University of Washington Naval ROTC - Binnacle Yearbook (Seattle, WA)

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The Commanding Officer Captain Richard B. McNees assumed command of the L'nit in Autumn Quarter, 1966. Ile was commissioned Ensign at North- western llniversity in September, 1911 . .-Xfter receiving his wings in July, 1943, Captain Mcblees spent the remainder of XWV II as a fighter pilot aboard the l',S,S, Cowpens and the 1', S, S, Indepen- dence in the Pacific, participating in Okinawa and Iwo Jima Opera- tions and the first air raids on Japan. Ile subsequently command- ed Fighter Squadron lfll and rotated through various staff and ship assignments, the most recent was on the staff of the Commander in Chief, Pacific Fleet. Captain McNees received a ILA. from the University of New Mexico, M..-X. and .-X, Nl, 1, A, degrees from George Washington lniversity, and is a graduate of the 1', S, Naval War College. .ff S' , v , ,H 'l f V. ,I g , V, yi, 'x ,F1 f 'Q A, - fir ' ,!, ' Q' ,g ,fe .2 an TO ALL HANDS: The commissioning of this year's senior class on 10 June will be virtually my last official act as the Professor of Naval Science. On 1 July I will retire from the Navy ending my career of more than thirty years commissioned service. The best I can wish for all of you is that your period of naval service will be as exciting, satisfy- ing and rewarding as mine has been. One of the most satisfying and rewarding periods of my career has been this tour in Naval ROTC, I have thoroughly enjoyed the association with the many midshipmen and officer candidates who have been in the Unit during my tenure. I am impressed with the tremendous capability of the typical young man attracted to our naval officer education programs. I will try to forget a few of the experiences we shared, the arson fire on 18 September 1968, the assaults on 2 October 1969, the bombing on 8 October 1970 and the occasional disruptions of the educational process on this campus by irresponsible, noisy mobs. However, I will never forget the responsible conduct on the part of all midshipmen and officer candidates on these vexing occasions. It has been a source of confidence and pride for me. All of you should be anticipating your future in the naval service with enthusiasm. The opportunities for young officers have never been greater. In retirement I will feel secure knowing that our Navy of the future is in your hands. I will be watching your progress with interest and I wish you all good fortune. God S eed! JJ .2215-'25 bn!! R. B. MCNEES