COMMANDER IN CHIEF
UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET
The President of the United States takes pleasure in presenting the
MERITORIOUS SERVICE MEDAL to
Captain Ralph Morgan HANSON
United States Navy
for service as set forth in the following:
"For outstanding meritorious service as Commander Nuclear Weapons Training
Group, Pacific from March 1970 to June 1972. Captain HANSON aggressively
pursued perfection to ensure that all nuclear weapons training under his
jurisdiction was current and precise and consistently stressed the highest
standards of safety. He insisted on immediate responsiveness to fleet units
and prompt reaction to requests for training assistance and readiness
inspections. Courses in all phases of nuclear weapons handling, safety and
tactical employment were regularly reviewed and updated, and new courses
were developed and introduced under his guidance, including the Nuclear
Warfare Planning course for Attack Carriers which enhanced Single Integrated
Operation and General War Planning and the Navy's capability for nuclear
vertical replenishment. Captain HANSON gave impetus to the installation of
Antisubmarine Rocket Direct Loader Equipment, making his command the only
shore-based facility available to Pacific Fleet units for this vital
training. Under his supervision, Nuclear Weapons Group, Pacific was
expanded to accomodate courses relocated after disestablishment of joint
facilities at Sandia Base, Albuquerque, New Mexico. By his leadership,
application of management skills and employment of sound operational
concepts, Captain HANSON made a significant contribution to nuclear weapons
handling, maintenance, safety and tactics in the Pacific Fleet. His
initiative, foresight, resourcefulness and devotion to duty reflected great
credit upon himself and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the
United States Naval Service.
For the President
/s/ B. A. Clarey
Admiral, U. S. Navy
Commander in Chief U. S. Pacific Fleet
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