THOMAS PAULSEN

I had the privilege of serving under three captains while serving on board USS Blue Ridge (LCC19): CAPT Paulsen relieved CAPT William Francis in January of 1984 who, in turn, was relieved by CAPT John Heidt in November of 1985. Of the three, I have the most admiration for CAPT Paulsen who had the greatest beneficial influence of my naval career. I´m sure I made him scratch his head many times with my Ensign Pulveresque behavior, but he never lashed out in anger or lost patience with me...

RADM Paulsen was my most admired CO. Onboard the Whipple everyone wanted to do their best. Several times through my career we met and he always remembered me and took time to talk man to man. My last day in the Navy we met at Great Lakes Illinois. RADM Paulsen treated me like a long lost friend and we had been friends for 20 years. MMCM (RET) Gary Meade

RADM Paulsen was the best CO I have ever served with. I did 30 years service, in large part to his influence. He made each of us feel he cared about us, because he did. My heart sank when I saw this web page, but he is up in heaven, still caring about each and every shipmate. God bless the Paulsen family.

CDR Paulsen, I remember working for you as a yeoman onboard the Oklahoma City and the Blue Ridge. We knew you loved WESTPAC and being the best Fleet Surface Warfare officer. God bless your memory, sir.

RADM Paulsen was my very first CO when he was CO of BLUE RIDGE. I will never forget his charm and wisdom as he taught me the ways of the Navy. It was an honor to serve with him and to have known his family! RIP Admiral, we have the watch!

I served on the USS Blue Ridge LCC-19 back in the mid-1980';s with Capt. Paulsen. He was a tough CO but a fair one. RIP

Rear Admiral Paulsen was Captain on my first ship the USS Whipple FF1062! Having a Navy career that spanned 24 years he was the inspiration for me to keep serving my Country! Rear Admiral Paulsen was a man who loved to be at sea, and his determination to have a strong crew had made me want to serve my country with devotion and pride! God bless his family! Shipyard overhaul and Reftra deployments, and a Westpac under his Command!

Im sorry to have just now seen this. Admiral Paulsen was a remarkable leader. I served as his Command Master Chief for CRUDESGRU 2 in Charleston. We had a lot if talks about life, the Navy, and of course the Group.

To the Paulsen family- while we weren't able to purchase your beautiful Arlington Ridge home four years ago, we often drive by and remember its beauty, which matches that of your family. I'm so sorry for your loss.