Huntington Hardisty

Huntington Hardisty (February 3, 1929-October 1, 2003) was a United States Navy four star admiral who served as Vice Chief of Naval Operations (VCNO) from 1987 to 1988; and Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Command (USCINCPAC) from 1988 to 1991.

Hardisty was offered a major league baseball contract with the Chicago Cubs but opted for a scholarship to the University of North Carolina. He later transferred to the United States Naval Academy where he played football. After graduation in 1952 he attended pilot training, and earned his wings in 1953. As a test pilot in 1961 he set the low level speed record in an F-4B of 900 miles per hour at 300 above the ground, a record that was unbroken for 16 years. The F-4B is now displayed in the National Air and Space Museum in Washington D.C.

His assignments included command of Carrier Air Wing Eleven, USS Savannah (AOR-4) and USS Oriskany (CVA-34). As a flag officer he was President of the Naval War College, commanded the U.S. Naval Base Subic Bay in the Philippines; commanded Carrier Strike Force Seventh Fleet; and served as Director for Operations, Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Deputy and Chief of Staff, United States Pacific Command; Vice Chief of Naval Operations; and Commander in Chief, United States Pacific Command. He also received the Gray Eagle Award.

He was one of the technical directors for the movie Hunt for Red October.

After retiring from the Navy in 1991, he was a board member of several corporations and served as president of Kaman Aerospace International in Connecticut. He belonged to numerous organizations, including the Association of Naval Aviation, and served as chairman of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. He was survived by his wife Sharon, two sons, four grandchildren, a step daughter, and four step grandchildren. Hardisty died on October 1, 2003 in Hartford, Connecticut at the age of 74. He was buried on December 5, 2003, in Arlington National Cemetery.