ALCOAST 335/25 - JUL 2025 DEATH OF A RETIRED FLAG OFFICER

R 311911Z JUL 25 MID120002103583U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 335/25
SSIC 5060
SUBJ: DEATH OF A RETIRED FLAG OFFICER
A. United States Coast Guard Regulations 1992, COMDTINST 5000.3B
1. It is with profound sadness that I announce the death of
Vice Admiral Richard D. Herr, USCG (retired), who passed away on
Tuesday, July 1, 2025, in Oviedo, Florida, at the age of 83.
VADM Herr was the 20th Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard from
1996 to 1998.
2. VADM Herr, was born on November 2, 1941, a second-generation
Coast Guard officer and native of the Pacific Northwest. He
graduated from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy in 1964 with honors.
He earned his Masters Degree in Operations Research from the
U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in 1973 and attended the National
War College from 1985 to 1986.
3. VADM Herr held many command and leadership positions during his
distinguished career. Following his graduation from the Coast Guard
Academy, VADM Herr served aboard USCGC ESCANABA, after which he
completed U.S. Navy flight training in 1967. He held additional
roles as Commanding Officer of Air Station Los Angeles, California,
and Commander of the Coast Guard Aviation Training Center in
Mobile, Alabama.
4. VADM Herr's flag assignments included Commander, Pacific Area;
Chief Financial Officer of the Coast Guard; Commander, Eleventh
District; and Commander, Joint Task Force Five. His final assignment
was Vice Commandant of the Coast Guard in Washington, D.C.
5. VADM Herr's military awards include the Department of
Transportation Distinguished Service Medal, Coast Guard
Distinguished Service Medal, three Legions of Merit, two
Meritorious Service Medals, two Coast Guard Commendation Medals
with Operational Distinguishing Device, and the Coast Guard
Achievement Medal with Operational Distinguishing Device.
6. After retiring from the Coast Guard in 1998, VADM Herr moved to
Longwood, Florida.
7. VADM Herr was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, the
former Susan Jean Andrews of Westerly, Rhode Island. He is survived
by sons Sean (Gina) and Christopher (Mercy), five grandchildren,
and two great grandchildren.
8. VADM Herr will be inurned alongside his wife in the columbarium
at the Coast Guard Academy. Funeral service information and
half-mast instructions will be sent via separate message.
9. ADM Kevin Lunday, Acting Commandant (CCG), sends.
10. Internet release is authorized.