Steve Briggs

Steve Briggs

March 8, 1941 - February 4, 2023

Steve Briggs, 81, of Long Beach, California, passed away on February 4, surrounded by his family after a life of service and adventure.

Steven Russell Briggs was born on March 8th, 1941, to Russell Lee and Clarice Evelyn Briggs in the great city of Omaha, Nebraska. Steve graduated from Campbell High School in Santa Clara, California in 1959 and went on to UCLA on an NROTC scholarship. He graduated from UCLA in 1963 and married the former Jean Mary Smith.

After completion of flight school in 1964, Steve and Jeanie packed their bags and moved to Lemoore, California where Steve would embark on his first of many deployments. Joining Light Attack Squadron VA-212, flying the venerable A-4 Skyhawk, he made two back-to-back WestPac cruises on Yankee Station. Flying 229 combat missions over Vietnam, Steve did it right in the air. He was awarded 23 Air Medals, six Navy Commendations with Combat V, a Distinguished Flying Cross as well as numerous other awards. He then earned a Master's degree in aeronautical engineering at NPGS Monterey California. Later in his career, he served as Commanding Officer of Attack Squadron Ninety-Four (VA 94), the Mighty Shrikes; Carrier Air Wing Five (CVW 5) aboard the USS Midway (CV 41) homeported at Yokosuka, Japan; the USS Ogden (LPD 5); and COMPHIBRON Twelve, a squadron of fifteen amphibious ships. In addition to several Pentagon tours, he served eight years as Rear Admiral at the one- and two-star level as the Commander of Light Attack/Strike Fighter Wing, Pacific Fleet, Fleet Air Western Pacific and Naval Air Forces Pacific Fleet.

Following retirement from the Navy in 1997, RADM Briggs joined Northrop Grumman. He proudly served as Vice President and program manager of the companys F/A-18 Hornet Strike Fighter program, as well as program manager of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program from 2003-2004 and as Deputy for Air Combat Systems. He retired from Northrop Grumman in 2005 and later served as Chairman of Bob Hope USO Los Angeles California. With a combined service of 42 years to Naval Aviation as an active-duty officer and a civilian leader, he was instrumental in not only mission execution but also planning, direction and implementation of the future of Naval Aviation.

Steve was preceded in death by his first wife Jeanie after a battle with ovarian cancer in 2003. She stood strongly and faithfully by his side for 40 years of marriage through numerous deployments and 28 moves with the Navy.

Steve and Fran were married in 2005. Following both their retirements, they traveled the world, visiting all seven continents. Avid wine enthusiasts, Steve and Fran made many trips to Paso Robles and Santa Ynez, participating in many wine clubs and wine dinners. Favorite travel spots included Australia (theres never a last trip to Australia), San Sebastian, Spain (the jury is still out on that one), and Bhutan (Where Steve climbed to the Tigers Nest with a broken toe at age 77, Badass!). They enjoyed spending time with family at home and abroad and were always available for a last-minute bed and a meal for any visitors (if they were home). They also shared a love of travel photography. Their home in Long Beach, California is decorated with many stunning photographs from around the world.

Steve lived life with joy, courage, and love and is a hero to us all. While he was a man with a great life of adventure to share, he relished sharing the successes of his children and grandchildren at every opportunity. He is survived by his wife Fran, his two children Jeffrey (Diane) Briggs, Amy (Joe) Colbert, his five grandchildren: Ryan (Melissa) Briggs, Kyle (Wendie) Briggs, Madison Briggs, Jamie Colbert, and Chase Colbert, three siblings including Pam Monk, Val (Wes) Dixon, and Tim (Vicki) Briggs, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Fair Winds and Following Seas Admiral!

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to:

Wings Over America Scholarships

770 Lynnhaven Parkway, Ste 155

Virginia Beach, VA 23452