HUGH LARIMER WEBSTER
Rear Admiral, U.S. Naval Academy (Ret.) Died Friday, December 9, 2016 at 6:22 a.m. in his sleep at his home in San Diego, California. Hugh Webster graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1955 and retired after 36 years of commissioned service. He climbed the ranks as an officer through duty on naval cruisers and destroyers in the Western Pacific; assignments in the Pentagon; and was selected for flag rank in 1982. After flag officer tours at Subic Bay and Hawaii, his final tour of duty was at Norfolk, VA. Webster was an active member of the US Navy League, Armed Serviced YMCA, USO, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, Naval Academy Foundation, The Surface Navy Association, and the Patrol Craft Sailors Assoc. He is survived by his wife, Margaret June (Peggy), his four children, Judith McComas, Carol Kaiser with husband John Borgens, Jean Casey with husband Tom, and Paul Webster. He is also survived by ten grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren and four great great-grandchildren. Memorial services will be held at Miramar National Cemetery, February 6, 2017 at 11:30 a.m. A commemorative service will be held at the USNA in Annapolis in late March. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the San Diego Council of the Navy League.

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Published by The Washington Post on Dec. 21, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for HUGH WEBSTER

31 Entries

Annette West

August 11, 2025

Admiral Webster was a good neighbor and role model for my family. When he was at home he made the time to do carpool to high school and give driving lessons to his children. And we heard great music too. He made the effort to make things fun even though school was lousy sometimes. May he rest in true peace with his creator

Michael Mulvihill

March 9, 2024

Michael Mulvihill

March 9, 2024

Michael Mulvihill

March 9, 2024

I have these two RTC Great Lakes graduation books that I would like to give to the family if anybody knows how I can get in contact with him. Thank you.

Dale Christie

September 19, 2023

I was stationed aboard the USS Somers on it´s first deployment to Vietnam after it was converted into a missile destroyer. I was also his phone talker for every detail from general quarters, replenishments, departure and arrival into port. He was the best CO I had in my nine year naval career! RIP Admiral Webster!

David Faultersack

May 11, 2022

I was a Radar Electronics Technician while on the USS Somers, DDG-34. My primary responsibility was the repair of our radar systems. One very late night while we were out at sea, I was notified of a CIC radar repeater that had failed . I carried my tools to CIC and Commodore Brown greeted me when I came in. He was very interested in my removal of the twenty or so screws holding the access plate in place on the radar repeater. I was using a Yankee screwdriver to hasten the removal of the screws. I laid the screwdriver on the deck and slid the offending assembly out to work on it. Power was still being applied to the repeater so voltages could be measured. Because of the ship's motion, I put my forearms on the assembly's chassis. This was so that when a live high-voltage circuit was touched, my arms would just get flung away from the repeater and did not go through my body. Commode Brown was very interested in this, perhaps a bit surprised at it. After fixing the failure, I looked for my screwdriver to replace the access plate. The screwdriver appeared to be missing, but after a couple of minutes, Commodore Brown said "Found it!" He had hidden it and was just giving me a hard time. This is a great example of Commodore Brown's leadership and his getting to know everyone, no matter the job or rank. He was a true sailor and leader. Everyone who knew him was enriched by him.

aNna L rybaT

November 2, 2020

Found RADM Webster's hand addressed envelope to me during Shelter in Place. I didn't know he had died. Hoped to contact him to wish him well. He taught Joint Maritime Operations course, Naval War College seminar class (San Diego, 1994-95). I was the only woman in the class and was delighted that he and my classmates were genuinely interested in my perspective. The original "Officer and a Gentleman." RIP Admiral, will meet again one day.

wayne dean

December 24, 2019

Great navy officer and leader.Admiral Webster is one of ten navy admirals that I worked for during my 33 year naval career and one of the greatest..I retired from the navy in 1986 in subic bay Philippines..Admiral Webster was my boss when I retired and the last great navy flag officer that I worked for.At our first meeting I learned that his first ship was uss brown in san diego..he reported to brown in 1956 for his first tour of duty..i was on uss Bradford the brown sister ship at the time.Admiral wedster was a great football player at the usna,,during one of our trips to japan we had lunch in the mess hall with a group of NFL players who were on a uso tour to the pacific..one of the players was oj simpson..admiral webster was asked by oj,when he played football..admiral webster replied to o.j that when he played they did not wear the sissy face guards..O,j looked at admiral websters nose and ears and said,i can see admiral. during my last tour in the navy admiral webster and I traveled to tour many ships and spent much time doing so..it was an honor to have met and served with this great navy officer..i can say without doubt.there are few if any that can match this outstanding naval officer and leader.

