[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 8]
[House]
[Page 11581]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




               IN HONOR OF ADMIRAL FRANK BENTON KELSO, II

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Tennessee (Mr. DesJarlais) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary 
life of Admiral Frank Benton Kelso, II, a great American and true son 
of Tennessee. On Sunday, June 23, Tennessee's Fourth Congressional 
District and our country lost this great American hero.
  To describe Admiral Kelso as honorable, principled, and dedicated 
would be insufficient. His achievements and individual character are 
matched only by his patriotism and love of country.
  Admiral Kelso's 79-year life included a gallant and decorated 42-year 
career in the United States Navy.
  Admiral Kelso graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1956 and began 
his illustrious career in the Navy by joining the nuclear submarine 
program, where he would later command two nuclear submarines.
  In 1986, the Admiral commanded the Atlantic Fleet, planning military 
actions against Libya that significantly curbed Muammar Qadhafi's 
terrorist activities.
  In 1990, he earned the position of Chief of Naval Operations, the 
Navy's top uniformed officer. During this time, he successfully led 
naval operations in the Persian Gulf War.
  In addition to his distinguished naval career, Admiral Kelso was a 
family man. He was happily married to Landess McCown Kelso for 56 years 
until she passed away last year. Together, they had four children and 
eight grandchildren.
  He retired from the Navy in 1994, and in 2003 he returned to his 
hometown of Fayetteville, Tennessee, where he would spend the last 10 
years of his life. These years were filled with love for his family and 
friends and service to his community.
  I believe that there is no greater example of commitment to one's 
country than the life of Admiral Frank Kelso. His legacy of integrity 
and courage truly exemplify the best of the United States Navy. To 
quote the celebrated song of our Navy, ``Here's wishing you a happy 
voyage home.''

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