Stanley Thomas Counts

1926 - 2015

Stanley Counts, a 38 year resident of La Jolla, passed away on January 27, 2015, from complications of Alzheimer's disease. He was born in Weleetka, OK, in 1926 to Claude and Thelma Counts. He graduated in 1943 from East High School in Wichita, Kansas. He attended Wichita State University after enlisting in the Naval Reserve in March 1944, attended Washburn University (Topeka, KS) under the V-12 program prior to entering the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1945. He was commended for his leadership while at the Naval Academy and graduated on June 3, 1949.
He had previously met a young, very attractive lady (while home on leave) on a double date (although he wasn't her date at the time!) He persistently pursued her long distance while at the U.S. Naval Academy. Stan and Bette Heft were married in Wichita on November 18, 1949. They immediately moved to Norfolk, VA, where Stan went to sea to start his career as a surface warrior.
His initial sea tours were First Lieutenant, Assistant Gunnery Officer and Communications Officer onboard the USS O'Hare (DD-889); Combat Information Officer onboard the USS Bexar (APA-237) during the Korean War; Operations Officer onboard the USS Keppler (DDE-765); and Navigator and Executive Officer onboard the USS Coolbaugh (DE -217).
Stan received his MS in Engineering Electronics from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, in June 1955. Coincidently, their daughter, Ashlie, was born during their time in Monterey.
In 1959, he was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, as Assistant for Operational Control Center Systems and then became the commissioning Executive Officer and Navigator of the USS Lawrence (DDG-4), which participated in the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was the commissioning Commanding Officer of the USS Bronstein (DE-1037) and had additional duty as Commander, Escort Division, THIRTY-TWO. Staying in San Diego, he served as Operations Officer and Assistant Plans Officer on Commander Cruiser Destroyer Force, Pacific Fleet and in July of 1966 became Commanding Officer of USS Towers (DDG-9). He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Combat "V" for heroic operations in combat, taking his ship into heavily fortified waters of Haiphong Harbor to rescue a downed U.S. aviator. With North Vietnamese gun batteries attempting to engage Towers, CDR Counts expertly maneuvered his ship in full defensive posture and successfully rescued the downed airman.
In August of 1968 Stan became the first Project Manager of the NATO SEASPARROW Surface Missile System and started a program that has become the longest lasting and most successful U.S. cooperative weapons program. He was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious service for establishing NATO SEASPAROW. He assumed command of the guided missile cruiser, USS Chicago (CG-11), in November of 1970 and during his command, USS Chicago was awarded the Meritorious Unit Commendation and RADM Counts was personally awarded his second Legion of Merit for combat operations in Southeast Asia. He was selected for Flag Rank in the spring of 1971 and became the Director for Ships Weapons Electronics Systems, Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Production Engineering and Material), Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (Installations and Logistics). RADM Counts was awarded his third Legion of Merit for, "outstanding service in connection with implementing revised procedures for the acquisition of major Defense Weapons Systems." During this time he also served as United States Member, NATO SEASPARROW Project Steering Committee, serving as the second Chairman from April 1973 to December 1976.
In January 1974, he was appointed by the Chief of Naval Material to chair the Action Group to plan the merger of the Naval Ordnance and Naval Ship Systems Commands. In April of 1974 he became the last Commander, Naval Ordnance System Command, and in July 1974 assumed duties as the first Vice Commander, Naval Sea Systems Command.
Admiral Counts' last at sea command was as Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group Five from 1976 to 1978. During this time he deployed twice to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean, serving as Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Force, Seventh Fleet (CTF-75). He was awarded his fourth Legion of Merit for, "displaying inspirational leadership and unparalleled professional expertise." He retired from the U.S. Navy in 1978, after 34 years of service, and in 1979 joined Hughes Aircraft Company in Fullerton, CA. He served as Manager for the Spares Program Office within the Ground Systems Group and as Assistant Division Manager for Engineering Services and Support. He retired from Hughes in 1989.
Upon retirement from Hughes Aircraft, he did not sit back and rock on the porch. Stan volunteered throughout San Diego, serving as President for Greater La Jolla Meals on Wheels, President of Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge and was a member of the La Jolla Guild, the San Diego Opera, the California Ballet, the Rest and Aspiration Club of San Diego, the Navy League, the American Legion and the VFW. He also was a life member of U.S. Naval Institute, Disabled American Veterans, Military Officers Association, and the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association. He was a founder of the Surface Navy Association and served on the Board of Directors from 1985 – 1993.
Rear Admiral Counts' awards include the American Campaign Medal, World War II Victory medal, Navy Occupation Service Medal (Europe Clasp), China Service Medal, National Defense Medal (two awards), Korean Service Medal (two awards), United Nations Service Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal (Cuba), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star with Combat V, and Legion of Merit (three awards). He was also very proud of the fact that all three of his commands earned the Battle Efficiency "E" while he was in command.
Stan and Bette enjoyed sailing – they sailed around San Diego, around Turkey, and around the Caribbean. They also learned to snow ski when they were 47 and skied all over Europe, Argentina, New Zealand and the United States. Mammoth Mountain became their favorite place. Stan was also an avid, if frustrated, golfer and enjoyed playing on many golf courses around the world.
Stan is survived by his wife of 65 years, Bettejan H. Counts; his daughter, Ashlie Counts-Jenkins and son-in-law, CAPT Robert D. Jenkins, III, USN (ret) of Tucson, AZ; grandson, LT Robert D. Jenkins IV, USN of Coronado, CA, (USNA '04); and granddaughter, Skyler Counts Jenkins of Tucson, AZ. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Counts Bourne of Scripps Ranch; her daughters, Linda (Marcio) Bourne-Marcos of Carlsbad and Cheryl (Geoff) Bourne Murray of Solana Beach; Carolyn's son, Robert Bourne of San Diego; his cousin, L. Bruce (Pam) Schmidt of Scripps Ranch; and many nieces and nephews from across the country.
Visitation will be on Friday, February 6, 2015, from 2 – 4 pm at the Pacific Beach Chapel of Dignity Memorial, 4710 Cass Street, San Diego, CA 92109. Services will be held at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Chapel on February 9, 2015, at 1:00 pm, followed by burial at Miramar National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that a donation to La Jolla Meals on Wheels (http://www.lajollamealsonwheels.org) or the San Diego Chapter of Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge (http://www.freedomsfoundationsd.com) be made in his name.