Ralph W. West, Jr. RADM US Navy- Ret., 89

November 20, 2025

Ralph W. West, Jr. Rear Admiral United States Navy-Retired, passed away on November 20, 2025 in Lancaster, PA.

He was the loving husband of the late Katheryne Hale West, who preceded him in death in 2024, after sharing 64 years of marriage. Born in Washington, DC, he was the son of the late Ralph W., Sr. and Wilhelmina Scott West.

Rear Admiral Ralph W. West, Jr., graduated from the United States Naval Academy in June 1958 and reported to the destroyer USS JONAS INGRAM (DD 938) for his first sea tour. After attending Submarine School and nuclear power training he served on submarines USS TULLIBEE (SSN 597), USS DANIEL WEBSTER (SSBN 626) and USS SKIP JACK (SSN 585). In June 1967, he reported to the staff of Submarine Squadron FOURTEEN at Holy Loch, Scotland for two years as Material Officer. He then served as Executive Officer of USS POGY (SSN 647) commissioning crew.

He commanded USS GURNARD (SSN 662) from May 1973 until May 1976. He subsequently served on the staff of Submarine Group FIVE in San Diego, California until July 1978 when he was assigned as Senior Member, Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board on the staff of Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet. He commanded Submarine Squadron FIFTEEN in Guam from June 1980 to June 1981. His next assignments were Assistant Chief of Staff for Logistics and then Chief of Staff to the Commander of the Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. After selection to Rear Admiral, he reported in May 1984 as Deputy Director for Operations, National Military Command Center, JCS.

In June 1985, Rear Admiral West assumed command of Submarine Group FIVE in San Diego, California, and in January 1987, he was assigned additional duty as Commander, Submarine Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Rear Admiral West next served as Director for Pride, Professionalism and Personal Excellence for the Navy for two years. He assumed duties as Superintendent of the Naval Postgraduate School in July 1989. Rear Admiral West has earned the following medals: Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Navy Achievement Medal, and additional unit and service decorations.

After his retirement, he and his wife loved to travel with one of their most frequent destinations being Venice, Italy. They enjoyed fine cuisine, and Ralph became a talented cook after attending classes. He was a very avid student of Civil War history, touring various battlefields throughout the United States. He loved to listen and attend the opera especially the works of Wagner, and enjoyed old movies featuring film noir and mysteries.

Ralph is survived by his children: Ralph W. West III, married to Carol of Tempe, AZ and Diana K. Short married to David of North Attleboro, MA and his 2 grandchildren: Daniel N. Short and Sarah N. West.

Interment with full military honors will be held at a future date in Arlington National Cemetery for which an announcement will be made.