Eugene B. Ackerman

CAPTAIN USN (Retired) On February 11, 2016 in Aldie, Virginia, Eugene B. Ackerman of Burke, Virginia died at Capital Caring Hospice (Adler Center) after a long battle with complications from cancer. Loving husband of Nan Ackerman for over 50 years, son of George Ackerman Sr. and Ida Lee McGuire of Teaneck, NJ; and father of Steven Ackerman (predeceased). He is survived by a brother, George Henry Ackerman, Jr. of Ridgewood, New Jersey, a dear cousin Dolores McAvoy of Washington, Georgia and many nieces and nephews. Captain ACKERMAN was born 21 January 1929 and was commissioned upon graduation from New York State Maritime Academy in 1949. After duty in USS PHILIPPINE SEA (CV-47) and USS BALTIMORE (CA-68) during the Korean War, he served as Engineer Officer in USS JOHN S. McCAIN (DL-3). Captain ACKERMAN then attended the U.S. Naval General Line School followed by duty with the Bureau of Ships. In 1957 he was assigned to the Naval Reactors Office at Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory, Schenectady, New York. Following consecutive tours as Damage Control Assistant in USS CONSTELLATION (CVA-64 and as Executive Officer, USS BARTON (DD-722), Captain ACKERMAN received his Master’s Degree in Management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 1965. During the Vietnam War he served as Engineer Officer, USS RANGER (CVA-61) and commanded USS GURKE (DD-783). After attending the Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1970, he was assigned as Current Operations Officer to the staff of Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Prior to assignment as commanding Officer of USS WAINWRIGHT (CG-28), Captain ACKERMAN served as Deputy Director, Surface Warfare Division in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. The USS WAINWIGHT was the review ship for the 1976 international naval review and the bi-centennial/operation sail. He served as Chief of Staff, Commander Carrier Group Four from August 1976 to June 1979. His last tour of duty was an Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Material for Fleet Readiness and Support, Headquarters, Naval Material Command from July 1979 to June 1980. Upon retirement from the U.S. Navy, Captain ACKERMAN was employed by RAM Corporation. Captain ACKERMAN has been awarded two Bronze Star Medals with combat V, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal and the Republic of Vietnam Naval Distinguished Service Medal in addition to unit commendations and Korean and Vietnam Service Medals. He was awarded the Legion of Merit in 1979 and the Legion of Merit (Gold Star in Lieu of the Second Award) in 1980. Captain ACKERMAN was graduated from Teaneck High School in 1946. His father George was a naval officer and before that his grandfather, Berthold was a merchant marine officer. Captain ACKERMAN married Nancy Louise Smith in 1965 in Troy, New York. Services will be held at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, on Saturday, February 20 at 11 am with a reception to follow in the church at 12 pm. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to a charity of your choice or to St Mark’s Lutheran church. Interment will be at Arlington National cemetery at a later date. www.demainefunerals.com