Robert J. Hanks – Rear Admiral, United States Navy

From a contemporary press report

Robert J. Hanks, 78, a Rear Admiral who commanded the U.S. Middle East force in the early 1970s and retired in 1977 as director of the security assistance division in the office of the chief of naval operations, died of cancer July 8, 2001, at home in Alexandria, Virginia.

Admiral Hanks was a native of Utah and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He served in the Pacific during World War II on the USS St. Paul. He flew planes in the Pacific during the Korean War, commanded the destroyer USS Boyd and commanded a destroyer squadron in the Pacific during the Vietnam War.

His honors included two Legions of Merit and a Bronze Star.

After he retired, he was a freelance writer, lecturer and consultant specializing in the Middle East. He wrote for the U.S. Naval Institute Proceedings, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, Wall Street Journal, Strategic Review, Naval Review, Shipmate and others.

He was president of the Army and Navy Club and a member of the American Legion, Navy League and the U.S. Naval Institute.

Survivors include his wife, Doris “Skip” Hanks of Alexandria; two daughters; and three grandsons.


HANKS, ROBERT JACK, ADMIRAL USN (Ret.)

On Sunday, July 8, 2001, at his home in Alexandria, VA. Beloved husband of Skip Hanks; loving father of Linda Weekly and Karen Haywood and grandfather of Geoffrey Pastusak, Robert and Garrett Weekly. A graveside service with full military honors will be held on Thursday, August 2 at 3 p.m. at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Research, 124 Park St., SE, Vienna, VA 22183.

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