Howard Greer Obituary

Howard E. Greer, Vice Admiral, USN (Ret.) CORAL GABLES, FL - Howard E. Greer, Vice Admiral, USN (RET.), beloved father of local psychologist, Dr. Margaret Greer-Simmons, died on Sunday, 22 November 2015 in Coral Gables, Florida. He was born 1 May 1921 in Tyler, Texas and attended public school there until entering Tyler Junior College. He was appointed to the US Naval Academy by Congressman Beckworth of Texas and graduated with the class of 1944. Howard served on active duty from 9 June 1943 to 1 April 1978 and accrued a total of 5292 flight hours and 418 carrier/ship landings. After operational training in Florida, he served on the USS Princeton (CVL-23) Pacific Fleet. He received flight training at NAS Ottumwa Iowa, NAS Corpus Christi Texas, and NAS Miami, Florida and earned carrier qualifications in 1946. He attended the Naval War College from 8/53 to 5/54. Aviation Commands included: CO, VF-64 (F3H) from 1957-1958; Commander, CAV-10 (USS Shangri La) from 1961-1962; CO USS Hancock (CVA-19) from 1967 - 1969; Commander, CARDIV THREE from 1972-1972; and COMNAVAIRLANT from 1975-1978. Combat Tours were as follows: WWII: USS Princeton (CVL-23); Ship's officer in Gilbert Islands, Tarawa, Roi, Namur, Eniwetok, Palau, Guam, Saipan, Battle of Philippines Sea and Rabaul campaigns; four tours in Vietnam with Seventh Fleet from 1964-1972; and Yankee Station commander (CTG-77.0) during all of Linebacker I campaign in 1972. Significant career events were writer for Admiral Radford when testifying before congress during the "Revolt of the Admirals"- 1949, introduced Sparrow III to Fleet with F3H-2 in 1957, ACOS for Operation and Plans for Seventh Fleet for first 2 years of Vietnam War in 1964-1966, and Tactical Commander during all air operations by naval forces in Linebacker I campaign 1972 including mining of Haiphong in May 1972 as Yankee station commander. His awards include 2 Distinguished Service Medals, 4 Legions of Merit, Navy Commendation Metal, Pacific Theater WW II Ribbon with 9 Battle Stars, and Vietnamese Distinguished Service Award. He retired from active duty as COMNAVAIRLANT on 1 April 1978. Howard was guided by the saying, "I must hurry for there they go and I am their leader". After his career in the Navy, he served as a consultant for General Dynamics from 1978 to 1996. Howard was an avid golfer and enjoyed family, friends, tennis, and travel. He is survived by six children and their spouses, 10 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Services will be held at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel at 10 AM, 22 December 2015 with graveside burial immediately following the service. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston