Richard A. Martini, RADM U.S. Navy Retired
January 15, 1932 ~ January 31, 2022
RADM Richard A. (“Dick”) Martini, USN (Ret.), age 90, passed away on January 31, 2022 at Falcons Landing Retirement Community in Sterling, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his wife Janet, his parents Andrew and Anna Martini and his sister Kathleen. His life was defined by honesty and integrity. He was unpretentious and down-to-earth, with a quick wit and a good sense of humor. And one of the most responsible persons you would ever meet, keeping every commitment.
Born in 1932 in Norway, Michigan, a town located in that state’s Upper Peninsula, he caught the aviation bug early, saving his paper route earnings to pay for flights in a biplane operated by a local WWII veteran. His early childhood included plenty of fishing with his Dad in the summer and ski jumping in the winter. As he started high school, he and his family moved to Ogden, Utah. He excelled academically at Ogden High, and earned a scholarship to the Naval ROTC program at the University of Utah in 1950. He would say that while Utah wasn’t near an ocean, it did have a big lake. While attending the university, he worked a number of part-time jobs including popping popcorn for a business that shipped popcorn to theaters throughout the west. And yet, in spite of this, he was addicted to popcorn throughout his life.
He received his commission upon graduation in 1954 and entered the Naval Flight Training Program at Pensacola, Florida. That same year he married the former Janet I. Fretwell of Ogden. Their marriage would last until her death, more than 58 years later. He attributed much of his career success to her continued support. In 1956, he was designated a naval aviator. Among other items, he was presented with a small card certifying the accomplishment. He would carry this card with him in his wallet his entire life.
His first duty as an aviator was as a flight instructor in T-28 aircraft at Pensacola. Then, in 1958, he was assigned to Patrol Squadron Six (VP-6) at Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, where he qualified as a patrol plane commander in SP-2E aircraft, and participated in deployed operations in Japan and various Pacific islands. While in Japan, he would send recorded messages back home to his family on reel-to-reel tapes. He really enjoyed Japan and he and Janet loved Hawaii. In 1961, after completing a course of instruction at the Naval Advanced Electronics School and later at the Naval Applied Science Laboratory, he was assigned to the staff of Fleet Air Wing Two, also at Barbers Point, where he served as Assistant ASW Officer and ASCAC Officer.
In 1963, he was transferred to Air Development Squadron One (VX-1) at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, where he served as Project Officer for P-3A and SP-2H aircraft. The role of this squadron was to test new technologies and procedures. In 1965, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College and then was assigned to Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10) at Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine. His duties included Safety Officer, Operations Officer and Officer-in-Charge of an Argentia, Newfoundland detachment. He flew P-3B aircraft and participated in deployments to Iceland, the Azores, Newfoundland, Spain and Bermuda.
In 1968, he was assigned as Executive Officer to Patrol Squadron Twenty-Four (VP-24) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Then, in 1969, he became VP-24’s Commanding Officer, flying P-3C aircraft. He participated in deployments to Iceland and the Azores. In 1971, he was assigned to the Office of Program Appraisal, Office of the Secretary of the Navy in Washington D.C.
In 1972, he reported aboard Patrol Squadron Thirty (VP-30), also at Patuxent River, as Commanding Officer. VP-30 was a large squadron with a role of training Navy personnel in the techniques of ASW. Upon completion of his tour with VP-30, he served as P-3C program coordinator in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.
In 1975, he became Commander Patrol Wing Eleven at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. He was responsible for the training, material readiness, and operational readiness of six P-3C squadrons based in Jacksonville and deployed throughout the Atlantic and Mediterranean areas, and was responsible for real-time air ASW operations along the southeast coast of the U.S. In 1976, it was back to Washington, where served as Deputy Manager, ASW Systems Project.
In 1978 he was promoted to Rear Admiral, and became the 17th Commander Iceland Defense Force. IDF was made up of service members from all branches of the military. In addition, he also served as Island Commander Iceland and Commander Fleet Air Wing Northern Atlantic under the NATO structure, and Commander Fleet Air Keflavik and Commander Iceland Sector Antisubmarine Warfare Group in the U.S. Navy chain of command. He was responsible for U.S. military forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force) and facilities in Iceland as part of the United States NATO commitment. And he was responsible for the day-to-day air, sea and ground operations in support of the defense of Iceland, and U.S. commitments in the North Atlantic and Norwegian Sea.
He would say at the time, with five jobs comes five bosses. Besides the seriousness of the job, it also involved plenty of social responsibilities and the opportunity to meet numerous interesting people passing through between the U.S. and Europe. And there were also lots of day trips into the Icelandic countryside with his family.
