Frank Day McMullen, Jr. – Vice Admiral, United States Navy

Frank D. McMullen, Jr. graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with the class of 1947 spending most of his career in submarine associated assignments. They included tours as Commanding Officer of the USS Hardhead (SS-365), USS Patrick Henry (SSBN-599), USS James K. Polk (SSBN-645), SUBRON 14 and Commander Submarine Flotilla Two.

He completed nine Polaris patrols from Holy Loch, Scotland and Rota, Spain. Rear Admiral McMullen received an advanced degree from George Washington University in 1953 and graduated from the National War College in 1970. His shore assignments included duty at BUPERS and in 1969, Deputy Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Atomic Energy). Rear Admiral McMullen, a native of Kansas City, Missouri, reported for duty as SUBPAC on 15 September 1972.

Admiral McMullen passed away on 2 January 2008 at the age of 83.  He was laid to rest with full military honors with his wife, Ruth Hubbard McMullen (10 February 1927-5 November 2002), and his daughter, Christine Day McMullen (23 April 1953-17 March 1994) at Arlington National Cemetery.


Ruth McMullen lived a life full of art. She loved to sketch, draw or paint, whether portraits, landscapes or seascapes, in watercolor, acrylic or oil paint. Her work, for which she received international recognition, was her passion.

Ruth was also a devoted wife of a navy submariner, she raised three children, and was a world traveler. She was also passionate about the plight of the homeless, especially those with mental illness.

She can best be described by the words of her son, Charles H. McMullen, “She was a blithe spirit, who looked beyond rank, position and wealth, and embraced everyone she encountered for who they were, and treated each person with kindness and respect. And what I will perhaps remember most about her is the gentle, unpretentious spirit, and indomitable spirit, which is reflected in her artwork and which is a part of everyone with whom she came in contact with.”

Ruth passed away November 5, 2002 in Omaha, Nebraska. She was 75 years old. The VNA Hospice Program enabled her to fulfill her final wish – to die at home with loved ones by her side. Her family will be forever grateful.

ruth-hubbard-mcmullen-photo-01

ruth-hubbard-mcmullen-painting-01

fdmcmullenjr-042204

Read our general and most popular articles

Leave a Comment

error: