[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 171 (Monday, December 31, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2021]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN HONOR OF COMMANDER HALSEY ``BULL'' KEATS

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 31, 2012

  Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Commander Halsey 
``Bull'' Keats upon his retirement from the United States Navy, where 
he served 20 years. CDR Keats completed four deployments throughout the 
world which have included ports in over 12 countries. During Enduring 
Freedom, he was the only Lieutenant Commander who stood in the ship's 
Captain during combat flight operations, and during Operation Iraqi 
Freedom he was selected to lead the first ever deployment of the Real-
Time Sensor Data Link ground station to Camp Victory, Baghdad, Iraq 
providing the Commanding General tactical control over the Surveillance 
System Upgrade S-3 which boasted a streaming video capability.
  CDR Keats was selected as the Naval Flight Officer of the Year in 
1997. In 2004 he graduated from the Operational Planners Course with 
distinction at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island. He has 
logged over 2,000 flight hours. For his exemplary service CDR Keats has 
received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Meritorious 
Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps 
Achievement Medal, in addition to numerous unit commendations.
  His final tour was Chief, Special Activity plans at U.S. Central 
Command Operations Directorate from July 2010 through his retirement on 
1 April 2013.
  Mr. Speaker, Commander Keats exemplifies all of the best qualities of 
a United States Naval Flight Officer. We have known each other for over 
thirty years. We worked together as young men back in Bucks County, 
Pennsylvania where his parents still do reside. Cmmdr. Keats is an 
outstanding husband and father and he has served his Nation with 
distinction.
  I am honored to be able to stand here today and recognize him for his 
many years of service.

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