Scott Wilder

February 24, 2018

The best CO i ever served under. I left the England in August, 1979, in Subic. Captain Webster shook my hand and thanked me for keeping the 3" guns up and running. That really impressed me, and when i mentioned it to him at one of the ships' reunions, he remembered doing it. Absolutely one of the best men i ever knew. GMG1 (SW) Darryl S. Wilder U.S.N. Ret.

Joan Peter

January 7, 2018

Hi --
Well, here is an odd story for you. If any family members are reading this, please contact me. I am an eBay seller, and I was about to list a naval hat, when I discovered a card tucked inside with HUGH LARIMER WEBSTER on it. I don't think there can be more than one! So, I think I may have your fathers/grandfathers hat, when he was a captain. It is a bit less ornate than the one in the photo I see. If you would like this item back, please let me know. My email is [email protected].
Best wishes -- Joan

Stanley Walker

September 2, 2017

I jumped from the Somers into the harbor at Long Beach to retrieve an advance pay check before leaving for Vietnam. Captain Webster shouted to me from the bridge. "What are you doing in the water." I shouted a reply. His response was great. "Hell son I'd jump in for a five dollar bill."

2016 Edson Reunion

Doug Walter

September 1, 2017

I had the great privilege to meet Rear Admiral Webster at the USS Edson DD 946 reunion last summer in San Diego. I salute you Sir!

Robert Plante

August 8, 2017

Invited the Admiral to join the USS Somers Crewmembers Association some years ago and he was pleased to do so. He remains on the Somers Shipmate Roster as our way to honor his service to our Country.
Had the distinct pleasure of speaking with him on a number of occasions and our telephone conversations were mainly the Admiral relating sea stories of his time on Somers. His laugh was infectious and his tales brought much laughter. A sincere pleasure to have had the opportunity.
Fair Winds & Following Seas Admiral. You are remembered by all those who served under your command.
Bob Plante
Administrator
USS Somers Crewmembers Association

Chartier front center in photo at Somers reunion this year in Myrtle Beach SC

Ronald Walls

August 8, 2017

I served under Captain Webster on the USS Somers DDG-34 as ships serviceman. My friend DK3 Bob Chartier ran into the Captain while working in a men's clothing store in DC. Bob said aren't you Captain Webster...to which he replied...yes I am Chartier how are you doing. This really floored Bob that he could remember his name! Bob said with all due respect sir how can you remember my name! To which the Captain replied....I've never forgotten a name that paid me!!!!!! Rest In Peace Captain Webster and thank you for being such a great guy and a hell of a great commanding officer!!!!!!!

Gil Peregrino

May 24, 2017

My first ship in the navy was USS England. I was an MS3 and had the honor to be his personal cook. The best and easiest job I ever had. He was so easy to please and so kind. He even attended my wedding in Cavite, Philippines in 1979. We saw each other again onboard USS Arkansas CGN-41 when he was the COMOPTEVFOR based in Norfolk as a Rear Admiral and me as a Chief and Leading Mess Management Specialist. I was so proud to personally gave him the tour of the ship. We met again in Bremerton, WA when he had his high school reunion. Me and my wife Grace considered him and his wife Peggy our personal friend. Fair winds and following seas ADM Webster. I know you are in peace with our Almighty. You will be sorely missed.

Kirk Hamilton

April 11, 2017

I will always remember Capt. Webster as the Captain that set the standards for the rest of my Commanding Officers. Many of us owe our careers to him. To my USS England shipmates, he will be truly missed.

Kenneth VandeVeer

February 5, 2017

We all can find comfort in the all of our memories of Uncle Hugh Webster. He was larger
than Life.

