CDR Robert Eugene Parsons

CDR Parsons passed away on February 3, 2025 in Pensacola, Florida. He was born in a rural area of Daviess County, Indiana. He went to a one room school through the eighth grades. Three years of high school was completed at Montgomery, Indiana. A transfer of schools found him graduating at Odon High School in 1950. His desire to join the Navy in January 1951 led to a 41 year career. He rose through the ranks from Airman Apprentice to Commander (Aviation Deck 6310). During his active duty, CDR Parsons was awarded 32 military decorations, some of which included battle stars. He was presented two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy Commendations and a Navy Achievement Medal for superior leadership during various phases of his career.

Parsons' more than four decades of service spans the Korean conflict through Desert Storm, including eleven sea duty tours abroad aircraft carriers and a hospital ship.

His sea duty assignments included such duties as Flight Deck PEtty Officer, Catapult Captain, Catapult Chief, Catapult Maintenance Officer, Aircraft Launch and Recovery Division Officer and Air Boss on a Hospital Ship. Shore duty assignments included such duties as Navy Recruiter, Aircraft crash and Rescue Officer, Assistant Air Operations Officer and Aircraft Launch and Recovery Officer on the staff of Naval Air Systems Command and PMS inspector for Commander Naval Air Force Atlantic Fleet.

On August 18, 2006 CDR Parsons was inducted into the Aviation Boatswain's Mates Hall of Honors as a "Living Legend". The Living Legend status was bestowed upon him for his contributions and leadership in Naval Aircraft Launch and Recovery abroad aircraft carriers. As a "Living Legend" he joins a very select group of professionals known as, The Best of The Best in Aircraft Operations on Naval Aircraft Carriers. His motto, "Follow me and you will never sleep" followed him throughout his career.