Political Quotes

“I am pleased to welcome the return of a senior Navy constituent to Virginia. Last week, the Senate confirmed the promotion of Vice Adm. J. Paul Reason to full admiral, and he will be assigned as commander in chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk. He will relieve Adm. Bud Flanagan, who is a respected friend to many in this Chamber. Admiral Reason is the first African-American to receive a promotion to four-star admiral in the U.S. Navy's history. He has had a spectacular career, beginning with graduation from the Naval Academy in 1965. Subsequently, he was trained in nuclear propulsion engineering, and served three sea duty tours aboard nuclear-powered ships. Along the way, he also managed to earn a master's degree in computer systems management. From 1976 until mid-1979, he served as naval aide to President Jimmy Carter--another nuclear-trained, Naval Academy graduate--and then was executive officer of U.S.S. Mississippi (CGN-40). He had command of two combatants, U.S.S. Coontz (DDG-40) and U.S.S. Bainbridge (CGN-25). After selection for flag rank, he was commander, Naval Base Seattle and later, commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Group 1. After promotion to vice admiral, Paul was assigned as commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, in Norfolk. He was assigned as deputy chief of naval operations--plans, policy, and operations--his current assignment, in August 1994.”