John Craighill

Captain John S.C. Craighill, USN (Ret.), passed peacefully in his sleep on 20 August 2023. He was 79 years old.

John was born in Washington, DC. He graduated from St. Andrews School, Middletown, DE, in June 1962, and received his Bachelor of Science degree and commission from the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1967. He also earned a Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA.

John proudly served his country for 30 years as a surface warfare officer in the U.S. Navy. He served on eight different ships for 20 years on sea duty. John served at sea on LAWRENCE, GOLDSBOROUGH, ENTERPRISE and NIMITZ. He commanded AYLWIN from 1984 to 1987. He also served as assistant chief of staff for Operations and Plans, Commander Cruiser Destroyer Group Twelve, and as operations officer for the EISENHOWER battle group in support of Operation Desert Shield. John held major command of SOUTH CAROLINA from 1991 to 1994. Ashore, John served as executive officer of the Nuclear Power Training Unit and executive assistant to the Superintendent at the Naval Academy.

John earned the Meritorious Service Medal (3), Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Award, Navy Unit Commendation, Coast Guard Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle “E” Ribbon, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (2), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal and Sea Service Ribbon (7).

John retired from the Navy in September 1996 with the rank of captain. He went on to have a successful civilian career, becoming the president/CEO of CAE USA. He finished his career supporting the Navy as a senior systems engineer until 2019. For many years, he also led the Naval Chapel as the Brigade Away head usher.

John was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandpa and shipmate. He exemplified leadership and fatherhood, equal parts faithful, nurturing and hard working. He attended every game, recital and performance with pride. John enjoyed sailing, travel, music and a good book on the beach.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Kathleen; their three children, Sarah Minukas (Mark), Leigh Rauseo (Mike) and John Craighill Jr. ’03 (Dorothy); and six grandchildren, Audra, Sirene, Lulu, Margaret, Kevin and John.

A memorial service was held on 25 September 2023 at the Naval Academy Chapel, followed by interment at the USNA Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society to honor John's memory. https://support.nmcrs.org/a/homepage

Fair Winds and Following Seas.