Captain William McBrayer Calhoun, USN, Ret. (1948-2015) was a long-time RI resident. CAPT Calhoun graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1967.

One highlight of his Naval Aviation career was a 1969-70 tour as a LTJG with the highly decorated Helicopter Attack Squadron (Light) 3, nicknamed the “Seawolves”, an all-volunteer squadron formed in support of Naval Special Warfare operations and Mobile Riverine Forces. Missions included Search and Destroy patrols, reconnaissance, MEDEVAC, and SEAL Team insertion and extraction.

He later commanded Helicopter Combat Support Squadron ONE, also known as the “Pacific Fleet Angels”, and served as Air Boss of the USS Peleliu. His awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, three single action and 21 Strike/Flight Awards, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” and Gold Star, and the Combat Action Ribbon.

During his Vietnam tour he was exposed to Agent Orange. While on Disability Leave from the Navy, he attended the University of Georgia Law School and became a member of the Georgia Bar. This later contributed to his selection as Dean of Academics at the Naval War College.

He retired from Navy active duty service in 1994 as a member of the War College faculty and was pivotal in transitioning the Deanship from an active duty Naval Officer billet to a Civilian position. He also represented the Naval War College at the  Mediterranean and Black Seas Symposium in Venice, Italy. Greatly respected by both students and faculty alike, he continued to teach until a month before he succumbed to cancer.