Admiral J. Paul Reason, USN
Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
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Here to read Admiral Reason's article in
"Sea Power"
April 1, 1999
Admiral Paul Reason was born and reared in
Washington, D.C. His naval service began after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy with
the Class of 1965. Prior to being trained in
nuclear propulsion engineering, he served as Operations Officer in the destroyer escort
USS J. D. BLACKWOOD (DE 219). Upon completion of training, he was assigned duties in the
nuclear powered guided missile cruiser USS TRUXTUN (CGN 35) and participated in the ship's
first deployment to Southeast Asia in 1968. In 1970, he earned a Master's degree in the
management of computer systems.
Joining the nuclear powered aircraft carrier USS ENTERPRISE
(CVN 65) in 1971, he deployed twice to the Southeast Asia and Indian Ocean areas. After
service as Combat Systems Officer, again in USS TRUXTUN, Admiral Reason became an
assignment officer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel.
In late 1976, he was assigned as Naval Aide to the President
of the United States. He served as aide to President Jimmy Carter until mid-1979.
Subsequent duties included Executive Officer of USS MISSISSIPPI (CGN 40); Commanding
Officer of USS COONTZ (DDG 40); and Commanding Officer of the nuclear powered guided
missile cruiser USS BAINBRIDGE (CGN 25).
From 1986 through 1988, he was Commander, Naval Base Seattle,
where he was responsible for all naval activities in Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. In
mid-1988, Admiral Reason shifted to command of Cruiser-Destroyer Group One. Concurrently,
he led Battle Group Romeo through operations in the Pacific and Indian Ocean regions and
the Persian Gulf. Admiral Reason reported as Commander, Naval Surface Force, U.S. Atlantic
Fleet, following selection to three-star rank. He served in that capacity until assigned
as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Plans, Policy and Operations) in August 1994. Upon
promotion to four-star rank, he assumed duties as Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet
in December 1996.
Admiral Reason's awards include the Distinguished Service
Medal, Legion of Merit, Navy Commendation Medal, the Venezuelan LaMedalla Naval Almirante
Luis Brion Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal. He also wears the Navy Unit
Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy "E", National Defense
Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Sea Service
Deployment Ribbon, Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation, and the Republic of
Vietnam Campaign Medal.
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