Peter Joseph Gaskin II

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our friend Peter Joseph Gaskin II, Captain (Ret) United States Navy, on July 12, 2025 at the age of 80. Born in New York, he completed both his undergraduate and MBA at the University of Pennsylvania.

Pete wore many hats during his long life but the one he was most identified with was that of a Naval Officer.

Captain Gaskins illustrious military career began in 1966 when he was commissioned as an ensign, via NROTC, in the United States Navy. During his 30-year career he served as a member of the Naval Advisory Group, Vietnam, serving as Senior Advisor to a vietnamese Riverboat Division. He served aboard the USS Stickel, the USS Swenson, as the Executive Officer aboard the USS England, and as Commanding Officer of the USS Meyerkord, and later returned as Commanding Officer of the USS England. He later served as Chief of Staff for the USS Abraham Lincoln Battle Group and served temporarily as Acting commander of the Battle Group during the pre-Persian Gulf deployment training cycle.His final duty assignment was Commodore MIlitary Sealift Command East out of Yokosuka, Japan.

His distinguished service has been recognized with numerous awards, medals, and decorations including the Silver Star, Bronze Star with Combat "V" Legion of Merit (3 awards), National Defense Service Medal (2 awards), Meritorious Service Medal (5 awards) and the Navy Commendation Medal (3 awards) and numerous other military decorations. When recently asked how he would like to be remembered he replied: "He was a good Naval Officer who raised the training level of his men."

Upon retirement Pete devoted much of his time as a dedicated volunteer Docent from 2004-2024 aboard the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. His vast knowledge of military operations and the "inner workings" of a navy warship contributed greatly to the experience of visitors to the Midway. Pete was a valued member of the Tuesday and Thursday afternoon teams and could usually be found in his favorite spot, the engine room. He amassed over 10,000 volunteer hours and became a MIdway President's Circle member in 2024.

Pete's personal passion was baseball and he was a Yankees fan. He played baseball and softball regularly and coached and managed several teams. He was very active in the San Diego Adult Baseball League, and attended San Diego Padres Fantasy Camps, both at Qualcomm and later in Peoria, AZ and numerous Fantasy Camp tournaments throughout California.

Captain Gaskin is pre-deceased by his wife, Marilyn ("Mimsie") Gaskin.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lewy Body Dementia Association.

Services will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. at Miramar National Cemetery.