Rear Admiral Stephen H. Baker, USN (RET), 69, of Roanoke, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2016.
Rear Admiral Baker was born in West Stewartstown, New Hampshire. A graduate of Hofstra University in Long Island, New York, he received his commission from the Aviation Officer Candidate Program in August 1969 and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in April 1970.
Following an initial assignment to Aviation Training Squadron 26 in Beeville, Texas, Rear Admiral Baker reported to Attack Squadron 128 for fleet replacement training in July 1972. He joined Attack Squadron 115 aboard USS MIDWAY, as they shifted homeport to Yokosuka, Japan. In September 1975, Rear Admiral Baker received orders to Attack Squadron 128 and served as System Weapons Phase head. He was then ordered to Attack Squadron 85 in February 1978, deploying twice to the Mediterranean in USS FORRESTAL as the Operations Officer.
In July 1980, Rear Admiral Baker reported to the Naval Military Personnel Command in Washington, DC as the Combat Placement Officer for the A-6 and EA-6B communities.
In November 1982, Rear Admiral Baker joined Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN embarked in USS
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER as the Air Wing Operations Officer for a Mediterranean Deployment and a North Atlantic/NATO cruise. Rear Admiral Baker was then ordered to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces as Fort McNair, Washington, DC in July 1984. During this tour, he received a Masters Degree in Public Administration from George Washington University, graduating with honors in August 1985.
He joined Attack Squadron 65 as Executive Officer in October 1985 and took command in February 1987. During his tour as Commanding Officer, VA-65 sailed to the Mediterranean, embarked in USS CORAL SEA, as the first operational squadron to deploy with Night Vision Goggles. Rear Admiral Baker then commanded Attack Squadron 42, the East Coast A-6 Fleet Replacement Training Squadron from October 1988 through December 1989.
He next served with Commander, Carrier Group EIGHT, as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations with the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Battle group during combat operations over Iraq throughout operations DESERT STORM and PROVIDE COMFORT. From July 1992 through January 1994 Rear Admiral Baker commanded Carrier Air wing SEVEN in USS GEORGE WASHINGTON. He then served as Chief of Staff for the Commander, Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. FIFTH FLEET in Bahrain. His last active duty assignment from July 1995 through August 1999 was as Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Forces, responsible for the independent testing of all major programs in the Navy. Rear Admiral Baker has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours, and 1000 carrier landings.
Rear Admiral Baker’s decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with gold star), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (2 gold stars), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and expeditionary awards.
Admiral Baker’s educational background includes a Masters in Public Administration from George Washington University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Hofstra University. He is a 1985 graduate from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, majoring in Computer Systems at Ft. McNair, Washington, DC.
He is survived by his loving wife, Patty Hudson Baker; two daughters, Carol LaJoie and husband Joe, and Stephanie Baker. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Carol Baker, and Kathy Peters and husband Larry; niece, Angela Peters Belcher and husband DJ, nephews, Chad Peters and wife Angel, and David and Christopher Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Baker and Tina Hall Baker, and by his identical twin brother, Brig. Gen. David E. Baker, USAF (RET)<34548812>.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Monday, April 25, 2016 at the Chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. The Rev. Dan Netting will officiate. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park where Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Navy. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church 712 Front Ave. Salem, VA 24153.
Rear Admiral Baker was born in West Stewartstown, New Hampshire. A graduate of Hofstra University in Long Island, New York, he received his commission from the Aviation Officer Candidate Program in August 1969 and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in April 1970.
Following an initial assignment to Aviation Training Squadron 26 in Beeville, Texas, Rear Admiral Baker reported to Attack Squadron 128 for fleet replacement training in July 1972. He joined Attack Squadron 115 aboard USS MIDWAY, as they shifted homeport to Yokosuka, Japan. In September 1975, Rear Admiral Baker received orders to Attack Squadron 128 and served as System Weapons Phase head. He was then ordered to Attack Squadron 85 in February 1978, deploying twice to the Mediterranean in USS FORRESTAL as the Operations Officer.
In July 1980, Rear Admiral Baker reported to the Naval Military Personnel Command in Washington, DC as the Combat Placement Officer for the A-6 and EA-6B communities.
In November 1982, Rear Admiral Baker joined Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN embarked in USS
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER as the Air Wing Operations Officer for a Mediterranean Deployment and a North Atlantic/NATO cruise. Rear Admiral Baker was then ordered to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces as Fort McNair, Washington, DC in July 1984. During this tour, he received a Masters Degree in Public Administration from George Washington University, graduating with honors in August 1985.
