Homewood Native and Longtime U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Retires

After a 34-year illustrious career with the United States Navy, Rear Adm. Patrick Driscoll, of Homewood, has retired—earning the Distinguished Service Award.

"He is a combat vet, flying ace, a passionate leader, dedicated husband and caring father," U.S. Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Cecil Haney said in a release. "As a highly decorated naval aviator, his flying career is the stuff of legends. Whenever our nation was in need of air warriors, Pat Driscoll answered the call to fly and lead in combat."

Driscoll joined the navy in 1979, following his graduation from the University of Illinois. During his time in the service, Driscoll logged more than 5,000 flight hours among the S-3 Viking, A-7E Corsair and F/A-18 Hornet aircrafts. He also completed an incredible 1,200 aircraft carrier landings and engaged in combat missions in Iraq during the Gulf War and again in Operation Iraqi Freedom and in Bosnia and Afghanistan. In 1999 and 2000, he led The Blue Angels through annual national air show circuits.

At Driscoll’s retirement ceremony aboard the USS Arizona Memorial, Haney lauded his career and accomplishments as instrumental in making “(The United States) Navy better.” 

Driscoll said all he ever wanted to do was fly for the navy.

"As a Naval officer and aviator it's been exhilarating, awe inspiring, frightening, educating and heartbreaking," Driscoll said.