WENTWORTH-RALPH

Ralph Strafford Wentworth Jr. was born on March 25, 1920, in Annapolis, Maryland.  He entered the Navy in 1938, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1944, was commissioned an Ensign in June 1943 and rose to the rank of Rear Admiral in 1971.  He was a distinguished Naval Officer and leader, with a career highlighted by the strong loyalty and respect of his men, becoming the first Commanding Officer of the USS TURNER JOY and commanding the recovery of the Apollo/Soyuz astronauts in 1975.  During World War II he served on the USS TENNESSEE and USS CRESCENT CITY, participating in ten naval engagements in the Pacific Theater.  Following World War II he was Executive Officer of the USS RUPERTUS, Flag Lieutenant/Tactical Officer for Commander Cruiser Division ONE and later for Division THREE; Commander Officer of the USS PECATONIA, USS NAIFEH, USS TURNER JOY, and USS REEVES; Chief of Staff to Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla ELEVEN and to Commander SEVENTH Fleet.  RADM Wentworth’s shore duty assignments included Commander, Military Sealift Command, Far East; Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla TWO; Commander, Cruiser-Destroyer Force, Atlantic Fleet; Commander, Naval Logistics Command, Pacific Fleet; Deputy Commander, Naval Surface Force, Atlantic Fleet and Commandant, FOURTEENTH Naval District.  RADM Wentworth retired in 1979.  He was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for meritorious service from 1975 to 1979 when he was responsible for all logistical support to the Pacific Fleet for “his distinctive achievements, great competence and vision, diplomacy and tenacious devotion to duty.”  RADM Wentworth died in Carlsbad, California, on December 18, 2010, and in accordance with his wishes his ashes were scattered in the Pacific Ocean.

Submitted by CDR Roy A. Mosteller, USNR (Ret)