William Foster

It was saddening to hear of Bill´s passing. He and I were inseparable childhood friends with similar Navy family backgrounds, and though we eventually lost touch through later moves, University, and then adult life, we reconnected as he contacted me unexpectedly following his retirement from the Navy. We caught up and it was as if we had not missed a day. I still remember the Middle School times we shared like the fishing trip picture attached; sometimes it is difficult to imagine our friends and parents when they were children themselves. He was an important person in those formative times during my own life, and one can see from the accounts of other people how he impacted their lives as well. He will surely be missed by many.

I had the honor to serve under Captain Foster aboard the USS Mount Whitney when he was our XO. My favorite memory was the day I was called down to his office during XOI. For thise who don't know the XO is responsible for deciding which crew members would go to Captains mast for various violations. I was trying to figure out what violation I may have been guilty of. When I went into Capt Fosters office he asked me if I knew why I was at XOI? I answered no sir. It was at this point after much sweating and nerves gone by Captain Foster shared with me that he had orders to Boston to serve as the CO of the USS Constitution. He said, " I heard you are from Boston. What should I know before I go there?" After My heart stopped beating through my chest I shared my knowledge of all the must dos and don't in Boston and Charlestown MA. I remember years later going to visit the USS Constitution and how much pride I had seeing Capt Fosters name on the plaque listing all the former Commanding Officers. I told anyone who could hear I served with Capt Foster and had high praise and respect for such a remarkable man. His leadership and professionalism made such a positive impact on my Navy career. Fair winds and following seas Caption Willian F. Foster Jr.

I knew Bill for a long time...from our time together at Booz Allen Hamilton to again engaging and working together during our time in Saudi Arabia under The Jones Group. Bill was a close friend who I enjoyed arguing and debating with and just spending time. He was a visionary who did a great deal to support not only the United States but the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

I will remember his wit, perceptive nature of dealing with complex personalities in many situations, protection of his staff, love of his family, and being just a good man. I am sorry to have found out about his death so late...we had lost touch a few months ago. But he will be remembered for his many good deeds and the family in which he was so proud.

Dearest William, Meredith, and Clare,
We are saddened to hear about the loss of your father. Bill was a man of distinction who leaves behind a stellar legacy for his children he so loved. He was very proud of each of you. May the wonderful memories of your father help to alleviate some of the sad days ahead. Healing Blessings.
Love, Uncle Don and Aunt Andrea

Bill was a close friend, and I held him with the highest esteem. He is truly missed and will never be forgotten in his second home of Saudi Arabia. Until we meet again. Gods Speed my friend.

Bill continued to be a faithful supporter of the NROTC program through service as a Board of Director of the UNC NROTC Alumni Association until the very end. His knowledge and dedication to the Association will leave a significant void. We are all proud to have worked with him. Condolences to his family and friends. Fair Winds and following Seas, Bill.

As my Executive Officer aboard my first ship, USS THOMAS S GATES (CG 51) in 1991-1992, Bill had such a positive impact on the wardroom, particularly the junior officers. His mentorship was felt several times throughout our lives, resulting in a few of us achieving successful 30+ year careers in the Navy as Captains and Admirals.

What an honor it was to serve once again under his leadership within Jones Group International, contributing directly to the stability and security of the Middle East through Royal Saudi Naval Force transformation. A visionary leader, Bill postured JGI for global strategic advisory services, from the Atlantic to the Indo-Pacific. We were close to embarking on the latter when he was taken from us.

My last day visiting with Bill in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, reminded me of those XO-LTJG chats on GATES. Only this time, his wisdom, derived from a lifetime, emphasized doing things that are enjoyable and impactful, achieving work-life balance, and enjoying quality time with family and friends. You will be missed, shipmate. My deepest sympathies to Bill´s family and friends.

Fred Winton Smith, Jr
Captain, US Navy (Retired)

My heartfelt condolences to Captain Bill Foster's family and friends. Living and working with Bill in Vienna VA and in Arabia, we shared so much in faith, family, integrity, and passion for Arabia and the many fine leaders there. An engaged, innovative consultant with his clients' interest in the truest sense of the word, he made everything better staged for success, including the people that he worked with. Bill brought his passion for others' success from his leadership in uniform to everything that he touched, and was a good friend to so many as well. We are all a bit diminished from the loss of this leader, advisor, father, and decent human being. Well done good and faithful servant; you and your family are in our prayers. John W. Peterson OBE, CAPT, USN(ret)

Captian Foster was my first Commanding Officer. He was a great leader.
MACS (Ret) Mark Long

I am truly saddened to learn of Bill´s passing. He had a sterling career, truly loved his family, friends, the Navy, UNC, and more. He had a true "joie de vivre" that was contagious. Bill was such a good man; my deepest condolences to all who cherished him, especially his children.

