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David Eldridge Obituary
ASHBURN, Va. - Capt. David B. Eldridge Jr. died on Aug. 10, 2016, in Rockville, Md. He was born in Milbridge on June 1, 1932. His parents were Marjorie Dwelly and David B. Eldridge Sr.
He graduated from Maine Maritime Academy in 1953 and served as a naval aviator for 26 years. He served as commanding officer of the Navy Antarctic Squadron (VXE-6). He received a Master's of Arts degree from the University of Rhode Island while completing the senior course at the Naval War College. Capt. Eldridge served in the Pentagon in the Defense Intelligence Agency and OPNAV. After his retirement from the United States Navy, he returned to the Merchant Marines for a second retirement from Bath Iron Works.
Capt. Eldridge is survived by his wife, Micheline Ciampi, of Portland; children, David B. Eldridge III, Marjorie Piorkowski, and Marc Eldridge; and nine grandchildren.
His burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery, in Virginia.
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Memories and Condolences
for David Eldridge
August 28, 2016
Thank you for your service.
Clayton Parsons
August 23, 2016
I arrived in VX-6 on April 10, 1968, and I think hat was shortly after CDR Eldridge left. I am not certain who the CO was at the time I checked in but CDR Eugene Van Reeth became CO that summer. Nevertheless, His name is well familiar to me and his leadership of this elite was well known by me at the time. My condolences to the family and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Fair winds and following tail winds to you sir.
Jim Withycombe
August 23, 2016
The "BIG E" was my fourth Re-enlistment Officer. He was the Executive Officer at the time in 1970. Had the opportunity to speak with him again later at Roosevelt Roads when he brought a crew down for a RON. Fine gentleman and Naval Officer. Please accept Nelsa and my condolences at this time of sorrow.
Hank Engberg
August 23, 2016
Rest in peace sir. A good man and a great commanding officer.
CAPT (Ret.) Jon Clarke
August 22, 2016
I met then-LCDR Eldridge at the NAS Corpus Christi O Club bar. He was an instructor in one of the multiengine squadrons. What he had in common with this lowly student ENS was we both had orders to VX-6. We both arrived in early 1966. I thought he and his deputy Winter Over guy then-LT Brian Shoemaker did a great job improving the officer quarters on the Hill. It was not the JO bunkroom but I got invited there for poker games and Patsy Cline tapes. I left the squadron in mid-1968 but stayed in touch into l970 as aide on the Admrial's staff. Great and gracious guy.
James Bain
August 21, 2016
He was the greatest commanding officer and pilot I ever had the privilege of serving with. I flew as his loadmasters on C-130 crew 917 in VX-6. My heart felt preyers are with his family. I salute you Capt. Jim Bain Master Chief USN Retired
Donald Gilliamsen
August 21, 2016
You will be missed. I missed an opportunity when you asked me to stay another year.Rest in Peace Captain Eldridge.Respectfully,LCDR Donald A. Gilliamsen, USN(ret)
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