VADM Raymond Edward Peet

Ray was born in Oneonta, New York, 27 January to Ursil Lee Peet and Hannah Melba nee Thomas. He grew up in Binghamton, New York, where he graduated from North High School as the number one ranked student.

Ray earned an appointment to the United States Naval Academy after scoring the highest grade on a competitive exam administered by his local United States Representative. He graduated from the Academy in 1942 (Class of 1943) as World War II began.

Ray served in combat units in the Pacific Theater under several commands including the noted DESRON 23 (The Little Beaver Squadron commanded by Arleigh “31 Knot” Burke) and was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V” for actions against the Japanese Navy.

Toward the end of the war Ray’s destroyer was hit by a kamikaze pilot and returned to San Francisco for extensive repairs and refitting. While in San Francisco he met his wife to be, W. Dian Hutchinson on a “blind” date. Married on Friday the 13th of July, 1945, Ray and Dian spent 72 wonderful years together before Dian passed away in 2017.

After the war, Ray earned his Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and then progressed through various assignments including Gunnery Officer abroad the battleship USS New Jersey (BB 62) before receiving his first command as skipper of the USS Barton (DD 722).

Ray’s excellent record as commander of the Barton, which saw its Efficiency scores improve from low ratings to the highest achievable and best in the Atlantic destroyer fleet, caught the attention of the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO). Ray was then chosen to be Admiral Arleigh Burke’s Chief Naval Aide.

Following his service with the CNO, Ray was selected to command the Navy’s first nuclear-powered guided missile cruiser of its class, the USS Bainbridge (DLGN 25/CGN 25). As the first commander he supervised the final construction, commissioning, sea trials and first several years of operation of the Bainbridge with the ship and its excellent crew earning the best Efficiency awards possible.

Following several postings after Bainbridge, Ray was advanced to the rank of Rear Admiral upon taking command of Naval Amphibious Group Two at Little Creek, Virginia.

Upon completion of his duties as ComPhibGroupII, Ray returned to Washington, D.C., where he served in the Pentagon before being promoted to Vice Admiral upon taking command of the First Fleet in San Diego, California.

Ray ended his Navy career back at the Pentagon in 1972 while serving as the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense International Security Affairs and the Director, Defense Security Assistance Agency.

Upon retirement Ray remained active, serving either as consultant, manager, or Board Member of many organizations including the United States Government Accounting Office (GAO), The City of San Diego, The University of California-San Diego, The University of San Diego, Aaron Price Fellows, Price Reit and Cubic Corporation.

Ray is survived by his son, Gary R. Peet (wife Susan B. Peet), grandchildren Major Laura E. Peet (United States Air Force) and Bradley R. Peet, and great grandchild Corbin R. R. Peet.

To make a donation in memory of Raymond please consider the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (www.nmcrs.org), Wounded Warrior Project (www.woundedwarriorproject.org) or any other organization of your choosing that supports the men and women who are serving or have served in the armed forces of the United States of America.