RADM William A. Kearns Jr., USN

RADM WT Kearns 01 - lha4 Retired United States Navy Rear Admiral William A. Kearns Jr., died on Sunday, April 4, 2010, in Charlottesville, Virginia. He was 77. A native of Ridgewood, New Jersey, Rear Admiral Kearns was the son of William A. and Myra Palmer Kearns.

Rear Admiral Kearns was a graduate of New York State Maritime College and was commissioned in 1954. His 31-year Navy career included extensive sea duty in both the Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. He commanded four ships: USS Raritan, USS Arcturus, USS El Paso, and was the commissioning commanding officer of USS Nassau. As a flag officer, he served as Inspector General, United States Atlantic Fleet; commanded Amphibious Group Two in Little Creek, Virginia, and served on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in Washington, D.C.

A Master Mariner, Rear Admiral Kearns served as civilian master of several United States - flagged vessels following his retirement from the Navy. Rear Admiral Kearns resided in Southern Shores, North Carolina for 11 years before moving to Charlottesville in 2008.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Tammy Weber Kearns of Charlottesville; his daughter and son-in-law, Constance K. Smith and Wayne L. Smith of Barboursville, Virginia; his daughter and son-in-law, Susan K. Tusing and Richard F. Tusing of McLean, Virginia; his son and daughter-in-law, Navy Captain William A. Kearns III and Mary K. Kearns of Honolulu, Hawaii; his son and daughter-in-law Thomas E. Kearns and Tanya M. Kearns of Pahoa, Hawaii; six grandchildren, Ryan H. Smith, William A. Kearns IV, Scott K. Tusing, Landess K. Kearns, Douglas W. Tusing, and Thomas B. Kearns; and a sister, Marcia K. Lyons of Riverside, California.

Rear Admiral Kearns will be buried with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday August 10th. The service is scheduled to commence at 1500 hours. As a courtesy to the Kearns family, it is requested that all those wishing to attend to please coordinate this with the XO

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested a donation be made to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, 875 North Randolph Street, Suite 225, Arlington, VA 22203.

Friends may sign a condolence book here

The following message just arrived via our old XO who thought that everyone might take comfort in reading it

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WILLIAM A. KEARNS III
Captain, U.S. Navy
2166 Ford Island Way
HONOLULU, HI 96818

6 September 2010

Dear Captain Ianucci,

Our family was heartened by the many expressions of support we received following the passing of my Dad. We are so grateful to his shipmates from NASSAU and their many remembrances and kind words.

My Dad's tour in NASSAU was certainly a highlight of his Navy career. His association with NASSAU's crew and their accomplishments was a source of deep pride that endured throughout his life.

We were especially grateful for the tribute on the NASSAU Crew Members Association web site. The photos from pre-commissioning through change of command brought back many memories.

Please convey our sincere thanks to the NASSAU Association for their thoughtfulness.

Sincerely,

Bill Kearns