WILLIAMSON-ROBERT

Excerpts from obituary published in San Diego Union-Tribune on 7/11/2003:

Robert Williamson II was born on February 10, 1923 in Detroit, Michigan, where he spent his early years.  He graduated with the Class of 1946 from the U.S. Naval Academy and launched upon  a career as a submarine officer, serving aboard three submarines before becoming Commanding Officer of the USS Raton.  He then served on the staff of Commander Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, before commanding Submarine Division 72.  His final sea duty was as Commanding Officer of USS Sperry.  He attended the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School at Annapolis and Monterey, he received an MS in Chemistry from Lehigh University, he also attended the Naval War College at Newport, and received an MA in International Affairs from George Washington University.  At the Bureau of Naval Weapons he was the SUBROC Program Manager responsible for the development and deployment.  He later served as Executive Officer NOTS/NWC China Lake, California, and concluded his Navy career as Commanding Officer at White Oak, Maryland.  He retired in June 1975 after 30 years of service.

After retiring from the Navy, CAPT Williamson returned to Coronado, California, where he became active with Christ Episcopal Church.  He died on July 9, 2003, survived by his wife, three sons, and eight grandchildren.  Inurnment will be at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego.

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