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1st Tank Battalion

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Command Chaplain



Chaplain Russel A. Hale, Lt USN

Chaplain Russ Hale is assigned as the Battalion Chaplain for the 1st Tank Battalion, 1st Marine Division at MCAGCC, Twentynine Palms, CA.

Chaplain Hale is ordained to the priesthood (Anglican Convergence) by the Diocese of St. Cuthbert located in Sparta, TN and he is endorsed to the U.S. Naval Chaplaincy by the Christian Communion International, Province-USA.

Chaplain Hale earned a Bachelor of General Studies from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor (1997), an M.A. in Christian Leadership (Cum Laude) from the Criswell College (1999), and the Master of Divinity of from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary (2001). He is currently completing his dissertation for the Doctor of Ministry degree at Liberty University. His professional military education includes the Naval Chaplain Basic Course, the USMC Expeditionary Warfare School DEP and the USN Department Head Leadership course.

Before entering the U.S. Navy, Chaplain Hale was enlisted in the U.S. Army and Reserve components, 1989-1997, 2000-2001 and completed one year of commissioned service, 2001-2002. He has served in the Republic of Panama, Ft. Richardson, AK, and Ft. Hood, TX.

As a U.S. Navy chaplain, Chaplain Hale served September 2002 to October 2005, in the Forward Deployed Naval Forces at the U.S. Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan; October 2005 to February 2007 on staff with Commander, Amphibious Squadron Four at Little Creek, VA where he completed a major combat deployment in support of OIF/OEF with the IWOESG/24th MEU; February 2007 to December 2007 at the Operational Ministry Center in Norfolk, VA where he completed numerous underways on 7 different surface platforms including a South American circum-navigation on USS Cape St. George (CG-71). Prior to his current assignment at 1st Tanks he served with 2d Battalion, 7th Marine Regt. While serving with 2/7, Chaplain Hale completed one major combat deployment in support of OEF with Task Force 2/7 /SPMAGTF-A in Afghanistan from April 2008 to December 2008.

His personal decorations include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), the Army Commendation Medal (2), the Army Achievement Medal (1), the Navy/Marine Corps Combat Action Ribbon, the Army Good Conduct (2), the Fleet Marine Force Qualified Officer (FMFQO) Pin, and the U.S. Army Air Assault Badge.

Chaplain Hale is married and has two children

Chaps Hale can be contacted at: Office (760) 830-6789, Email the Chaplain