In Memoriam

Andrew J. Combe

Andy Combe passed away on February 25, 2021. He had developed a blood clot in one of his legs two weeks prior. His heart was too weak for surgery and not healthy enough to regain strength. Andy’s passing was quick and peaceful.

As an undergraduate at Yale, Andy was a member of the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps (NROTC), and he was commissioned an ensign upon graduation in 1964. He made the Navy his career and rose through the ranks to attain the rank of captain. His last duty station was as commanding officer of the USS Philippine Sea (CG-58), a Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser. He captained that ship from her commissioning in 1989 until he retired from the Navy in 1990.

Obituary

Captain Andrew J. Combe, US Navy (Retired)

Captain Andrew J. Combe, USN (Ret.) of Fairfax Station, VA passed away 25 February 2021. Born on September 4, 1942 in Crickhowell in Wales, United Kingdom, he was the son of John Rowland Combe and Amy Doreen Folliette Combe, both of whom predeceased him.

Immigrating with his mother from England to Canada and then onward to the USA at the end of World War II, Andy attended Phillips Academy Andover (class of 1960), and went on to Yale University where he was a member of Navy ROTC and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in History in 1964. He also held a Master’s Degree in International Affairs & Management from Salve Regina University, and was a 1983 Distinguished Graduate of the Naval War College where he won the President’s Award as top student.

A Cruiser-Destroyerman throughout his Navy career of 27 years, Andy’s first ship was USS Hugh Purvis (DD-709). He subsequently attended Destroyer School in Newport, Rhode Island and served as Operations Officer in USS Power (DD-839) where he deployed to the Mediterranean Sea and Vietnam. He then served as Assistant Plans and Surface Operations Officer with Commander Carrier Division Two, U.S. Sixth Fleet.

Moving ashore, then Lieutenant Commander Combe was assigned as Senior Naval Aide to President Richard M. Nixon and Commanding Officer of the Presidential Yacht Sequoia, a position he held into the Presidency of Gerald R. Ford. During this time, Sequoia hosted many world leaders, was the site of several historic Cold War discussions, and was used frequently by the President as a private meeting place and sanctuary. He subsequently attended the Spanish Naval War College in Madrid.

Returning to sea in 1975, he served as Executive Officer in USS Pharris (FF-1094), completing deployments to the Indian Ocean and Persian Gulf, and to the North Atlantic as part of NATO’s Standing Naval Forces, Atlantic. After attending the Naval War College in Newport, RI, he served as the Commissioning Commanding Officer of USS Flatley (FFG-21). Following a shore tour as the Military Assistant to the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management, he returned to sea as the first Commanding Officer of the USS Philippine Sea (CG-58).

His decorations included the Legion of Merit (two awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), Navy Achievement Medal with Combat “V”, Spanish Navy Cross of Merit, and the Presidential Service Badge, as well as numerous campaign and service awards.

Following his retirement in 1990, he became very actively involved in supporting the Navy, the Surface Navy Association (Charter Member), U.S. Naval War College, the United States Naval Academy (USNA), and the United States Naval Academy Foundation. He served as a Regional Director/Trustee for the U.S. Naval War College Foundation, a Blue & Gold Officer for USNA, and Chairman of the Nominating Committee for the USNA Foundation (Athletic & Scholarship Programs). He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Brigade of Midshipmen and thoroughly enjoyed assisting with the activities of the USNA Glee Club, the Naval Academy Chapel, and Navy athletics. He was also active in the Young America’s Foundation, the Heritage Foundation, the Boy Scouts of America, the National Eagle Scout Association, and the George H.W. Bush Foundation.

A Memorial Service will be held in the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel on September 8, 2021,at 1400. Burial will be at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. Andy requested that, rather than flowers or other memorials, those who wish to remember him might donate to the Friends of Naval Academy Music, Inc, PO Box 6184, Annapolis, MD 21401 or simply enjoy a nice meal together and raise a glass in his memory.