Admiral Ronald J. "Zap" Zlatoper

A career Naval Aviator and Sailor, who lived life to the fullest, has made his final takeoff.

The Navy and community grieve alongside the family and friends of Adm. Ronald J. "Zap" Zlatoper, as we celebrate his legacy and a life dedicated to the service of others. Admiral Zlatoper passed away in Atlanta, GA on April 21, 2022, at the age of 80 surrounded by family after a sudden illness.

Adm. Zlatoper was the 27th Commander in Chief of U.S. Pacific Fleet from 1994-1996, a position he often mentioned that he would not have attained without the devotion of his wife of over 51 years, Barry Lane (Oliver) of Virginia Beach, VA.

Adm. Zlatoper was born in Cleveland, Ohio to humble and hardworking Slovenian American parents. He attended St. Joseph's high school and then earned a Naval Reserve Officer Training (NROTC) scholarship to New York's rigorous Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute where he graduated with a degree in mathematics. He received a Master's degree in Automated Data Science from George Washington University, was the distinguished graduate of the Naval War College, and earned a Master of Science in Management from the MIT Sloan School of Management.

In 1963, Zap began flight training in Pensacola, Florida. While still an ensign, he earned his Naval Aviator Wings of Gold and was chosen to fly the newly developed A-6 Intruder all weather attack aircraft. He flew combat missions in the skies above North Vietnam during his first combat tour aboard the USS Constellation in 1966 and second combat tour on the USS Forrestal in 1967. His recorded timeline in the squadron duty office log book of the tragic fire aboard the Forrestal on July 29th, 1967 (that resulted in the greatest loss of life on a Navy ship since World War II) is archived at the Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida.

Zap flew 150 combat missions over North Vietnam and was one of only a few aviators to have flown Carrier-based combat missions in both North Vietnam and Desert Storm. In total he flew the A-6 for 33 years on five operational carrier tours accumulating over 4,000 hours and over 1,000 carrier landings. He had no technical wave offs in his entire career.

Throughout his Navy career, Adm. Zlatoper held numerous staff and operational tours including Battle Group Commander in Desert Storm and Desert Shield; Carrier Air Wing Commander; the Military Assistant to Secretary of Defense, U.S. 7th Fleet's Chief of Staff; Executive Assistant on Staff of the Secretary of the Navy; Program Coordinator for the F/A-18 jet aircraft on the Navy staff in Washington, DC.

As Chief of Naval Personnel from 1991-1994, Adm. Zlatoper led the Navy through revolutionary changes including groundbreaking efforts within naval aviation and the integration of women onto combatant ships and aircraft.

During his final Navy assignment as Commander in Chief of U.S. Pacific Fleet in Pearl Harbor, he was responsible for the world's largest naval command, encompassing 102 million square miles and more than 190 ships and submarines, 1600 aircraft and 200,000 Sailors and Marines. In this role, he focused on operational excellence and was a champion of significant personnel and material investments in the Pacific Fleet.

Following his retirement from the U.S. Navy, Zap served as the Chief Executive Officer of Sanchez Computer Associates. His final career was as a trustee for the James Campbell Estate in Honolulu where he and Barry finally settled. An advocate for economic development in Hawaii, Zap served on the boards of several technological startup companies and was a leading advocate for developing dual use (military and civilian) technologies on the islands. Dedicated to community involvement, he was instrumental in the vision and development and an original board member of the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum; the Chamber of Commerce of Hawaii; Military Affairs Council; and the University of Hawaii College of Engineering. He was proud to be the Honorary Consul of Slovenia in Hawaii.

Adm. Zlatoper set the very highest standards of excellence and a legacy for all to emulate. He remains an inspirational and uplifting mentor to all who followed him, especially to the subsequent Commanders of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.

He was a loving husband, proud father, devoted grandfather and a loyal friend.

Along with his accomplishments it should be noted that Zap had a sharp wit, and an inquisitive mind. Not a day went by that he did not solve a sudoku puzzle and read several newspapers or magazines. He kept his family and squadrons laughing with his performances, whether it was standup comedy or playing the piano or button box. He perfected steak grilling and shook the best martinis around.

He is survived by his wife, Barry Lane (Oliver) Zlatoper of 51 years, his daughter Ashley Stolle, his son, Michael Zlatoper, his son-in-law David Stolle, his daughter-in-law, Amy Zlatoper, and his grandchildren, Olivia, Katherine, and Alexander Stolle, Asha and Zakary Zlatoper; his siblings, Joanne Lannie, and Tom Zlatoper; his brothers-in-law, James Oliver, wife Mary and Leslie Oliver and his wife Caroline. He is preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Ann Zlatoper, and his brother-in-law, Vincent Lannie.

The Navy and his civilian community say "farewell" to a great leader, shipmate, and friend. We are grateful for your leadership, mentorship, and commitment to our Navy and nation. Fair winds and following seas, Admiral.

An interment with full honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on August 29, 2022 at 11:00 AM

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum or the Rally Foundation for Childhood Cancer Research. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.hdoliver.com