Vice Adm. Robert E. Kirksey Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans, CINC, COMPAC
Vice Admiral Robert E. Kirksey, Assistant Chief of Staff for Plans, CINC, COMPAC
Vice Adm. Robert E. Kirksey served his country with dedication, distinction, bravery, valor, and loved the quality time with his family.
Admiral Kirksey received his Navy Wings in 1953 and was promoted to a Vice Admiral in 1984. The 31 years of service to his country, from becoming a Naval aviator to his retirement, are chronicled with many significant accomplishments. The Admiral did not attend the Naval Academy. To achieve his three star ranking is an unusual accomplishment without Academy credentials.
His first command of a ship was the mine sweeper USS Cleveland in 1972, based in San Diego. The USS Kitty Hawk , his second command, was based at NAS North Island. Over the years he was in command of various carrier groups including Carrier Group Three in Alameda and the Seventh Fleet 35-Ship Battle Force in the Indian Ocean during the Iranian Hostage Crisis.
He was a veteran of more than 240 air combat missions over North Vietnam. The Admiral received his Silver Star medal over Hanoi Vietnam when he stayed with his Naval bomber after it was hit with a SAM missile. Even though his plane was badly damaged and on fire, he fought to stay in the air and complete his bombing mission at great risk to his own life. As Wing Commander he led the other pilots in his heavily damaged plane. The aircraft fire eventually burned out, and as he attempted a carrier landing, he discovered that the front of the plane had been blown away. He had to crash-land at a U.S. base in Vietnam.
Vice Admiral Robert E. Kirkseys decoration include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "Valor" Device
Although Admiral Kirksey spent much of his career at sea, he loved the time he had at home. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Vi, of Fort Myers, Fla. and their children, Jennifer Kirksey of Santa Cruz, Robert Kirksey Jr. (wife Shelly) of Redlands. Gregg Kirksey (wife Robin) of Santa Cruz, and Andrew Kirksey of Fort Myers, Fla. His brother Jack Kirksey and wife Patt, his sister
