RADM Virgil L. Hill Jr.

Rear Admiral Virgil Lusk Hill, Jr., USN (Ret.), died peacefully on 6 September 2024, in Lancaster, PA. Virg was born in Shelby, NC. He graduated with distinction from the U.S. Naval Academy, Class of 1961. He reported to his first submarine, BARB (SSN 596), in 1963. In 1964, Virg married the former Kimberly Jordan, whom he met on a blind date to the 1962 Army-Navy Game. He was subsequently assigned as Engineer Officer on the ballistic missile submarine THOMAS JEFFERSON (SSBN 618), and as the first Executive Officer of the attack submarine, L. MENDEL RIVERS (SSN 686). In 1976, Virg took command of HAMMERHEAD (SSN 663). In 1980 he reported to the Office of Naval Intelligence in Washington, DC, as Director of Special Projects, responsible for one of the nation's most significant intelligence collection programs. His efforts earned him the Legion of Merit, and commendation by the British First Sea Lord for supporting the Royal Navy during the Falklands War. In 1983, he took command of Submarine Development Squadron Twelve in New London, with responsibility for the squadron and developing tactics for the entire submarine force. His initiatives in submarine warfare and tactical computer programs were recognized with the Legion of Merit. In 1985, Virg was selected for flag rank, and assigned as Director, Attack Submarine Division, in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. In 1987, Virg assumed command of Submarine Group Five in San Diego. His responsibilities included 25 attack submarines and three submarine squadrons. He was selected for two-star rank, and became the 53rd Superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy in August 1988. During his three years as Superintendent, Virg oversaw a complete restructuring of the academic curriculum, and what was at the time the Academy's largest-ever fund-raising campaign, culminating in the construction of Alumni Hall. For his efforts, he received the Navy's highest peacetime award, the Distinguished Service Medal. In 1991, Virg took command of the Operational Test and Evaluation Force at Norfolk, responsible for test and evaluation of all new ships, submarines, aircraft and weapon systems proposed for introduction in the Navy. Following retirement in 1993, Virg served as President, Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, PA. In 2000, Virg moved to Ambler, PA, where he taught at Villanova University's School of Business as Distinguished Professor of Leadership and Ethics. In 2016, Virg and Kim moved to Lancaster, PA. Virg is survived by his wife of 60 years, Kim, his children Scott and Kelly, and granddaughters, Olivia and India. A memorial service will be held at the Naval Academy Chapel on 30th October 2024. Please contact the family at RADMHillFuneralService@gmail.com for details regarding attending the service and repast.