Earl Preston Yates obituary, Virginia Beach, VA

In memory of

Earl Preston Yates

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Dave Disher

May 12, 2025

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!

Dave Disher

May 12, 2025

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!

Michele Castner

November 15, 2021

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.

Anita Curry Dowding

September 28, 2021

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 !!

Frank Lennon

September 22, 2021

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.

Anthony Dickerson

September 20, 2021

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

Bob Haner

September 18, 2021

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, that now continues on USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVN 79), which is currently under construction, commanded by it's first CO, it's PCO - Captain Todd Marzano. Buddy Yates will always be a part of the legacy, and history of ships named for President John F. Kennedy. RIP, Sir! TCAMGB. V/R, Bob Haner, President, USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CVA/CV 67 and CVN 79) Association

Kelley AO3 - G Division

September 18, 2021

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...!!!

GEORGE MEYER

September 18, 2021

Rest in Peace, Sir. Best Commanding Officer I ever served under. Outstanding commander and Captain of the USS John F. Kennedy (CVA-67). Fair winds and following seas, Sir. Rest easy in CHRIST; we have the watch!!!

Bernie Kirsch

September 16, 2021

I live in the Northend neighborhood for forty years just a stones throw from Admiral Yates and admired him.

My sympathy to the family and friends.

May he rest in eternal peace.

James A Paczkowski (RMC_Ret)

September 16, 2021

A great man, RIP Admiral !!

Jack Erwin

September 16, 2021

Our deepest sympathetic Condolences to the Yates Family and friends he was our Skipper and very well respected

Legacy Remembers

Posted event

September 16, 2021

Oct

13

Funeral service

10:30 a.m.

US Naval Academy Chapel

Annapolis, MD

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