Capt. Ralph L. Spaulding's Obituary
Ralph L. Spaulding passed away on January 4, 2026, at the age of 93. His life was defined by service to his country, professional excellence, quiet pride in work of national significance.
Growing up in the Portland area, he developed an early fascination with electronics and communications. For a time, he even hosted his own radio show on a local station under the DJ name “SPUD.” He became a Ham Radio operator like his father and operated for many years under the call signs KC4UD, W7MPF, and NU7G—until finally going QRT.
Ralph entered the United States Navy in 1952 as a Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) and went on to serve with distinction for nearly three decades, retiring in 1982 at the rank of Captain (O-6). As a Naval Aviator, he flew multi-engine aircraft including the S-2, C-47, and P-2, completing numerous carrier landings and a combat tour in Vietnam focused on anti-submarine warfare. His exemplary service earned him multiple decorations, including two Air Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.
He continued to advance his expertise by graduating from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and later completed two tours as Commanding Officer of Naval Communications Stations—positions that showcased his technical skill and leadership. Ralph transitioned into senior leadership and technical roles, most notably with the Defense Communications Agency (DCA) in Arlington, Virginia, and with the Joint Chiefs of Staff, where his contributions shaped critical national defense capabilities.
One of the accomplishments of which he was most proud was his work planning and designing the National Military Command Center (NMCC) in the Pentagon. His final Navy assignment was as Director of the Military Satellite Communications Systems Office within the Defense Communications Agency.
After retiring from active duty, he continued his distinguished career in civilian service, working at BDM and Boeing supporting the military's command and control capability and radar defense in Europe. In his final position with Boeing, he contributed to aerospace engineering efforts on the Space Station program. He fully retired in 1994.
In retirement, he moved to Tacoma, Washington to pursue his lifelong love of boating. As a longtime member of the Tacoma Yacht Club, he spent many summers cruising the San Juan Islands, which brought him great joy and peace.
He was preceded in death by his wives, Helen Bell Huse Spaulding (33 years), mother of his four children, and Jeanne Werner-Spaulding (15 years), as well as his parents, Roy and Lenore Spaulding. He is survived by his four children, Ralph Spaulding, Kathy Gallowitz, Kevin Spaulding, and Kim Jenkins; seven grandchildren, Shannon Gustafson, Jordan Spaulding, Johannes Spaulding, Jake Lowrey, John Lowrey, James Lowrey, and Krista Jenkins; and four great grandchildren, Luca Gustafson, Eden Spaulding, Owen Lowrey and Emilia Lowrey.
His legacy as a force of personality—driven by selfless service, unwavering convictions, integrity, and pioneering contributions to national defense—endures in the hearts of his family, fellow service members, and a grateful nation.
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