He joined Attack Squadron 65 as Executive Officer in October 1985 and took command in February 1987. During his tour as Commanding Officer, VA-65 sailed to the Mediterranean, embarked in USS CORAL SEA, as the first operational squadron to deploy with Night Vision Goggles. Rear Admiral Baker then commanded Attack Squadron 42, the East Coast A-6 Fleet Replacement Training Squadron from October 1988 through December 1989.
He next served with Commander, Carrier Group EIGHT, as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations with the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Battle group during combat operations over Iraq throughout operations DESERT STORM and PROVIDE COMFORT. From July 1992 through January 1994 Rear Admiral Baker commanded Carrier Air wing SEVEN in USS GEORGE WASHINGTON. He then served as Chief of Staff for the Commander, Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. FIFTH FLEET in Bahrain. His last active duty assignment from July 1995 through August 1999 was as Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Forces, responsible for the independent testing of all major programs in the Navy. Rear Admiral Baker has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours, and 1000 carrier landings.
Rear Admiral Baker’s decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with gold star), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (2 gold stars), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and expeditionary awards.
Admiral Baker’s educational background includes a Masters in Public Administration from George Washington University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Hofstra University. He is a 1985 graduate from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, majoring in Computer Systems at Ft. McNair, Washington, DC.
He is survived by his loving wife, Patty Hudson Baker; two daughters, Carol LaJoie and husband Joe, and Stephanie Baker. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Carol Baker, and Kathy Peters and husband Larry; niece, Angela Peters Belcher and husband DJ, nephews, Chad Peters and wife Angel, and David and Christopher Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Baker and Tina Hall Baker, and by his identical twin brother, Brig. Gen. David E. Baker, USAF (RET)<34548812>.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Monday, April 25, 2016 at the Chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. The Rev. Dan Netting will officiate. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park where Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Navy. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church 712 Front Ave. Salem, VA 24153.
Rear Admiral Stephen H. Baker, USN (RET), 69, of Roanoke, passed away Wednesday, April 20, 2016.
Rear Admiral Baker was born in West Stewartstown, New Hampshire. A graduate of Hofstra University in Long Island, New York, he received his commission from the Aviation Officer Candidate Program in August 1969 and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in April 1970.
Following an initial assignment to Aviation Training Squadron 26 in Beeville, Texas, Rear Admiral Baker reported to Attack Squadron 128 for fleet replacement training in July 1972. He joined Attack Squadron 115 aboard USS MIDWAY, as they shifted homeport to Yokosuka, Japan. In September 1975, Rear Admiral Baker received orders to Attack Squadron 128 and served as System Weapons Phase head. He was then ordered to Attack Squadron 85 in February 1978, deploying twice to the Mediterranean in USS FORRESTAL as the Operations Officer.
In July 1980, Rear Admiral Baker reported to the Naval Military Personnel Command in Washington, DC as the Combat Placement Officer for the A-6 and EA-6B communities.
In November 1982, Rear Admiral Baker joined Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN embarked in USS
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER as the Air Wing Operations Officer for a Mediterranean Deployment and a North Atlantic/NATO cruise. Rear Admiral Baker was then ordered to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces as Fort McNair, Washington, DC in July 1984. During this tour, he received a Masters Degree in Public Administration from George Washington University, graduating with honors in August 1985.
He joined Attack Squadron 65 as Executive Officer in October 1985 and took command in February 1987. During his tour as Commanding Officer, VA-65 sailed to the Mediterranean, embarked in USS CORAL SEA, as the first operational squadron to deploy with Night Vision Goggles. Rear Admiral Baker then commanded Attack Squadron 42, the East Coast A-6 Fleet Replacement Training Squadron from October 1988 through December 1989.
He next served with Commander, Carrier Group EIGHT, as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations with the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Battle group during combat operations over Iraq throughout operations DESERT STORM and PROVIDE COMFORT. From July 1992 through January 1994 Rear Admiral Baker commanded Carrier Air wing SEVEN in USS GEORGE WASHINGTON. He then served as Chief of Staff for the Commander, Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. FIFTH FLEET in Bahrain. His last active duty assignment from July 1995 through August 1999 was as Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Forces, responsible for the independent testing of all major programs in the Navy. Rear Admiral Baker has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours, and 1000 carrier landings.
