From Naval Reserve Association News

Rear Admiral Robert C. Crates, SC, USNR, a native of Chattanooga, Tennessee, graduated from the University of North Carolina in 1963 where he received a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a commission through the NROTC (Supply Option) Program. Upon graduation from the Navy Supply Corps School in November 1963, he served in USS PAWCATUCK (AO-108) as Assistant Supply Officer.

Upon release from active duty in December 1965, Rear Admiral Crates returned to Chattanooga and entered the business world. He has been recalled to temporary active duty four times, most recently in August 1990 for Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm where he served as Deputy Commander, Navy Cargo Handling Force. Rear Admiral Crates was selected for flag rank in 1992.

Rear Admiral Crates assumed command of the Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Force in May 1995. He has served in a wide variety of Naval Reserve billets including: Supply Officer, Twentieth Reserve Naval Construction Regiment; Assistant Director of Logistics, Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Seven; Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Cargo Handling Battalion Four; Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Naval Supply Center Charleston, Headquarters A 107; Chief of Staff, Naval Reserve Cargo Handling Force; Command Evaluation Officer, Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Nine; and Deputy Commander, Logistics Task Force Atlantic. Rear Admiral Crates has been awarded the Legion of Merit (with Gold Star), Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, various unit an service awards, and holds the Seabee Combat Warfare Officer designation.

Rear Admiral Crates is involved in a family business specializing in investments and real estate. He is a past president of the Navy Supply Corps Association and currently serves on the board of directors. Other military activities include: past president of the Chattanooga Council of the Navy League, past president of the Sixth Naval District of the Naval Reserve Association, and past president of the Tennessee Department of the Reserve Officers Association. Civic activities include: past president of the World Trade Council of Chattanooga, past chairman of the East Chattanooga Council of the Chamber of Commerce, former senior active Rotarian, and past chairman of the St. Matthew's Night Shelter for homeless men.

He is married to Dr. Gladys Hayes Crates, Associate Professor of Mathematics and Dean of the Mathematics and Sciences Division at Chattanooga State Technical Community College. They have two sons: Robert B. Crates, Vice President, Luther King Capital Management, Inc. Fort Worth, Texas and Dr. John M. Crates, an orthopedic surgery resident in Memphis, Tennessee.