Benjamin Thurman Hacker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Benjamin T. Hacker
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| Born | September 19, 1935 Washington, D.C., US |
| Died | December 28, 2003 (aged 68) Norfolk, Virginia, US |
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| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1958–1988 |
| Rank | Rear Admiral (UH) |
| Commands held | US Naval Facility Barbados, WI NROTC Florida A & M University Patrol Squadron 24 (VP-24) NAS Brunswick, Maine USMEPCOM COMFAIRMED COMARSURVRECFORSIXFLT COMARAIRMED NTC San Diego Naval Base San Diego |
| Awards | Defense Superior Service Medal Legion of Merit Meritorious Service Medal |
| Other work | Insurance Executive (USAA) Director – CA Dept of Veterans Affairs |
Rear Admiral Benjamin Thurman Hacker (1935–2003) was an important officer in the U.S. Navy. He made history by becoming the first Naval Flight Officer (NFO) to reach the high rank of Rear Admiral. A Naval Flight Officer is someone who flies in military aircraft but focuses on navigation, weapons, or other systems instead of piloting. A Flag Officer is a very senior officer, like an admiral.
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Early Life and Education
Benjamin Hacker was born on September 19, 1935, in Washington, D.C.. His father, C. Leroy Hacker, was an author and a chaplain in the U.S. Army. His mother, Alzeda Hacker, was a talented musician. Benjamin was the oldest of their three children.
He went to Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio. In 1957, he graduated with a degree in Science. He married his wife, Jeanne, in 1958.
In September 1958, Benjamin Hacker joined the Navy. He completed the Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. After this, he became an Ensign, which is a junior officer rank. He was also named a Naval Aviation Observer (NAO).
As an NAO, he gained a lot of experience. He worked as a Navigator and Tactical Coordinator. He flew in special aircraft like the SP-2H "Neptune" and P-3C "Orion." These planes are used for long-range patrols. He flew missions across the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the Mediterranean Sea.
Leading Commands
Benjamin Hacker took on many leadership roles during his 30 years in the Navy.
- On July 2, 1968, he became the leader of the United States Naval Facility, Barbados. This base was in the West Indies.
- In 1972, he helped start the Naval ROTC Unit at Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida. He was the first leader and a professor there. Naval ROTC helps college students train to become Navy officers.
- In 1974, he became the Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron 24 (VP-24). This squadron flew P-3C Orion planes from Jacksonville, Florida. After this command, he was promoted to Captain.
Advanced Studies and Promotions
In June 1978, Captain Hacker finished his studies at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He also earned a Master's Degree in Administration from George Washington University. In August 1978, he became the Commanding Officer of Naval Air Station Brunswick in Brunswick, Maine.
In 1980, Captain Hacker was chosen for promotion to Rear Admiral. This was a very important step. He became the Commander of the U.S. Military Enlistment Processing Command. Its main office was in Fort Sheridan, Illinois.
In 1982, he took on several big roles at the same time. He became Commander Fleet Air Mediterranean, Commander Maritime Surveillance and Reconnaissance Forces, U.S. Sixth Fleet, and Commander Maritime Air Forces Mediterranean. These commands were based in Naples, Italy.
In 1986, he was assigned as Commander, Naval Training Center, San Diego. He also became Commander, Naval Base San Diego. He held both of these important commands at the same time for several months.
Retirement and Legacy
In 1988, Rear Admiral Hacker retired from the U.S. Navy. He had served for 30 years. He was the first Naval Flight Officer to become a Flag Officer in the U.S. Navy. Throughout his career, he led ten different commands.
Rear Admiral Hacker received several important awards. These include the Defense Superior Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
On November 3, 2005, a building at Naval Air Station Sigonella in Sigonella, Sicily was named in his honor. It is the "Commander, Task Force 67" headquarters building.
After retiring from the Navy, Rear Admiral Hacker continued to work. He joined USAA, a company that provides financial services. He worked as an assistant vice president in their western regional office in Sacramento, California.
In the early 1990s, he served as the director of the California Department of Veterans Affairs for two years. He was asked to take this role by Governor Pete Wilson. After this, he returned to USAA. He became the regional vice president and general manager for their western region. In December 1995, he moved to San Antonio.
Later, he worked as the Regional Senior Vice President for USAA's Mid-Atlantic Region in Norfolk, Virginia. Rear Admiral Hacker retired from USAA in 1998. Even after retiring, he continued to serve on various local and national boards.
Rear Admiral Hacker passed away on December 28, 2003. He had battled a type of cancer called Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) for 12 years. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery, a special place where many American heroes are laid to rest.
