GERALD E. MILLER "Jerry" Vice Admiral, US Navy Died November 6, 2014, at his home in Oakton, Virginia, after a valiant fight against cancer. During his 38 years in the U.S. Navy, Admiral Miller demonstrated outstanding leadership, the courage to challenge misguided directives, and a strong concern for the welfare of those under his command. He demanded excellence from those in his command, but he also devised ways to make their service enjoyable. He was heard frequently saying, "If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right." One example of his creative leadership occurred in 1964. The Navy planned an exercise in the Mediterranean to demonstrate the capabilities of its latest carrier, one loaded with sophisticated electronics. Then-Captain Miller commanded the 20-year-old aircraft carrier USS Roosevelt. The new carrier challenged the Roosevelt to mock combat. The carrier whose aviators first flew across the deck of the opponent would win. Captain Miller parked the Roosevelt next to a rocky island in the Med, challenging his aviators to some tricky takeoffs and landings. But the Roosevelt was undetectable nestled alongside that big rock, and its aviators flew numerous times across the deck of the Navy's modern new carrier. As Commander of the Sixth Fleet in 1971, VADM Miller was charged with the mission of tracking the Soviet Navy. The Sixth Fleet performed admirably, securing vital information about Soviet operations. Admiral Miller was also responsible for thousands of Navy personnel and their dependents. When he learned there were few activities for the wives of his staff and then when he discovered that many had musical abilities and degrees in music, he established the Sixth Fleet Music Show. The young singers along with a talented Navy band toured Europe to present American music that ranged from barbershop quartets to Janis Joplin songs. A Belgian newspaper headline proclaimed, "Sixth Fleet Makes Music, Not War." Gerald Edward Miller was born July 1, 1919, in Sheridan, Wyoming. As a small child he lived in a log cabin on an 80,000 acre ranch in Southeast Montana. Jerry graduated from high school in Tacoma, Washington, enlisted in the Navy in 1936 and served two years on the battleship New York. He was one of ten sailors from that ship to march in the parade at the coronation of King George VI. Selected from the fleet to attend the U.S. Naval Academy, he graduated in late 1941. He served in WWII on cruisers before entering flight training. In Korea he served as CO of VF153, earning a Distinguished Flying Cross, among other awards. Jerry flew in more than 60 types of aircraft in his career. His aviation commands included VF-153, 1953; CAG-17, 1957; USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CVS-42), 1963-64; Commander Carrier Division 3, 1969; Commander Second Fleet, 1970-1971; and Commander Sixth Fleet, 1971-1973. His last assignment was as Deputy Director of the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff in Omaha, Nebraska. A strong leader in all respects, he had an immensely productive career from 1936 to 1974 when he retired. In retirement, Vice Admiral Miller continued to stay active in his community, contributing his wisdom and leadership to various educational institutions, the Association for Naval Aviation, and the Naval Institute. Admiral Miller authored two military history books: Nuclear Weapons and Aircraft Carriers, How the Bomb Saved Naval Aviation, 2001, and Stockpile: the Story behind 10,000 Strategic Nuclear Weapons, 2010. Jerry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. His outgoing, enthusiastic nature drew people to him. Jerry was a music lover and a sports fan. He played trumpet in a dance band in his teens. In his 90's he could still be found at the ANCC driving range, making friends and giving them tips on their golf swings. His 95 years certainly represent a life well-lived. Jerry is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; his three sons, Douglas, Scott and Jonathan; his daughter, Susan Miller; eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at the Ft. Myer Old Post Chapel on Thursday, June 11 at 1 p.m., with burial in Arlington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Naval Academy Foundation or to a favorite charity.
Published in The Washington Post on May 17, 2015