Frank B. Kelso II

Frank B. Kelso II
Name	Frank B. Kelso II
Caption	Admiral Frank B. Kelso II
Birth date	11 July 1933
Death date	23 June 2013
Birth place	Fayetteville, Tennessee
Death place	Norfolk, Virginia
Allegiance	United States
Branch	United States
Serviceyears	1956–1994
Rank	25px Admiral
Commands	Chief of Naval Operations, United States Atlantic Fleet, United States Sixth Fleet, United States Naval Forces Europe, Submarine Group 8, Submarine Squadron 8, Finback, SSN-670
Battles	Cold War, Gulf War
Awards	Navy Distinguished Service Medal (3), Silver Star, Legion of Merit (2), Bronze Star Medal

Frank B. Kelso II was a distinguished United States Navy officer who served as the Chief of Naval Operations during a pivotal period at the end of the Cold War. His tenure, from 1990 to 1994, was marked by significant force reductions and the integration of new strategic concepts, but was also overshadowed by the Tailhook scandal. A career submariner, Kelso commanded at every level of the Silent Service before rising to the Navy's highest uniformed office.

Early life and education

Frank Benton Kelso II was born in Fayetteville, Tennessee, and developed an early interest in naval service. He received his appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1956. Following his commissioning, he completed initial training before reporting to the Naval Submarine School in New London, Connecticut, which set the course for his future specialization in submarine warfare.

Naval career

Kelso's early assignments included service aboard the diesel-electric submarine . He later transitioned to the nuclear navy, qualifying for command under the rigorous Naval Nuclear Propulsion program overseen by Admiral Hyman G. Rickover. Kelso commanded the attack submarine and later served as commodore of Submarine Squadron 8. His strategic acumen led to senior staff positions, including duty on the Joint Chiefs of Staff and as a planner for the United States Atlantic Command. He commanded the United States Sixth Fleet and United States Naval Forces Europe from his flagship, the command ship , during the final years of the Cold War.

Chief of Naval Operations

Appointed by President George H. W. Bush, Kelso became the Chief of Naval Operations in 1990, succeeding Admiral Carlisle A. H. Trost. His term was defined by managing the post-Cold War drawdown of the Navy, implementing the strategic "…From the Sea" doctrine, and overseeing naval operations during the Gulf War, including the campaigns Operation Desert Shield and Operation Desert Storm. He worked closely with Secretary of the Navy H. Lawrence Garrett III and later John H. Dalton to navigate budgetary constraints and reshape the fleet.

Tailhook scandal

The Tailhook scandal, which erupted from the 1991 Tailhook Association symposium in Las Vegas, became the defining controversy of Kelso's tenure. An investigation by the Department of Defense Inspector General found widespread misconduct, including assaults on female officers. Although Kelso was not present at the offending events, his leadership was criticized. He faced calls for resignation from members of the United States Senate, including Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator John McCain. A subsequent JAG investigation led to his official censure by Secretary of the Navy John H. Dalton.

Later life and death

Following his retirement in 1994, Kelso largely retreated from public life. He served on the board of directors for Fidelity Investments and participated in various naval heritage activities. Frank B. Kelso II died of cancer at his home in Norfolk, Virginia, on June 23, 2013. He was interred at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery alongside many other notable naval figures.

Awards and decorations

Admiral Kelso's military awards include three awards of the Navy Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star for valor during a sensitive submarine operation, two awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He also received numerous campaign and service medals, such as the National Defense Service Medal and the Southwest Asia Service Medal. His foreign decorations include the French Légion d'honneur and the Order of the Rising Sun from Japan.

Category:United States Navy admirals Category:Chiefs of Naval Operations Category:1933 births Category:2013 deaths