Designation of Lando W. Zech, Jr., as Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission

The President today announced his intention to designate Lando W. Zech, Jr., to be Chairman of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission upon the June 30, 1986, term expiration of Nunzio J. Palladino.

Since July 1984 he has been serving as a Commissioner of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission. In October 1983 he retired as vice admiral of the Navy after 39 years of commissioned service. Prior to his retirement, Admiral Zech served as Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Manpower, Personnel and Training/Chief of Naval Personnel. He was commander of the U.S. naval forces in Japan in 1978-1980; chief of Navy technical training at Memphis, TN, in 1976-1978; and Commandant, 13th Naval District at Seattle, WA, in 1974-1976. In 1970 he was assigned to the Secretary of the Navy's Office of Program Appraisal and served as Deputy Chief of Legislative Affairs, Navy Department. In 1972-1974 he was deputy commander of the Navy Recruiting Command and was selected for flag rank. His citations include the Distinguished Service Medal, two Legion of Merit awards, the Navy Commendation Medal, the American Defense Service Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.

Mr. Zech graduated from the United States Naval Academy (B.S., 1944), the Armed Forces Staff College (1958), the National War College (1968), and George Washington University (M.S., 1971). He was born June 29, 1923, in Astoria, OR, and now resides in Falls Church, VA.