Submarine Force Legend Passes On
Chester M. "Whitey" Mack, best known as the CO of USS Lapon (SSN 661) in the late 60s/early 70s whose exploits were documented in Blind Man's Bluff, passed away earlier this week in Florida. From his obituary:
Chester M. "Whitey" Mack, 77, of Englewood, Fla., passed away Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008.A larger-than-life man, Whitey Mack was immortalized not only in Blind Man's Bluff, but also with his very own Wikiquote and this song from Tommy Cox:
He was born July 20, 1931, in Glen Lyon, Pa.
Whitey and his beloved wife, Joan, moved to Englewood in 1995 from North, Va. He was a highly decorated U.S. Navy captain with 20 years of service. He had a chemical engineering degree from Penn State, and master's degree in international law from Georgetown University. He was a member of the American Legion, Military Officers Association of America of Sarasota, Fla., and the USS Lapon Association; and a life member of U.S. Submarine Veterans.
Whitey will be greatly missed by his wife of 53 years, Joan; daughters, Karen Mack of Montclair, N.J., and Valerie (Mark) Sadler of Odessa, Fla.; son, Brian (Karen) Mack of Louisa, Va.; three grandchildren, Victoria Rose, Kristen Nicole and Brianna Leigh; brother, Simon Makarewicz of Virginia; and sister, Barbara Makarewicz of Pennsylvania.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to TideWell Hospice and Palliative Care, 12050 N. Access Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33981.
Arrangements were made in Port Charlotte, Fla.
Sailor, Rest Your Oar.
posted by Bubblehead at 8:19 AM
4 Comments:
Then Lt. "Whitey" Mack was Commissioning CHENG on USS Andrew Jackson SSBN 619 Blue in 1963. He came to the 619 Pre Com Detail with Prospective Blue crew skipper CDR Al Whittle Jr. Both came from USS Seawolf SSN 575. I was a TM2(SS) in the Blue crew back then. I was reading several Ayn Rand novels at the time and discovered that Whitey was a Ayn Rand desciple who enjoyed discussing her philosophy.
He was a "larger than life" character even in his early days.
Your shipmates will miss you, Sailor rest your oar.
Keep a zero bubble.......
DBFTMC(SS)USNRET
9/28/2008 12:17 PM
I first met "Whitey" Mack when he was CSL PCO Instructor. My Skipper, who had been one of his students prior to coming to command arranged for the whole wardroom to spend an informal evening with him so he could give us his philosophy of command. Needless to say it was a fascinating evening. I still remember that his favorite phrase was posted in the attack centers at SUBSCOL in New London - "Faint heart never f... a pig." He was a true character and the submarine force missed him when he retired early rather than make flag. Now the world is a lesser place without him. May he rest in peace.
9/28/2008 2:27 PM
Sad Day. There's no doubt that this man had a huge influence on the Submarine Navy. Rest In Peace Whitey.
9/28/2008 7:09 PM
I never met him, but I have read of his glorious and courageous career in trip reports. I would have loved to have a CO like him.
Many a CO today could use his influence and skill! They don't train them like ole' WHitey anymore!
STSCS(SS/SW), RET
9/28/2008 7:36 PM
Post a Comment
<< Home