Former Naval War College president passes away

NEWPORT, R.I. – The 42nd president of U.S. Naval War College (NWC), Vice Adm. James E. Service, passed away Friday, Feb. 10.

Service served as president of the school from October 1982 to July 1985 and presided over the College’s centenary in 1984, which was marked with the reopening of an enlarged and renovated museum in Founders Hall and the publication of “Sailors and Scholars,” a history of the institution’s first 100 years.

Service was a naval aviator and test pilot, and flew combat missions in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a graduate of the Army War College, and served as commander, Battle Force, Sixth Fleet. 

“We have lost one of the school’s inspirational leaders,” said current NWC President Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Harley. “We are saddened by the loss, but at the same time celebrate the incredible life of this great aviator, academic and leader.”

After leaving the college, he went on to be commander, United States Naval Air Force, Pacific Fleet, from 1985 to 1987.