Earl Preston Yates

Four years ago, the (USS) JFK Family lost it's "Living Legend" at least here on earth, BUT he is still with us in spirit and lives on through everyone who knew him and served with him. He is now our "Forever Legend". TCAMGB (Take care and may God Bless) Very Respectfully, Bob Haner, President, USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVA/CV 67 and CVN 79) *TWO SHIPS - ONE JFK FAMILY*

My Condolences to Earl Yates´ family. He was "my Captain" on the JFK, from Pre-Commission thru her 1st Med Cruise. Captain Yates was a GREAT LEADER and a GREAT HUMAN BEING!

I served in the Navy (1966-70) and was in the Pre-Commission Crew thru her 1st Med Cruise. Great Ship, Officers and Crew! And soooo many GREAT memories!

So sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was amazing and had the best stories. I loved talking with him when he came by your office to check things out. May he rest in peace and I am honored to have had the opportunity to meet him.

We were all on Whidbey Island together in the early "70´s"... my mom and dad had a great time with your parents...those aviators loved to get together and chat.. even though they used there hand a lot!! . It was life changing when your dad had to let us know that my dad was MIA .. 1/08/71... your father was very gracious delivering the news... And our family is grateful for that... RIP our aviator fathers... words can´t express !!

I offer condolences to the Yates family on behalf of the hard working volunteers of the Rhode island Aviation Hall of Fame, who worked very hard for many years to preserve USS JFK (CV-67) and bring her to Narragansett Bay as a museum and memorial. Admiral Yates supported this effort every step of the way, and was an inspiration to us all.

Admiral Yates it was an honor and privilege to have met you sir. The brief time that I had to talk with you I will cherish. The standards that you set for USS John F Kennedy CV67 were still being followerand met during my time onboard 1987-1991. You were truly a living legend. Fair Winds and foll9wing seas Admiral Yates. MM3 Anthony Dickerson USS John F Kennedy CV67 1987-1991

Rear Admiral Earl P. "Buddy" Yates, Jr., was the PCO, and first CO of USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVA (later CV) 67), BUT, he was more than that. On JFK, we called him OUR LIVING LEGEND, and he was one of those rare individuals who really deserved to be called that, and deserved all the love and respect he got, and then some. He set a standard on JFK-67, that all of us who came afterwards did our best to live up to, and maintain, and the ship's history and legacy reflect that. It's a standard,...

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. And Admiral...thank you for allowing this country boy to be a part of something so special and unique...our ship...CVA-67...Salute...fair winds and following seas...!!!