Eric Alton McVadon

1936 - 2022

Rear Admiral (Ret.) Eric Alton McVadon passed away in hospice care in Reston, Virginia on February 15, 2022. He had fought Parkinson's Disease for over 15 years. His wife, Marshall, also a native of Baton Rouge, died in January, 2021. He is survived by his five children, Doug (Melinda), Michelle, Erin (Jim), Scott, Kevin (Yvette), seven grandchildren, four great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; his brother Wayne (Claire) of Baton Rouge and numerous nieces and nephews. He was a graduate of Baton Rouge High School and inducted into its Hall of Fame. He attended Tulane University on a Navy ROTC scholarship and graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 1958 and was commissioned an Ensign. He entered flight school in Pensacola, FL, won his wings and chose to fly multi-engine aircraft. His skill convinced the Navy to allow pilots to wear glasses and he became the youngest P-2 pilot in the Navy. His 35 year career was highlighted by tours in Japan, China, and Iceland, where he served first as Base Commander and returned as the US and NATO flag officer. He hosted President Reagan and Gorbachev at the 1986 Reykjavik Summit. While at the Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, Eric completed his Master's Degree in International Affairs at George Washington University. He served with three Patrol Squadrons flying anti-submarine aircraft, completing six deployments with the Pacific Fleet including operations from Cam Ranh Bay, Vietnam. He commanded Patrol Squadron 40 in 1975-76. He was assigned to the Navy staff at the Pentagon and was the Navy member of the Staff Group of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His final assignment was the US Embassy in Beijing as Defense and Naval Attache from 1990-92. His performance earned him his second Distinguished Service Metal, the military's highest non-combat decoration. A combined funeral service with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on a date to be determined.