I first met CDR Foster when he assumed command of USS CONSTITUTION on July 30, 1999. The USS Constitution Museum team worked with Bill to launch the "Old Ironsides" Across the Nation (OIAN) program in 2000. Bill brought enthusiasm and a willingness to think outside the box. During the first year of the OIAN program, Commander Foster and about a dozen CONSTITUTION crew members joined Museum staff in visits to Cleveland, Chicago, Indianapolis, and Pittsburgh. In each city, the museum staff and USN crew delivered programs in classrooms, conducted teacher workshops, and offered public presentations. (See attached photo of Bill in a Chicago school with us.) Between 2000 and 2009, the OIAN program shared the stories of USS CONSTITUTION with over 125,000 people in more than 20 cities across the country, reaching nearly 90,000 students. These efforts culminated in a trip to the White House in 2003 when First Lady Laura Bush presented the USS Constitution Museum with the IMLS National Award for Museum Service.

Bill returned to Boston to visit the Ship and Museum many times. This is a sad moment as we say farewell to a stalwart member of our CONSTITUTION family.

Anne Grimes Rand
President & CEO
USS Constitution Museum

My deepest condolences to Bill´s family. During his command tour on Old Ironsides Bill was also a member of a small group of Surface Navy Association members who created the George Syrian award, granted each year to the finest Chief Petty Officer in the Surface Navy. This award is now in its 11 year, presented each year onboard USS CONSTITUTION during Chief Heritage days. Kathleen and I will miss his friendship! 63

The first time I met Bill was when he relieved me as Commanding Officer of Old Ironsides in July 1999. He had lots of enthusiasm for protecting, promoting and preserving our nation's greatest ship -- and he had a great tour. I plan to be at Arlington when he receives his final honors.

The good die young ...
Was sadly informed yesterday that Shipmate "Bill" Foster passed after a long and hard fight with cancer. Bill was a GREAT Sailor and as XO of Mount Whitney (JCC/LCC 20) turned what was derisively known as "Building 20" or "Fat Albert" into a Battle "E" winner in short order and set the CINCLANT Fleet OPPE exam record before she deployed on short notice to assume duties as Flag Ship for Commander Sixth Fleet.

Bill was tenacious, a great mentor, and was fair but as one would say "did not suffer fools gladly" with those that did they not perform to his high standards. He leaves a lasting legacy on Surface Warfare through the lives of many he shaped and will be missed.

May God's hand be on the tiller when he crosses over the bar one last time.

The good die young ...
Was sadly informed yesterday that Shipmate "Bill" Foster passed after a long and hard fight with cancer. Bill was a GREAT Sailor and as XO of Mount Whitney (JCC/LCC 20) turned what was derisively known as "Building 20" or "Fat Albert" into a Battle "E" winner in short order and set the CINCLANT Fleet OPPE exam record before she deployed on short notice to assume duties as Flag Ship for Commander Sixth Fleet.

Bill was tenacious, a great mentor, and was fair but as one would say "did not suffer fools gladly" with those that did they not perform to his high standards. He leaves a lasting legacy on Surface Warfare through the lives of many he shaped and will be missed.

May God's hand be on the tiller when he crosses over the bar one last time.

Ros Poplar
CAPT USN (ret)

I am deeply saddened by the news of the loss of my dear friend Bill Foster, My heartfelt sympathy to all his family and friends at this sad time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bill and his family. An eternal optimist. Bill was always ready to pursue the next challenge. He was a great teacher in the world of consulting. May he rest in peace until we meet again.

Cathal O´Connor
Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy (retired)

Condolences to the Foster family. I served with Bill as a Carr plankowner 85-88, also my first 3 years in the Navy. Our paths crossed again in 2005 when I was at the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport RI, and he was a lecturer. It felt great when he saw me and instantly recognized me from 20 years prior, even stopping his lecture to greet me. Fair winds and following seas, CAPT Foster. It was an honor serving with you.

My great condolences to all family of our great friend Bill Foster .
Such wonderful person, i am very proud of knowing him.
VADM
Fahad Alghofaily
DGCS kSA