While in Iceland, he developed a strong working relationship with the Icelanders, and it was suggested that he extend his tour, which he did. Upon completion of his tour, he was awarded Iceland’s Order of the Falcon and Grand Officer’s Star, which was presented by the President of Iceland. Also, while stationed in Iceland, he purchased his first personal computer. A new hobby was born.
In 1981, it was back to Washington as the Director, Aviation Programs Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He was responsible for the development and implementation of policy pertaining to the management of the naval aviation maintenance, supply, and flying hour programs. This role also sponsored the Navy air traffic control, air navigation and landing systems, and air station ground electronics programs.
And from 1982 to 1984, he served his final job while in the Navy, Director, ASW Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations with additional duty as Manager, ASW Systems Project Office (PM-4), Office of the Chief of Naval Material. He was responsible for establishing ASW operational requirements which translated into system design, test, production and implementation. In PM-4, he was directly involved in matters of program management, schedule, product quality, cost, and projected life cycle for 166 major ASW programs.
He retired from the Navy at the peak of his career. He could have continued, and if he did, a third star was likely. But others in the family were starting to establish roots and he wanted to provide support, and his next assignment would have sent him overseas.
After his retirement from the Navy, he continued to serve. While a Program Manager in the applied research and development industry, he mentored in an environment of trust, integrity, commitment to excellence and personal accountability. Those in his charge continue his advocacy on behalf of the sailors and make valuable daily contributions to our Nation’s defense.
He embraced technology and innovation. He contributed greatly to the research, development and advocacy of advanced technologies and naval capabilities. He designed and proctored tabletop and seminar exercises; forcing leaders, planners, acquisition professionals and operators from all echelons to learn together to optimize the employment of these capabilities.
The lessons from his rigorous analysis and evaluation were codified in policy and employment guidance. His legacy remains in the fleet today as the newest Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance aircraft ensure the continued safety of our Nation.
And away from work…
Away from work, he enjoyed amateur radio, all things electronics, RVing, woodworking, reading (especially science fiction), listening to Pavarotti, and devouring cookies and Moose Munch (contains no moose). He was a do-it-yourselfer and a tinkerer. All of his garages were minus cars so that he could have a workshop. To this day, there are jars and jars of nuts and bolts in his garage. And the only requirement he had for house hunting was to find a neighborhood without a home owner’s association so that he could put up his amateur radio antenna and change the car’s oil in the driveway.
His love for amateur radio started early and lasted throughout his life. The RVing started with a small tent trailer and gradually moved to vehicles that increased in size. Then, as empty-nesters, the campers started getting smaller again. The annual family summer vacation was a camping trip to spots up-and-down the Maine coast. Meals featured Hamburger Helper or similar cooked on a Coleman stove, and slice-and-bake cookies. And by the way, he never met a cookie he didn’t like.
As mentioned, he was a do-it-yourselfer. In Iceland, he may have been the only Admiral in the history of the base to bleed the built-up air out of the house radiators to make them more efficient. He often made an attempt to fix electronic gadgets before replacing anything. His workshop included meters and other testing equipment that he made from kits. He was always building things – shelving and storage, room dividers, cabinets, tables. There’s furniture that he built in all of the family’s homes. And the campers he and Janet bought were outfitted with plenty of homemade storage spaces. One side-effect of always being involved with projects was always having a bandage on one hand or the other.
His family always came first. Besides his hobbies and interests, he jumped head first into the family’s hobbies, helping out where he could. Janet was the photographer, but he was the chief film loader. She was the artist, but he was the easel-toter. When one of his kids became interested in photography, he constructed a darkroom in the basement.
When his wife became terminally ill, and was home for hospice care, he slept in the family room next to her hospital-style bed, ready to check and change the oxygen supply and to replace batteries every other day in the device that maintained a flow of medication.
And although he was getting forty years removed from flying, we recently looked at a picture of a P-3 cockpit. He remembered the purpose of every instrument, and he made a point of identifying where cups of coffee were placed.
One of his Navy friends, who considers Dick to have been a mentor said when he heard of his passing – “He was truly one of the best I ever met and served with in the Navy and after. A true leader and unparalleled gentleman”.
And it should be noted that during his last twenty-five plus years, he transitioned to what he called the support staff for a succession of cats. For this, he deserves another medal.
He is survived by his children Kenneth (Lauri), Steven, and Catherine, his grandchildren Laura, Julian (Silvana) and Maia; and his sister Jean Bradshaw. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
Born in 1932 in Norway, Michigan, a town located in that state’s Upper Peninsula, he caught the aviation bug early, saving his paper route earnings to pay for flights in a biplane operated by a local WWII veteran. His early childhood included plenty of fishing with his Dad in the summer and ski jumping in the winter. As he started high school, he and his family moved to Ogden, Utah. He excelled academically at Ogden High, and earned a scholarship to the Naval ROTC program at the University of Utah in 1950. He would say that while Utah wasn’t near an ocean, it did have a big lake. While attending the university, he worked a number of part-time jobs including popping popcorn for a business that shipped popcorn to theaters throughout the west. And yet, in spite of this, he was addicted to popcorn throughout his life.
