RADM Thomas Campbell WATSON Jr., USN (Ret)
 

Gentlemen,
 
It is my sad duty to inform you that on Friday, 1 November 2024, Golden Eagle Emeritus RADM Thomas C. “Tom” WATSON Jr., USN (Ret), made his Last Take Off in Fleming Island, FL, with his daughter, Valerie by his side. As he was a devout Catholic, it seems only appropriate that was All Saints’ Day.
 
Tom was born on 19 February 1931 in Pensacola, Florida where his father was a banker. He grew up in Pensacola, attending Pensacola Catholic High School before transferring to Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama. As a Pensacola kid, he was active in water sports, enjoyed sailing, and played high school football. On graduating from Marion Military Institute, he attended the Citadel for one year before entering the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1954.
 
Commissioned on 4 June 1954, Tom reported to the aviation training command in September of that year, earning his Wings of Gold on 4 October 1955. His first tour took him to VA-196 based at NAS Alameda, CA, flying the AD-1H Skyraider. The squadron completed operations aboard USS Lexington (CV 16), USS Ticonderoga (CV 14), and USS Bennington (CV 20) during the time he was assigned to it. While stationed at Alameda, he also met the love of his life, Lynn, at the Alameda O’ Club. She was a student at the University of California Berkeley, and was visiting the club with her sorority sister, the daughter of the base commander. Just as he seemed predestined to be a Naval Aviator since he was born and grew up in Pensacola, the marriage seemed predestined since her grandfather was lost at Guadalcanal while in command of USS Little (DD 79/APD 4) and subsequently had USS Lofberg (DD 759) named for him — there was naval heritage in Tom and Lynn, and they married on 20 June 1959, beginning a 65-year marriage.
 
Tom finished that first tour at the Fleet Air Gunnery Unit, El Centro, CA, flying the Skyraider and the F2H Banshee before reporting to Commander Fleet Aviation, San Diego, in July 1959 to serve as the Flag Lieutenant. While there he flew the SNB Expeditor, the F-9F Panther, and the T-28 Trojan.
 
Tom’s next duty assignment was to the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, reporting in September 1960 for an almost two-year tour. He once again maintained flight currency, flying the SNB, the T-28 and the T-2A Buckeye. In June 1962 he reported to VX-5 in China Lake, CA, where he flew the A-4 Skyhawk, A-1 Skyraider, F-4 Phantom II, F-9 Cougar, and the O-1C Birddog — five different aircraft in an 18-month tour. In February 1964 he reported to Aerospace Safety School at the University of Southern California, for a three-month tour preceding his assignment to VA-86, flying the A-4E Skyhawk aboard USS Independence (CVA 62). He transferred to VA-64 in February 1965, stationed at NAS Cecil Field, FL, flying the A-4C aboard USS America (CVA 66). The ensuing Mediterranean Sea deployment in late 1965 and 1966 was the maiden voyage for America. In September 1966 Tom reported to Carrier Air Wing 9 as the CAG Operations officer, deploying aboard USS Enterprise (CVAN 65), again flying the A-4C. This was a busy operational period with the air wing flying over 13,400 missions in 132 days of combat operations in Vietnam.
 
In August 1967 Tom reported to the Armed Forces Staff College for eight months of instruction prior to reporting to the Naval Aviation Safety Center in Norfolk, VA, in April 1968. That following February he joined VA-64 aboard USS Independence (CV 62) flying the A-4C. During this time Indy deployed on a NATO exercise to the Northern Atlantic, where she participated in testing the Harrier in flight deck operations. In February 1970 he joined VA-174 for four months, for transition training to the A-7 Corsair II. Following that he reported to VA-81 in June 1970 for his XO/CO tour, flying the A-7E aboard USS Forrestal (CVA 59). This tour included a deployment to the Mediterranean Sea, and his assumption of command on 14 April 1971. Upon selection for sequential command, Tom departed VA-81 in February 1972 and assumed command of Carrier Air Wing 9, deployed to Vietnam aboard USS Constellation (CVA 64), flying the A-7, A-6 Intruder, F-4, and SH-3 Sea King. This deployment resulted in Constellation/CVW-9 team being awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. Notably, on 10 May 1972, air wing squadrons downed seven MIGs, setting the record for total enemy aircraft shot down in one day during the Vietnam War. This fast-paced operational tour was followed by assignment as Commander, Light Attack Wing One at NAS Cecil in August 1973. While there he flew the A-4, TA-4, A-7, and S-3 Viking. This two-year tour was followed by a one-year stint in the Pentagon at OPNAV OP-05 before beginning his training track to assume command of USS Truckee (AO 47) on 1 June 1977. Truckee completed a Mediterranean Sea deployment under Tom’s command, with Tom departing in July 1978 to assume command of USS Independence on 9 September 1978. His tour as Commanding Officer included a Mediterranean Sea deployment from June through December 1979, where he flew the A-7, S-3, and SH-3. He completed his command tour on 28 May 1980, and was selected for flag.
 
Tom’s last tour was back at the Pentagon, serving on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, J-33 from May 1980 until retirement on 1 December 1982.
 
As can be seen from the above, Tom had a remarkable career that was primarily in operational billets. He amassed over 4,900 flight hours, 890 carrier landings, and had three combat tours in Vietnam with 75 combat missions. He was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, a Bronze Star with Combat “V”, and seven Air Medals for his time in combat.
 
Following his career in the Navy, Tom joined the company Mars Electronics that had offices in England and New Jersey. The family settled just outside Philadelphia, PA, and Tom served as the President for approximately 8 years. On retiring from that job, he moved back to the Jacksonville area where they had already spent so many years, loving that area. He was active in the Rotary Club, the local Navy League, and the Association of Naval Aviation, among many other activities he and Lynn enjoyed.
 
Tom is survived by his daughter, Valerie, son Tom III, and daughter, Pamela Palajac. Funeral services are planned for 1000 on 6 December 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 7190 U.S. Highway 17, Fleming Island, FL.
 
Tom had a youthful outlook on life, which probably accounts for the fact he lived 93 years. He was always active, continued working out even though a broken hip during his last year caused him to enter an assisted living facility. He was an ardent reader, reading the Wall Street Journal daily. Without question, he was a patriot of the highest order, as can be attested by his service to the Nation while in the Navy, and continued interest in the path of our nation. He often remarked to his wife that neither one could “check out” until the country straightened out. As most of you know, Lynn passed earlier this summer. With their passing this year, the country must be straightening out.
 
He will be missed.
 
In sadness,
Marty Chanik
Pilot