REAR ADMIRAL WILLIAM A. DOLAN, JR. USN (RET.)

1904- 1982

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I PAST PRESIDENT ASNE - 1956

&own to his acquaintances as a fine gentleman and an inspirational leader, RAdm. William A. Dolan, USN (Ret.) of Deer- field Beach, Florida died on Friday 24 September 1982. Graveside services were conducted at the United States Naval Academy Cemetery on 1 October 1982.

Born 17 June 1904, RAdm. Dolan attended the University of California for six months in 1922 before entering the United States Naval Academy in June of that year. Following graduation and two months of flight training, he left Annapolis in 1926 to serve his first tour of duty aboard the aviation repair ship USS Medusa. While attached to the Medusa. he continued flight training at the Naval Air Station in San Diego, California. In July of 1927, Ensign Dolan started a six year span which saw him serve as Engineering Officer of four destroyers: USS Hull (DD 350). USS Sloat (DD 316). USS Upshur (DD 144). and USS Breckinridge (DD 146). During these billets, he achieved the rank of Lieutenant Junior Grade on 3 June 1929.

In June of 1932, while serving on the battleship USS Wyoming (BB 17). Lt. (jg.) Dolan was transferred to the Naval Post- graduate School at Annapolis, Maryland.

After distinguishing himself at PG School, Lt. (jg.) Dolan was attached to the light cruiser USS Cincinnati (CL 6) where in 1936 he received his appointment to Lieutenant. He served as Assistant P&E Superintendent at Mare Island Navy Yard in 1937 and became the Squadron Engineering Officer, Destroyer Squadron One at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in 1939. He filled two other billets at Pearl, both aboard the USS Portland (CA 33) until 1942, when, as a Commander, he was assigned to the Bureau of Ships in Washington, as Head of the Battleship & Cruiser Desk.

On 1 August 1943, Commander Dolan was promoted to the rank of Captain. He served from 1945 until 1948 as the Senior Assistant Pacific Fleet Maintenance Officer, before returning to the Bureau of Ships in October 1948.

In 1953, Capt. Dolan added to his distinguished academic record by graduating with honors, from the Masters Degree Management Program at the Graduate School Of Business Administration at Harvard University.

While he was serving as Director of Planning back at the Bureau of Ships in Washington, Capt. Dolan was nominated to the rank of Rear Admiral, United States Navy.

RAdm. Dolan was the Commanding Officer, Puget Sound Naval Ship Yard, Washington; Director of Engineering, Bureau of Ships and again Commanding Officer at PSNSY, before his retirement in July 1962.

He is survived by his wife Lucy Evelyn Dolan of Deerfield Beach, Florida; daughter Ann P. Bowbeer of Colonial Beach, Virginia; son William A. Dolan, 111 of Oakland, Maryland; brother Edward Dolan of Tacoma, Washington; sister Anna May Vokacek of Anchorage, Alaska; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The name of Admiral “Bill” Dolan was a household word to those of Post-World War I1 BUSHIPS vintage. He was regarded with both respect and affection by everyone of his colleagues and will long be remembered by the ED corps of officers. The American Society of Naval Engineers is proud to list him in its long line of illustrious Past Presidents.

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4 Naval Engineers Journal, December 1982