Bruce Albert Young

Capt. Bruce Albert Young, USN, Retired, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2021, after a long struggle with numerous ailments. He had incredible strength and a positive attitude throughout his illnesses. A beloved son and brother, devoted husband, father and grandfather, Bruce was born in Hackensack, NJ on July 18, 1938, to the late Albert and Ruth (Merge) Young. Raised in Scarsdale, NY, he graduated from Scarsdale High School in 1957. Bruce completed his undergraduate education at Colby College in Waterville, ME where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History in 1961. He was a member of Zeta Psi fraternity and goalie of the college’s soccer team. Upon graduation, he reported to Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI and was commissioned in 1962. After 27 years of honorable military service, he retired from the U.S. Navy in 1989. CAPT Young was widely known and respected among the officers and crew from his many assignments for his charismatic leadership, exemplary calmness, and quiet strength under pressure. His unshakable confidence in Command, his energetic leadership and his in-depth intellect and intelligence were the hallmarks of his larger-than-life persona. With broad technical knowledge and critical seamanship skills, Bruce was a sailor’s Captain who was approachable, fair minded and transparent in his actions. His encouragement, mentorship and long-term interest in his subordinates encouraged many to reach higher professional achievement and personal development. His leadership included accountability, but with a healthy measure of forgiveness and a unique ability to remember to forget. Gifted with a sharp wit, his door was open to all and his genuine concerns for their welfare went far beyond his line of duty. Bruce’s military assignments included: Communications Officer, USS Whitehurst (DD 634) and Operations Officer USS Vance (DER 387). After completing his next assignment as Senior Staff Communications Watch Officer for Commander Naval Air Forces Atlantic, he was assigned to the U.S. Naval Communications Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba as the Communications Traffic Analysis Officer. He was rapidly promoted to the Military Personnel Officer for the Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay. Bruce then completed training and reported to the River Patrol Force RVN in South Vietnam serving as a River Patrol Boat Patrol Officer with River Sections 512 and 513. He was then expressly promoted to be the Naval Intelligence Liaison Officer for Commander, Task Force 116. Following his highly decorated Vietnam tour, he served aboard the USS Robert A. Owens (DD 827) as the Operations Officer and Senior Watch Officer. His next duty station was Commanding Officer of the USS Grasp (ARS 24), a specialized operations ship assigned to operate in coastal waters of South Vietnam. After completing the Command and Staff Course at the U.S. Naval War College, Bruce reported to the Chief of Naval Operations staff as the NATO/JOINT Action Officer for the Director of Naval Telecommunications. He became Personal Aide and Administrative Assistant to late Vice Admiral Jon L. Boyes, Director Command, Control and Communications (C3) Programs. After graduation from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School with a Master of Science in Telecommunications Systems, he assumed command of USS Jonas Ingram (DD 938) and completed a Mediterranean deployment, numerous fleet exercises and a major ship overhaul. He went on to continue his education at the National Defense University and became the Director for the Chief of Naval Operations, Sea Power Presentation Team. Decorations include: The Bronze Star with combat “V” (two awards); Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal (three awards); Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V” (six awards); U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; Presidential Unit Citation (two awards); Navy Unit Commendation; Meritorious Unit Commendation (three awards); Navy Expeditionary Medal; National Defense Service Medal; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (three awards); Vietnam Service Medal; Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (two awards); as well numerous other personal and campaign medals from the Republic of Vietnam. Following his military career, Bruce was employed at Quadelta Inc. where he provided technical and analytical expertise in directing their test and evaluation programs. Additionally, he was a longtime member of the Army Navy Club, Washington, D.C and the Army Navy Country Club, Arlington, VA. His love of history and sports was always present and often the center of conversations. He had an outgoing personality and truly enjoyed the company of family and friends. His stories, his knowledge, the actions he took, and his legacy of a life well lived inspired all who knew him. CAPT Young is survived by his wife of 56 years, the former Rebecca Ann Croom of Raleigh, NC as well as his son Christopher (CDR, USNR, Ret.) of Boulder, CO; his wife Melissa, their daughter Avery and sons Caden, Lucas and Whittaker. Also surviving is Bruce’s sister Barbara Campbell of Plymouth, MA and his sister-in-law Genie (Croom) Starnes and brother-in-law Jerry Starnes of Blowing Rock, NC. He was sorrowfully preceded in death by his loving daughter Kimberly Anne Young. "During this time, there will be hugs, there will be tears, there will be pictures, memories and stories. Some you have never heard and some you could never hear enough. There will be sorrow, there will be celebration, but most of all there will be love – the kind that never ends." A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023 at 11:00am at the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, VA, followed by interment with full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Kimberly Young Jefferson Scholarship At the Jefferson Scholars Foundation 112 Clarke Court Charlottesville, VA 22901 In Memory of CAPT Bruce A. Young, USN or Army Retirement Residence Foundation, Potomac 9240 Belvoir Woods Parkway FT Belvoir, VA 22060 In Memory of CAPT Bruce A. Young, USN