Rear Admiral John H. Fetterman, Jr.
Admiral John H. Fetterman, Jr., known to his family and friends as Jack, dedicated his life to public service, from his career as a naval aviator to his time as a civic and community leader. A native of Ashland, Pennsylvania, Fetterman was born on August 4, 1932. He attended Susquehanna University and Albright College before enlisting in the United States Navy in 1955. He soon found himself attending Aviation Officer Candidate School at Naval Air Station in Pensacola, Florida, becoming a naval aviator by 1956.
During his long tenure in the Navy, Fetterman served in various aviation commands. These included his first assignment with Tour Attack Squadron 105 at Cecil Field in Jacksonville, Florida, his position as the Assistant Director for the Navy Senate Liaison Office in Washington, D.C., Commander of the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base, Commander of the U.S. Atlantic Fleet Training Command,
Naval Inspector General, Commander of the Naval Air Forces of the U.S. Pacific Fleet as Vice Admiral, and Chief of Naval Education and Training. During his time as the Chief of Naval Education and Training in Pensacola, Florida, Fetterman created and implemented the Core Values Training Program. His emphasis on proper values and training for sailors and naval aviators has earned him the designation of the Father of Naval Ethics.
After a long and accomplished career, Admiral Fetterman retired from active duty in March 1993. He continued his dedication to the U.S. Navy by serving as the president and CEO of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. He was instrumental in obtaining the USS Oriskany in order to create a diving and fishing reef off the coast of Pensacola. Because of his dedication and commitment to the preservation of
Pensacola's maritime community, Governor Jeb Bush created a bill to name the proposed maritime museum the Vice Admiral John H. Fetterman State of Florida Maritime Museum and Research Center.
After a long career and life, defined by his dedication to his country and fellow man, Vice Admiral John H. Fetterman, Jr. died on March 24, 2006. Admiral Fetterman's legacy lives on through his hard work and dedication to the U.S. Navy and the maritime community.
