Tribute to Captain Randall L. Zeller

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.