Patricia Stengel

January 27, 2017

I'll always remember Admiral Hugh coming to see me at the Navy League office with his companion, Barnie, his loyal dog. Their visits were always welcome and his support of the military, consistent. He guided me with his wisdom to set up ship visits, navy birthday balls, and the best venue for a Hail & Farewell. Every year my husband and I had a flag burning event in his backyard, no, not to burn a flag to burn a flag, but to burn a tattered flag that needed to be replaced. His Naval Academy football stories were always entertaining. I was proud to be his friend.

Hugh and I at the Navy League National Convention in Philadelphia circa 2000

Patricia Stengel

January 26, 2017

January 15, 2017

God bless you, Hugh. We were friends, 'brother' XOs, 'Dinosaurs" and Pentagon mates together. I'll never forget you.

Dave Ramsey

Dwayne Kleck

January 6, 2017

I was a young MM2 when CDR. Webster was CO of the Somers. In my career I had many CO's but he was probably the best. He even played on the flag football team as a lineman. I think he just liked being one of the guys. RIP Captain.

Dave Rose

December 30, 2016

I echo Mike Clarity .. CDR Webster (at the time),my first and my most compassionate and demanding CO and roll model. When calling the Captain to the bridge at night, you always had to be aware of the "bear" arriving. Just to say, he was bigger than all of us and normally not fully awake when he hit the deck!
Seeing him some 30 years later , he could remember, more than I, some crazy events that only shipmates share. And will not share here. God Bless

Capt Dave Rose (Ret)

Rick Dillard

December 29, 2016

I worked for RADM Webster on his staff in Subic. I remember when I checked aboard and the COS CAPT Mike Pivonka asked if I played basketball and I said yes. The starting five on the team was RADM Webster, CAPT Pivonka, Capt McKinley (OPS ACOS), CAPT Edwards (Maintenance ACOS) and CAPT Kowaksky (Supply ACOS). We played the ships of CTF 73 as they passed through Subic. Toward the end of the season we realized RADM Webster had not scored the entire season - he was a football lineman at the Naval Academy not a basketball player. We told the Admiral to stay at the offensive end of the court and we would play defense, grab the rebound and pass the ball to him so he could score on a lay-up. I don't remember the number of times we passed him the ball for a lay-up and he'd crash to the hoop like a lineman smashing through the opponents line! I don't think he ever did score but I always admired him for being out there on the court! God Bless Admiral!

John Gannon

December 29, 2016

Admiral Webster was the XO on USS Edson DD946 when I came aboard. He was a fine man and a very fair officer. His men were first in his mind and he was well liked. Fair winds and Following seas Sir.

Terry Johnson, CDR USN retired

December 29, 2016

A good man. An American patriot.

Served as a Lieutenant under the Admiral when he was COTF. Learned humility from him - a lesson I desperately needed.

Made me a better officer and a better man.

Commanding Officer USS England (CG-22)

Richard Tisdale FCCS, USN(ret)

December 29, 2016

Admiral Webster was the Commanding Officer on my first ship the USS England (CG-22). He was a great CO and the opitime of a Naval Officer. Fair Winds and Following Seas....Rest Your Oars, Sir.

Tina Elliott

December 22, 2016

I was honored to serve as Flag Writer to Admiral Webster in Hawaii and serve under his Command on his last tour in Norfolk where he retired. We have stayed in contact all these years and I was so blessed to call him friend.
Fair Winds and Following Seas my friend. One day we'll meet again in Heaven.
God bless his family.

December 22, 2016

I was Admiral Webster,s XO when He was captain of USS Somers. Best CO I ever had. Captain Mike Clarity USN Ret

Vernon Sewell

December 22, 2016

It is with deep sympathy that I send this message. Just know that God is waiting to heal your broken heart. (Psalm 147:3)

Ed Langmaid

December 21, 2016

Admiral Hugh Webster was a true patriot. His support for the military throughout his life was legendary and I was honored to work with him in the Navy League.

I salute you Admiral Webster.

Scot Miller

December 21, 2016

A remarkable man, naval officer, and sportsman. One of my best tours in the Navy was as his aide, even if it was just seven months. As dedicated to the Navy as any man I've ever met.

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