[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2015-E2016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO RETIRED REAR ADMIRAL JAMES LLOYD ABBOT, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JO BONNER

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 31, 2012

  Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the devoted service 
and the remarkable life of an American patriot and a great Alabamian, 
retired Rear Admiral James Lloyd Abbot, Jr., who passed away on August 
10, 2012, at the age of 94.
  A distinguished World War II veteran, a much-decorated Naval officer 
and leader in American exploration of Antarctica, James Lloyd Abbot, 
Jr., was born in Mobile on June 26, 1918. He attended Murphy High 
School, Spring Hill College and the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated 
and was commissioned Ensign on June 1, 1939.
  In 1939, he first reported for duty aboard the aircraft carrier USS 
Enterprise (CV-6), later transferring to the destroyer USS Gilmer (DD-
233). In 1943, he assumed command of Scouting Squadron 66 and was 
awarded the Air Medal for meritorious achievement in action against 
enemy Japanese forces in the vicinity of the Gilbert and Marshall 
Islands from November 1943 through January 1944.
  In May 1961, he became Commanding Officer of the USS Intrepid (CVA-
11), which, under his command, won the Air Force, Atlantic Fleet Battle 
Efficiency Pennant for the fiscal year 1962. Under his command, the USS 
Intrepid was the recovery ship for Astronaut Scott Carpenter after his 
3-orbit flight in May 1962.
  In February 1967, shortly before advancing in rank to Rear Admiral, 
he assumed command of the U.S. Naval Support Force, Antarctica; charged 
with the responsibility of insuring the success and safety of all 
United

[[Page E2016]]

States operations on that continent. Under his command the first 
oceanographic study was conducted far into the ice-covered Weddell Sea. 
Furthermore, Palmer Station, which was successfully completed and 
opened by Rear Admiral Abbot on schedule in 1968, was the first 
permanent United States presence in the Antarctica Peninsula. The Abbot 
Ice Shelf in Antarctica was named in his honor.
  His exemplary service, spanning nearly four decades, garnered him 
many medals commendations. In addition to the Legion of Merit with Gold 
Star, the Air Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal, Rear Admiral Abbot 
was awarded the American Defense Service Medal; American Campaign 
Medal; Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal; World War II Victory Medal; Navy 
Occupation Service Medal, Europe Clasp; the National Defense Service 
Medal with bronze star; and the Antarctica Service Medal.
  After his retirement from the Navy in 1974, he returned to an active 
life in Mobile where he was a member of the USS Alabama Battleship 
Commission and Foundation and served on the Mobile Area Chamber of 
Commerce. In 2011, Rear Admiral Abbot was named Patriot of the Year by 
the Mobile Bay Area Veterans Day Commission. He was also the first 
inductee into the Murphy High School Hall of Fame.
  On behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to extend condolences to 
his sons, Retired U.S. Navy Captain J. Lloyd Abbot III, and retired 
U.S. Navy Admiral Steve Abbot, his five grandchildren, extended family 
and many friends. We will be forever indebted to his exemplary devotion 
to and service of our nation.

                          ____________________