Blog Posts tagged with "friends"
Remembering Admiral Bob Moeller
A very good friend of mine died a few days ago on 29 March: Vice Admiral Bob Moeller, U.S. Navy.
Bob and me a few years back.
I first met him in 1983 when we were both initially assigned to a brand-new AEGIS Cruiser, USS VALLEY FORGE (CG 50), for four years. He was the first Chief Engineer and I was the first Operations Officer. We were both in our early 30s, and we each had two young daughters. Bob and I, and our wives as well, became life-long friends.
Bob went on to a brilliant career, including multiple commands at sea, leadership of a Carrier Strike Group, and eventually 3-star leadership as the first Deputy Commander of US Africa Command (AFRICOM).
He fought hard against the disease ALS (commonly called "Lou Gehrig's Disease”) which took his life.
In his final days, he had the chance to see the command he created, AFRICOM, take the lead in the current Libyan operations. He was very proud of AFRICOM, which was the first Combatant Command to incorporate an interagency approach in its organizational structure.
General Carter Ham, the current commander, told me Bob was a "real legend" at AFRICOM. He was always a legend in the surface Navy. Admiral Mike Mullen called him "among our very best ... ever." I agree.
In addition to all that, Bob Moeller was funny, smart, and kind. And he will always be among the very best shipmates with whom I ever sailed the seas.
Adm. James Stavridis
Commander, U.S. European Command and
Supreme Allied Commander, Europe
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Time
We’re scrambling at the moment to figure out a way back to Europe, as an enormous cloud of volcanic ash has closed many of the airports in the region. It makes me realize, again, how valuable time is for all of us. In the end, it is the most important resource we have.
Comments: 12
VADM Moeller was truly the most reasonable, motivational, respected officer that I had the opportunity to serve "for." The Navy is not a military organization but rather a group of men dedicated to one another and united is serving a common cause. Officers like VADM Moeller are the catalyst that make that happen. V/R GSCM(SW) Joseph T. Fiorillo (Retired E9 USN)
VADM Moeller was a leader and he will be missed by those who served with him. He spoke objectively and frankly about difficult issues that others feared to mention. He made decisions that were unpopular but just. He stood when others fled - I hope I can instill the same leadership attributes in my children. May he rest in peace - my deepest condolences to his family. Yours Respectfully, De Oppresso Liber!
VADM Moeller set a great example for all who served on the commissioning crew of USS Valley Forge (CG 50). His extraordinary dedication inspired all of us who were fortunate to serve with him. He was a proud alumnus of Notre Dame and followed the Irish with great passion.
Admiral, I am very sorry for your loss. When you are friends with someone for that length of time the relationship becomes more like family. I imagine it must be like losing a brother. I wish peace for you and for his family. Fair winds and following seas Admiral Moeller.
Jim, great thoughts about Bob Moeller---one of the truly great naval officers and gentlemen---ever. I saw Sparks and the girls last night as I visited at the funeral home. They had put together a couple of picture boards of his life---truly touching. Bob had a great touch and understated manner but an impactful effect. Knowing him made me a better person...and you can't say much more than that. Doug
Rest in Peace, Bob I first met Bob during an OPNAV tour while he was enroute to his Federal Executive Fellowship at Brookings. As so often happens in our Navy brotherhood, our paths kept crossing through the ensuing years. Each time, he was a true gentleman and a thoughtful, articulate representative of our Navy. He was very much cut from the "Stavridis mold" and I can hardly say more than that. Dennis
I first met VADM Bob Moeller in November, 2006 at the Defense Intelligence Agency. A small group of us, 22 in all, were tasked to come up with a Combatant Command for Africa. Bob Moeller was chosen to be our leader. I do not believe anyone has ever been given so daunting a task on such a short timeline as he. However, he remained cool at all times, even when the sky was falling. We all developed a very tight relationship and were soon all Admiral Moeller's "shipmates." I soon learned that he did not give that title lightly. I was very honored when a few years later we had a very personal conversation and he called me that one on one. From the onset, I had unlimited access to him. He was a sounding board for "good ideas" from us, and ever-patiently gave us the azimuth checks we so badly needed at the time. He kept us focused and moving forward. We were all pleased and relieved when he was chosen to lead the Transition Team effort early the following year and was chosen for his third star. In a word, he was "steady." He provided calm in the eye of the storm, ever-present fatherly leadership, that both inspired and motivated you to do your best, at all times, and given any circumstance. I will greatly miss this man. After he left the Command, I would often see him in the visiting Admiral's office spaces in the Navy section of the Pentagon. He was always quick to invite you in, inquire about events back in Stuttgart, and offer solid advice, friendship, and comradery...he was the ultimate "shipmate." Of all of the compliments I have ever received, I will always treasure him calling me that. Rest in Peace, we love you, miss you, and will always remember you in our hearts.
I had the privilege of serving with Vice Admiral Moeller when he was the CO of the USS PORT ROYAL (CG 73). As his Command Master Chief, I was fortunate to to learn from his insightful leadership as he captained our crew, but it was also quickly evident to me upon reporting aboard that he had great strategic vision that stretched farther across the globe - and so it was no surprise to me that he became a cornerstone of AFRICOM. I will forever remember him for his leadership, his vision, and for the respect he gave to every member of our crew. The loss of Vice Admiral Moeller is a loss for the entire Navy, and my heart and prayers go out to the Moeller family and all of our Shipmates whose lives (like mine) were inpired by this great leader and gentleman. Karen O'Connor, FORCM(SW/AW), USN, Ret.
Rest In Peace Vice Admiral Bob Moeller ! My thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends, heartbroken for them all. Gone But Never Ever Forgotten and You'll Never Walk Alone. Sleep Tight Sir !
Having served in Valley Forge CG-50 with both Adm. Moeller and Adm. Stavridis, and having a most profound respect for both, I am deeply saddened at Adm. Moeller's passing. The fine officer and gentleman he was, I am confident God has assigned the Admiral an esteemed position in the Oceans of Heaven. My heartfelt sympathies are offered to his family. Admiral Moeller, Fair Winds and Following Seas, Sir.
I relieved Bob at OPA back in 1993. We stayed in touch trough most of our remaining service together. I remember his great support and visiting YORKTOWN (CG48) while we were deep in the thros of SMART SHIP. His support during these challenging times was critical to our ultimate success. He was a great shipmate, consummate professional and mentor. He will truly be missed.
There is a special word in the Navy that really does not apply anywhere else - it's "shipmate." To sailors it means we served on a ship together. It denotes a special bond that is probably best summed up in the shipboard saying that in a storm: "One hand for the ship...one hand for your shipmate." Bob was my friend, but he was more than that. He was a shipmate. As the Executive Officer of the USS Valley Forge when Bob was Chief Engineer of a newly commissioned cruiser, I watched with awe as he molded a new team that set a standard for ships to come; it was and example of the high standards he set throughout his career. But he did more than that. He created a team of shipmates who were as dedicated to the service of our nation as he was. He was a true leader. I will miss a good shipmate. The Navy - and our nation - are better because he was a leader in the service of our country. Al Fraser