ROBERT P. RICE

While deployed in the Tonkin Gulf the entire squadron was invited to the mess deck after flight ops had secured. We enlisted guys thought another safety film was in store but to our surprise the skipper (Cmdr. Rice) had arranged for us to be served ice cream, a much enjoyed treat after a hot day in the shops and on the flight deck.
Cmdr. Rice came and sat at our table and talked with us for awhile, asking each of us where we were from and about our lives back in the "world". He was...

Skipper Rice was a great guy, fair and funny, would never order any of his subordinates to fly any mission he would fly himself. A pleasure to serve with, I only wish I could have visited him at the Smithsonian. I was a JO (junior officer) under his command in USS Coral Sea, and occasionally had the honor of flying missions as his wingman. God bless him. He is missed.

Capt Rice was my XO and CO on our 71/72 WESPAC deployment. I remember him as being very personable with the enlisted men. A great man.

I last saw Cmdr Rice as a guest of myself and Brenda at our wedding in 1973. He was the epitome of an officer and a gentleman. I flew with him in the backseat of F-4Bs during our tour of duty in VF-111. He has left so much and will always be remembered.

Bob and Betty were wonderful friends even though we were on separate coasts for most of the past 35 years. As my XO in VF-111 in 71/72, Bob and I shared many combat experiences together in very trying times. Our hearts and love go out to Betty and family for their great loss. It was a great privilege to have known and served with this fine gentleman.
Bob Pearl, Capt. USN (Ret)

Fair winds and following seas Skipper.