[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 23]
[Senate]
[Page 31863]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO CPT RANDALL L. ZELLER

  Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated 
patriot, sailor, husband and father, CPT Randel L. Zeller, USN. By the 
time the Congress reconvenes in January, Captain Zeller will have 
retired from active duty after 27 years in uniform with the U.S. Navy. 
CPT Randy Zeller has served the Navy and the Nation faithfully and well 
over these many years, most recently as the legislative director for 
the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
  Captain Zeller deserves our recognition and gratitude. He has been 
associated with the Congress in a variety of positions for over seven 
years. His career accomplishments reflect the type of military officer 
this Nation has depended upon for over 225 years, during peace and 
conflict. I would like to take a moment to highlight Captain Zeller's 
career.
  The son of a career Army soldier, Randy Zeller was born at Fort 
Belvoir, VA. Continuing this family tradition of service, Randy earned 
an appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, 
graduating in 1975 with a bachelor of science degree in marine 
engineering. Following commissioning, he completed the nuclear power 
training program and the Submarine Officer Basic Course.
  This promising young officer was assigned to four tours aboard 
nuclear attack submarines, one tour on an aircraft carrier, a tour as 
commander of the USS Gato (SSN 615) and, as commander of the Trident 
Submarine Refit Facility. His tours of duty have included assignments 
to the USS Groton (SSN 694) as Division Officer in 1977; Submarine 
Training Department Head and submarine tactics instructor at the Fleet 
Anti-Submarine Warfare Training Center Atlantic in Norfolk, Virginia, 
1980-1982; and, Chief engineer on the USS Phoenix (SSN 702), from 
February 1983-1985. In November 1985, he reported to Carrier Group Two 
(CCG-2) aboard the USS Coral Sea (CV-43), as a Tactical Action Officer 
and the Battle Force Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer. While assigned to 
CCG-2, he served on the Fleet Strike Warfare Commanders' staff during 
the surface action and contingency air strikes against Libya in 1986. 
In December 1987, he returned to the USS Groton as Executive Officer, 
serving until July 1990. During this tour, the USS Groton earned the 
COMSIXTHFLT ``Hook' em Award'' for anti-Submarine Warfare excellence 
and played a key role in contingency operations near Lebanon.
  Captain Zeller's first command was the USS Gato in March 1992. Not 
surprisingly, his ship executed several ``First of their kind'' 
missions, demonstrating the utility of the attack submarine in the post 
cold war era. For her service during the U.N. embargo of Haiti, USS 
Gato was awarded the Joint Meritorious Unit commendation. The USS Gato 
was also awarded the Navy Meritorious Unit commendation for exemplary 
performance from June 1993 to June 1994. In June 1994, Captain Zeller 
was the Naval Submarine League RADM Jack Darby national award recipient 
for inspirational leadership and excellence of command.
  After Captain Zeller left command in November 1994, he served in 
several important staff positions, during which he began his 
association with the congress. From January 1995 to March 1997 he 
served in the Department of the Navy's Office of Legislative Affairs in 
the Pentagon (OLA). At OLA he was instrumental in the Navy's successful 
effort to gain Congressional authorization for the third and final 
Seawolf class submarine, as well as the first ship of the Virginia 
Attack Submarine class. Recognizing his leadership talents and 
potential to assume greater responsibilities, Captain Zeller was 
selected to command the Trident Refit Facility (TRF), Kings Bay, 
Georgia, a 2000-man Fleet Maintenance Activity. During his tour, TRF 
was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation for outstanding Trident 
submarine maintenance performance. Following this highly successful 
command tour, Captain Zeller returned to service on the Secretary of 
the Navy's staff as the Deputy Chief of Legislative Affairs, from May 
1999 to June 2000. Captain Zeller was then selected to be the 
Legislative Director for the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 
During this tour of duty from June 2000 until his retirement, Captain 
Zeller served the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs and the Congress during 
an especially demanding time in U.S. history that included the attacks 
of September 11, 2001 on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and 
subsequent military operations in Afghanistan, Iraq, and elsewhere in 
the Global War on Terrorism. His important contributions were of great 
importance in keeping the Congress fully informed regarding worldwide 
military developments and requirements. Captain Zeller's timely, 
responsive support was critical to the success of global U.S. military 
efforts.
  A successful military career is not accomplished without dedication 
and sacrifice. Captain Zeller is fortunate to have the devoted support 
of his wife, the former Deborah Lee Chairman of Dayton, OH, and their 
two children Alexandra (11) and Nathaniel (8). For their support, 
service and sacrifice, they have my profound appreciation, and that of 
a grateful Nation.
  It is a great honor and personal privilege for me to recognize the 
exemplary service of CPT Randel L. Zeller and his family today. Their 
selfless service to country, to the Navy, to their community, and to 
family serve as an inspiration to those whose lives they have touched, 
and who now carry on the proud traditions of our Armed Forces. As the 
Zeller family moves into a new chapter in their lives as valued 
citizens of the Commonwealth of Virginia, I wish them the continued 
success and happiness they so richly deserve. May they always enjoy 
fair winds and following seas.

                          ____________________