He received his commission upon graduation in 1954 and entered the Naval Flight Training Program at Pensacola, Florida. That same year he married the former Janet I. Fretwell of Ogden. Their marriage would last until her death, more than 58 years later. He attributed much of his career success to her continued support. In 1956, he was designated a naval aviator. Among other items, he was presented with a small card certifying the accomplishment. He would carry this card with him in his wallet his entire life.
His first duty as an aviator was as a flight instructor in T-28 aircraft at Pensacola. Then, in 1958, he was assigned to Patrol Squadron Six (VP-6) at Naval Air Station Barbers Point, Hawaii, where he qualified as a patrol plane commander in SP-2E aircraft, and participated in deployed operations in Japan and various Pacific islands. While in Japan, he would send recorded messages back home to his family on reel-to-reel tapes. He really enjoyed Japan and he and Janet loved Hawaii. In 1961, after completing a course of instruction at the Naval Advanced Electronics School and later at the Naval Applied Science Laboratory, he was assigned to the staff of Fleet Air Wing Two, also at Barbers Point, where he served as Assistant ASW Officer and ASCAC Officer.
In 1963, he was transferred to Air Development Squadron One (VX-1) at Naval Air Station Key West, Florida, where he served as Project Officer for P-3A and SP-2H aircraft. The role of this squadron was to test new technologies and procedures. In 1965, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College and then was assigned to Patrol Squadron Ten (VP-10) at Naval Air Station Brunswick, Maine. His duties included Safety Officer, Operations Officer and Officer-in-Charge of an Argentia, Newfoundland detachment. He flew P-3B aircraft and participated in deployments to Iceland, the Azores, Newfoundland, Spain and Bermuda.
In 1968, he was assigned as Executive Officer to Patrol Squadron Twenty-Four (VP-24) at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. Then, in 1969, he became VP-24’s Commanding Officer, flying P-3C aircraft. He participated in deployments to Iceland and the Azores. In 1971, he was assigned to the Office of Program Appraisal, Office of the Secretary of the Navy in Washington D.C.
In 1972, he reported aboard Patrol Squadron Thirty (VP-30), also at Patuxent River, as Commanding Officer. VP-30 was a large squadron with a role of training Navy personnel in the techniques of ASW. Upon completion of his tour with VP-30, he served as P-3C program coordinator in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.
In 1975, he became Commander Patrol Wing Eleven at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. He was responsible for the training, material readiness, and operational readiness of six P-3C squadrons based in Jacksonville and deployed throughout the Atlantic and Mediterranean areas, and was responsible for real-time air ASW operations along the southeast coast of the U.S. In 1976, it was back to Washington, where served as Deputy Manager, ASW Systems Project.
In 1978 he was promoted to Rear Admiral, and became the 17th Commander Iceland Defense Force. IDF was made up of service members from all branches of the military. In addition, he also served as Island Commander Iceland and Commander Fleet Air Wing Northern Atlantic under the NATO structure, and Commander Fleet Air Keflavik and Commander Iceland Sector Antisubmarine Warfare Group in the U.S. Navy chain of command. He was responsible for U.S. military forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force) and facilities in Iceland as part of the United States NATO commitment. And he was responsible for the day-to-day air, sea and ground operations in support of the defense of Iceland, and U.S. commitments in the North Atlantic and Norwegian Sea.
He would say at the time, with five jobs comes five bosses. Besides the seriousness of the job, it also involved plenty of social responsibilities and the opportunity to meet numerous interesting people passing through between the U.S. and Europe. And there were also lots of day trips into the Icelandic countryside with his family.
While in Iceland, he developed a strong working relationship with the Icelanders, and it was suggested that he extend his tour, which he did. Upon completion of his tour, he was awarded Iceland’s Order of the Falcon and Grand Officer’s Star, which was presented by the President of Iceland. Also, while stationed in Iceland, he purchased his first personal computer. A new hobby was born.
In 1981, it was back to Washington as the Director, Aviation Programs Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. He was responsible for the development and implementation of policy pertaining to the management of the naval aviation maintenance, supply, and flying hour programs. This role also sponsored the Navy air traffic control, air navigation and landing systems, and air station ground electronics programs.
And from 1982 to 1984, he served his final job while in the Navy, Director, ASW Division, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations with additional duty as Manager, ASW Systems Project Office (PM-4), Office of the Chief of Naval Material. He was responsible for establishing ASW operational requirements which translated into system design, test, production and implementation. In PM-4, he was directly involved in matters of program management, schedule, product quality, cost, and projected life cycle for 166 major ASW programs.
