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Burnham McCaffree Obituary

McCAFFREE

BURNHAM C. McCAFFREE JR. "Mike"

Rear Admiral, U. S. Navy (Ret.)

Burnham C. McCaffree Jr., "Mike", died at Goodwin House Alexandria on May 13, 2023. He enlisted in the Naval Reserve, graduated from the Naval Academy in 1954, and became a surface warfare officer, serving in an aircraft carrier, a heavy cruiser, three destroyers and three amphibious ships. He commanded the destroyer USS Johnston, an amphibious transport dock USS Shreveport, and an amphibious squadron, conducting operations in the Atlantic Ocean and deploying to the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Norwegian Seas and the Indian Ocean. He served ashore in Norfolk VA, in Newport RI, in South Vietnam, and in Washington. As a flag officer he directed two divisions on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations, was the Assistant Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Logistics), and commanded an amphibious group in the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean.



After retiring from the Navy in 1988, Mike was a consultant for several defense-related research companies, most notably the Center for Naval Analyses, and for the federal government. He served in various capacities in church and community organizations associated with retirement living and seniors' services in northern Virginia and in the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia. He is survived by his beloved wife Lynn, their two devoted daughters Elizabeth Antanitus and Debora Reed, five grandchildren and two great-granddaughters. A memorial service was conducted at Goodwin House Alexandria, with interment at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Washington Post on May 28, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
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6 Entries

CAPT Mo Gauthier, USN ret

May 22, 2025

Mike was my first destroyer skipper. I was one of his bevy of young division officers. Mike's firm yet caring guidance had more impact upon my life than any other human. He set me on a course to a spectacular Navy career and a wonderful life. I think of him often and thank God for sending him to me at a most important time. I know he did this for many others fortunate enough to fall under his leadership.

Ben & Karen McMillan

December 14, 2023

What a wonderful man, with a wonderful family surviving him. So sorry to learn of his passing, and my prayers are with the dear family

Thomas G. Kahler

June 26, 2023

Very sorry to learn of RAdm McCaffery's passing. I had the honor of serving under this great Naval Officer and human being in USS Shreveport as DCA and Ballasting Officer while a Chief Warrant Officer. He was the most respected officer I ever had the pleasure of serving with and under his Command!! R I P Capt. Mccaffrey.

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Don Stanton

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Captain Maurice A. Gauthier, USN(ret) USNA'69

June 1, 2023

Fifty-three years ago, as a failed Naval aviator trying to find his way in the surface Navy, I was extremely fortunate to land in CDR Mike McCaffree' s wardroom in USS JOHNSTON. He forever changed my life. Many years later, as a Navy Captain, I sought his advice and counsel in leading the design and construction of a next generation amphibious ship. His generosity of time and priceless counsel shaped that ship class. His legacy continues. I have great interest in attending his interment at Arlington. Request the date and time.

Single Memorial Tree

Dan and Jean Felger

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