off the coast of South Vietnam. One example of his valor and 
heroism is quoted from Commander Coastal Division Fourteen on 21 
December 1967, ``On the night of 4 August 1967 the patrol craft in the 
area adjacent to the one you were patrolling came under enemy fire. 
Disregarding your own safety, you directed your patrol craft to within 
300 yards of the beach and bombarded the enemy position with intense 
.50 caliber and 81mm mortar fire. During this exchange your patrol 
craft was narrowly missed by a barrage of recoilless rifle fire.'' 
Again, his valor and heroism was established early in his career. He 
was awarded a Bronze Star Medal with Combat V and the Navy Combat 
Action Ribbon for his service.
  Vice Admiral Amerault's follow-on sea tours demonstrated the tactical 
brilliance that would become his trademark. His next tour was on board 
USS Taylor (DD 468) as Engineer Officer.

[[Page S7188]]

During this tour he earned a coveted Shellback certificate for crossing 
the equator. He then reported as Chief Engineer on board USS Benner (DD 
801) where he earned his first of three Navy Commendation Medals.
  Several sea tours followed in steady progression. He was Executive 
Officer in USS Dupont (DD 941). He also was Executive Officer in USS 
Sierra (AD 18). He served as commissioning Commanding Officer of USS 
Nicholas (FFG 47) and Commanding Officer of USS Samuel Gompers (AD 37). 
It is difficult to convey the challenges and hardships that were faced 
by this officer and his family during these many and arduous sea tours.
  As Vice Admiral Amerault progressed in the Navy he served as Staff 
Combat Information Center Officer for Commander, Cruiser Destroyer 
Group TWO; and commanded Destroyer Squadron SIX, Amphibious Group FOUR, 
and the Western Hemisphere Group. Again, these were all difficult tours 
of tremendous responsibility that required an incredible commitment to 
duty and country.
  Vice Admiral Amerault's shore assignments have included Director, 
Navy Program Resource Appraisal Division and Executive Assistant to the 
Director, Surface Warfare Division on the staff of the Chief of Naval 
Operations.
  His flag assignments have included Director, Operations Division, 
Office of Budget and Reports, Navy Comptroller; Director, Office of 
Navy Budget; and Director, Fiscal Management Division in the office of 
the Chief of Naval Operations.
  His final tour in the Navy as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Fleet 
Readiness and Logistics) has demonstrated his brilliant logistics 
acumen. With dynamic leadership he has refocused the Navy's logistics 
systems to more accurately meet the needs of the war fighter and the 
Navy of the future.
  A scholar as well, VADM Amerault is a graduate of the Naval 
Postgraduate School (MS Operations Research) and the University of Utah 
(MA Middle East Affairs and Arabic), and was the Navy's 1986-87 Federal 
Executive Fellow at the RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California.
  As he ascended to the highest echelons of leadership in the Navy, 
Vice Admiral Amerault garnered many commendations that further 
highlight his stellar career. They include the Distinguished Service 
Medal; Legion of Merit (seven awards); the Bronze Star with V; the 
Meritorious Service Medal (two awards); the Joint Service Commendation 
Medal; the Navy Commendation Medal (three awards); and Vietnam, Desert 
Storm, and numerous other campaign medals.
  Vice Admiral Amerault also has the distinction of being the Navy's 
``Old Salt''--the active duty officer who has been qualified as an 
officer of the deck underway the longest.
  Standing beside this officer throughout his superb career has been 
his wife Cathy, a lady to whom he owes much. She has been his key 
supporter, devoting her life to her husband, to her family, and to the 
men and women of the Navy family. She has traveled by his side for 
these many years. They are the epitome of the Navy family team.
  From the start of his career at the Naval Academy, through Vietnam, 
the Gulf War, Kosovo and beyond--thirty-six years--Vice Admiral 
Amerault has served with uncommon valor. He is indeed an individual of 
rare character and professionalism--a true Sailor's Sailor! I am proud, 
Mr. President, to thank him on behalf of the United States of America 
for his honorable and most distinguished career in the United States 
Navy, and to wish him ``fair winds and following seas''.

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