He retired from the Navy at the peak of his career. He could have continued, and if he did, a third star was likely. But others in the family were starting to establish roots and he wanted to provide support, and his next assignment would have sent him overseas.
After his retirement from the Navy, he continued to serve. While a Program Manager in the applied research and development industry, he mentored in an environment of trust, integrity, commitment to excellence and personal accountability. Those in his charge continue his advocacy on behalf of the sailors and make valuable daily contributions to our Nation’s defense.
He embraced technology and innovation. He contributed greatly to the research, development and advocacy of advanced technologies and naval capabilities. He designed and proctored tabletop and seminar exercises; forcing leaders, planners, acquisition professionals and operators from all echelons to learn together to optimize the employment of these capabilities.
The lessons from his rigorous analysis and evaluation were codified in policy and employment guidance. His legacy remains in the fleet today as the newest Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance aircraft ensure the continued safety of our Nation.
And away from work…
Away from work, he enjoyed amateur radio, all things electronics, RVing, woodworking, reading (especially science fiction), listening to Pavarotti, and devouring cookies and Moose Munch (contains no moose). He was a do-it-yourselfer and a tinkerer. All of his garages were minus cars so that he could have a workshop. To this day, there are jars and jars of nuts and bolts in his garage. And the only requirement he had for house hunting was to find a neighborhood without a home owner’s association so that he could put up his amateur radio antenna and change the car’s oil in the driveway.
His love for amateur radio started early and lasted throughout his life. The RVing started with a small tent trailer and gradually moved to vehicles that increased in size. Then, as empty-nesters, the campers started getting smaller again. The annual family summer vacation was a camping trip to spots up-and-down the Maine coast. Meals featured Hamburger Helper or similar cooked on a Coleman stove, and slice-and-bake cookies. And by the way, he never met a cookie he didn’t like.
As mentioned, he was a do-it-yourselfer. In Iceland, he may have been the only Admiral in the history of the base to bleed the built-up air out of the house radiators to make them more efficient. He often made an attempt to fix electronic gadgets before replacing anything. His workshop included meters and other testing equipment that he made from kits. He was always building things – shelving and storage, room dividers, cabinets, tables. There’s furniture that he built in all of the family’s homes. And the campers he and Janet bought were outfitted with plenty of homemade storage spaces. One side-effect of always being involved with projects was always having a bandage on one hand or the other.
His family always came first. Besides his hobbies and interests, he jumped head first into the family’s hobbies, helping out where he could. Janet was the photographer, but he was the chief film loader. She was the artist, but he was the easel-toter. When one of his kids became interested in photography, he constructed a darkroom in the basement.
When his wife became terminally ill, and was home for hospice care, he slept in the family room next to her hospital-style bed, ready to check and change the oxygen supply and to replace batteries every other day in the device that maintained a flow of medication.
And although he was getting forty years removed from flying, we recently looked at a picture of a P-3 cockpit. He remembered the purpose of every instrument, and he made a point of identifying where cups of coffee were placed.
One of his Navy friends, who considers Dick to have been a mentor said when he heard of his passing – “He was truly one of the best I ever met and served with in the Navy and after. A true leader and unparalleled gentleman”.
And it should be noted that during his last twenty-five plus years, he transitioned to what he called the support staff for a succession of cats. For this, he deserves another medal.
He is survived by his children Kenneth (Lauri), Steven, and Catherine, his grandchildren Laura, Julian (Silvana) and Maia; and his sister Jean Bradshaw. He was deeply loved by his family and friends and will be dearly missed. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society.
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The Owners and Staff at the Money and King Funeral Home, wish to express our sincere sympathy to you. It is our hope that we may be able to make a difficult time more bearable. Please feel free to call us anytime as we are always available to you. Bob Gallagher Funeral Director
A candle was lit for the decedent.
A candle was lit for the decedent.
Dear Family- We are very sorry to hear of Dick’s passing. I have heard many wonderful stories of him from my mom(cousin Janet), his mom, his aunt (my grandma) and his sister throughout my life. Please accept our sincerest condolences. Prayers for your family. Judy Decaria Mellott and cousin Janet Andreoli Decaria from Ogden, Utah
Adm Martini was the finest Naval officer that I served with throughout my time in the Navy as well after we retired and entered the civilian world. In looking back there are many memories of our time together operationally and personally. I learned from him how a real leader responded and overcame any given situation to realize a successful outcome. I benefited throughout my career from using the principles he taught me and his passing leaves a career record second to none. He was one of he best and I am proud to remember him as my teacher and friend. My heartfelt condolences to his family an all who those who will miss him.