Rear Admiral Baker’s decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with gold star), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (2 gold stars), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and expeditionary awards.
Admiral Baker’s educational background includes a Masters in Public Administration from George Washington University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Hofstra University. He is a 1985 graduate from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, majoring in Computer Systems at Ft. McNair, Washington, DC.
He is survived by his loving wife, Patty Hudson Baker; two daughters, Carol LaJoie and husband Joe, and Stephanie Baker. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Carol Baker, and Kathy Peters and husband Larry; niece, Angela Peters Belcher and husband DJ, nephews, Chad Peters and wife Angel, and David and Christopher Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Baker and Tina Hall Baker, and by his identical twin brother, Brig. Gen. David E. Baker, USAF (RET)<34548812>.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Monday, April 25, 2016 at the Chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. The Rev. Dan Netting will officiate. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park where Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Navy. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church 712 Front Ave. Salem, VA 24153.
Rear Admiral Baker was born in West Stewartstown, New Hampshire. A graduate of Hofstra University in Long Island, New York, he received his commission from the Aviation Officer Candidate Program in August 1969 and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in April 1970.
Following an initial assignment to Aviation Training Squadron 26 in Beeville, Texas, Rear Admiral Baker reported to Attack Squadron 128 for fleet replacement training in July 1972. He joined Attack Squadron 115 aboard USS MIDWAY, as they shifted homeport to Yokosuka, Japan. In September 1975, Rear Admiral Baker received orders to Attack Squadron 128 and served as System Weapons Phase head. He was then ordered to Attack Squadron 85 in February 1978, deploying twice to the Mediterranean in USS FORRESTAL as the Operations Officer.
In July 1980, Rear Admiral Baker reported to the Naval Military Personnel Command in Washington, DC as the Combat Placement Officer for the A-6 and EA-6B communities.
In November 1982, Rear Admiral Baker joined Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN embarked in USS
DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER as the Air Wing Operations Officer for a Mediterranean Deployment and a North Atlantic/NATO cruise. Rear Admiral Baker was then ordered to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces as Fort McNair, Washington, DC in July 1984. During this tour, he received a Masters Degree in Public Administration from George Washington University, graduating with honors in August 1985.
He joined Attack Squadron 65 as Executive Officer in October 1985 and took command in February 1987. During his tour as Commanding Officer, VA-65 sailed to the Mediterranean, embarked in USS CORAL SEA, as the first operational squadron to deploy with Night Vision Goggles. Rear Admiral Baker then commanded Attack Squadron 42, the East Coast A-6 Fleet Replacement Training Squadron from October 1988 through December 1989.
He next served with Commander, Carrier Group EIGHT, as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations with the USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT Battle group during combat operations over Iraq throughout operations DESERT STORM and PROVIDE COMFORT. From July 1992 through January 1994 Rear Admiral Baker commanded Carrier Air wing SEVEN in USS GEORGE WASHINGTON. He then served as Chief of Staff for the Commander, Naval Forces Central Command and U.S. FIFTH FLEET in Bahrain. His last active duty assignment from July 1995 through August 1999 was as Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Forces, responsible for the independent testing of all major programs in the Navy. Rear Admiral Baker has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours, and 1000 carrier landings.
Rear Admiral Baker’s decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit (with gold star), Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (2 gold stars), Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal and various unit and expeditionary awards.
Admiral Baker’s educational background includes a Masters in Public Administration from George Washington University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Hofstra University. He is a 1985 graduate from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, majoring in Computer Systems at Ft. McNair, Washington, DC.
He is survived by his loving wife, Patty Hudson Baker; two daughters, Carol LaJoie and husband Joe, and Stephanie Baker. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Carol Baker, and Kathy Peters and husband Larry; niece, Angela Peters Belcher and husband DJ, nephews, Chad Peters and wife Angel, and David and Christopher Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordon Baker and Tina Hall Baker, and by his identical twin brother, Brig. Gen. David E. Baker, USAF (RET)<34548812>.
Funeral services will be held at 11 AM, Monday, April 25, 2016 at the Chapel of John M. Oakey & Son Funeral Home, Salem. The Rev. Dan Netting will officiate. Interment will follow at Sherwood Memorial Park where Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Navy. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the First Christian Church 712 Front Ave. Salem, VA 24153.
Family Members
Sponsored by Ancestry
Advertisement
Advertisement
