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CAPT Richard F. (Dick) Butts

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Lee Ingraham

Thu Nov 20 2008, 03:36PM

Joined: Sat Oct 25 2008, 12:50AM
Posts: 15

RADM Richard F. Butts

Rear Admiral Richard F. Butts was born in Xenia, Ohio, in 1932, and graduated from Northridge in 1950 and earned a bachelor of science degree from General Motors Institute in Flint, Michigan, in 1955. He enlisted in the navy and was awarded a master of science degree in 1963 at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. RADM Butts served as an officer on several ships, culminating in his first command assignment as a Commander in 1972 with the USS Luce (DLG 7.) He was then assigned to the Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as a strategic planner and advisor to the JCS representative to the Strategic Arms Limitation Talks (SALT). As a Captain, his next at-sea command was Commanding Officer of the USS Dale (CG 19) from 11/24/77 to 10/08/80; then he commanded Destroyer Squadron Twelve until 1982 when he became Chief of Staff for the Commander, Naval Surface Force, Atlantic. In August 1983 Rear Admiral Butts was named the deputy U. S. military representative to the NATO military committee in Brussels. Following this overseas assignment, RADM Butts became commander of the Philadelphia Naval Base and then reported to the U. S. Atlantic Fleet as Inspector General until his retirement in August 1987.

Rear Admiral Butts’ decorations included the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with Gold Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ‘V’, the Navy Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device.

RADM Butts was happily married to the former Carol Miller of Dayton and had four children: Jennifer Bridges of Woodbridge, Virginia, Richard of Dallas, Robert of Jacksonville, Florida and Judith Call, Jacksonville. They also have 21 grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Rear Admiral and Mrs. Butts continued their association with the Navy through their youngest daughter, Lt. Commander Judith and their son-in-law Lt. Commander Michael Call, U. S. Navy, Retired. He continued to believe that a strong viable Navy must be a part of our national defense strategy and felt we must encourage our young people to take advantage of the training and educational facilities available in today’s Navy.

Rear Admiral Richard "Dick" Butts, honorable and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather and great-grandfather, died peacefully in Jacksonville, Fl on June 8th, 2007 surrounded by loving family.

[ Edited Sun Dec 07 2008, 07:07PM ]

LEE INGRAHAM
"sursum ab ordine"

GaryKase

Fri Nov 21 2008, 12:23AM

Registered Member #108
Joined: Wed Oct 29 2008, 04:07PM
Posts: 2

I know he was a Rear Admiral, but he was the BEST Captain I ever served under, and I had some good ones, including Admiral James L. Holloway, III, who was my CO on the Enterprise, and was an outstanding CO.

This crusty old Master Chief had tears in his eyes when he read this. Darn you, Lee.

Capt Butts and his wife came to my wedding in Aug 1979, when I was a DSCS, and to the reception afterwards. He enjoyed himself and made everyone feel comfortable with him around.

He used to come into the Chiefs mess for a cup of coffee, and asked that no one tell the XO where he was. He needed a break from the hustle of running the ship, and would talk about any subject that the Chiefs wanted to talk about, as long as it wasn't business.

I guess God needed a GOOD skipper for His Barge.

[ Edited Mon Dec 01 2008, 06:25PM ]

RadarRider

Fri Nov 21 2008, 02:08PM

Registered Member #150
Joined: Fri Nov 21 2008, 01:44PM
Posts: 2

I only served under Capt. Butts for about 6 months, but I do remember how much everyone liked him as a person and as a CO.

Fair Winds and Following Seas...

"Thus evermore shall rise to Thee
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea! Amen."

rjfromjersey

Sun Nov 23 2008, 04:02PM

Registered Member #45
Joined: Sat Oct 25 2008, 06:41AM
Posts: 1

I did not have the pleasure of serving under CAPT Butts while on DALE but my wife and I got to know him when he was CO NAVBASE PHILA. He was a gracious and humble person who enjoyed being around people. My wife worked closely with his wife when she was the advisor to the Officers Wives Club. He presented our family with a YMCA Award at the Union League in Philadelphia in 1985. We had a brief conversation concerning DALE and you could tell that he still had great pride in her.

paul.abney

Mon Dec 01 2008, 07:20PM

Registered Member #173
Joined: Sun Nov 30 2008, 07:44PM
Posts: 4

Capt RF Butts was the CO during my stint aboard Dale from after the yards in 77 to post deployment in 79. He was a fair man and well liked that I recall. This was my first ship, strait from "A" school after doing a 30 day RAP (recruiter assistance program).

Fair winds and Following Seas Admiral Butts (from a retired Master Chief)

"It is often easier to ask for forgiveness than to ask for permission. " Admiral Grace Hopper

Cactus

Thu Dec 11 2008, 09:27AM

Registered Member #141
Joined: Mon Nov 17 2008, 07:28PM
Posts: 1

As far as I am concerned; Capt RF Butts was the only CO I had during my time in the Navy.

Wes Liles

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