Rear Admiral David Neil Rogers USN (Retired)

A distinguished naval aviator and senior flag officer, Rear Admiral Rogers devoted his life to the service of his country, the United States Navy, and the men and women he led. He was a devoted husband and father, an exceptional leader, and a great person, remembered equally for his professional excellence and personal integrity.

Over a career spanning decades, he held numerous operational and strategic leadership roles, including Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron 192 (VA-192), Commander of Carrier Air Wing 14, Commanding Officer of the USS Okinawa (LPH-3) and the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63), and Commander, Carrier Group Three / Battle Group Charlie. He also served as Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (Rear). Admiral Rogers flew over 200 combat missions in Vietnam. Rear Admiral Rogers has flown 62 different types of military aircraft; 16 types from the decks of 17 carriers. He has over 1,400 carrier landings and over 5,000 accident-free flight hours.

In addition to his sea commands, Rear Admiral Rogers held senior leadership positions on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, including Vice Director for Operations, where he contributed to national-level defense planning and joint military operations.

Following his retirement from active duty, Rear Admiral Rogers continued his service to the nation in the private sector. He joined Kapos Associates as Director of Studies for three years, followed by nine years as Senior Vice President of Titan Corporation, where his leadership, strategic insight, and experience were highly valued.

Rear Admiral Rogers’ decorations reflect a career of extraordinary leadership and combat service. His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, four awards of the Legion of Merit, two awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, eighteen awards of the Air Medal with Combat “V,” five awards of the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V,” the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry.

Rear Admiral Rogers was married to the former Barbara Kenna of Alexandria, Virginia. He is survived by his beloved wife; their two children, Captain Glenn Rogers, United States Marine Corps Reserve, and Mrs. Cindy Stevenson; five grandchildren—Jessica, Christian, Anna, Julia, and Johnny; and two great-grandchildren, Aubree and Atlas. There will be a viewing on Friday, January 23rd from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Murphy Funeral Home in Arlington, VA. The funeral Mass will be on Saturday, January 24th at 12:30 p.m. at The Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington, VA. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery on a future date

Memorial contributions may be made to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society or a charity of your choice.