Frederick Triggs

 Captain Fred Triggs, USN (Ret.) 

 1939 –2026 

Fred grew up in Chatham, New Jersey, where he attended Kindergarten through 12th grade with Judy, who would later become his wife. They knew each other long before either imagined a life that would include nuclear‑powered ships, moving 18 times, global travel, and settling in the Northwest to proudly watch four grandchildren become young adults.

Fred graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1961, beginning a 30‑year career in the United States Navy. His first sea assignment was aboard a destroyer stationed in Japan, followed by Naval Nuclear Power School. During that demanding period, Fred and Judy were married on a Saturday and promptly returned to Maryland, so he could study for a Monday exam -  which he made sure everyone knew, he passed.

Early in his career, Fred served aboard the  USS   LONG BEACH (CGN‑9). During that tour, the ship joined the Navy’s other two nuclear‑powered surface ships,  ENTERPRISE  and  BAINBRIDGE, on a high‑speed, around‑the‑world cruise, crossing the equator four times.

This was followed by a return to teaching, serving as an instructor at the Naval Nuclear Power School prototype in New York -  “inside the ball, for those in the know.”  Fred later served three years as Chief Engineer of the  USS TRUXTUN (CGN‑35)  , including two deployments during the Vietnam War.

As his career progressed, Fred moved between leadership and instructional roles. He served as Executive Officer at the Idaho Falls nuclear training unit, followed by Executive Officer of the  USS   CALIFORNIA (CGN‑36). He then returned to Idaho Falls as an instructor for the Senior Officer Ship Material Readiness Course (SOSMRC). As he did everywhere he was stationed, Fred took advantage of all that Idaho had to offer…skiing, fishing, camping and of course boating (as in white-water rafting).

Fred went on to command the  USS DAVID R. RAY (DD‑951)  and later returned to the  USS LONG BEACH  , this time as its Commanding Officer. He liked to say it took him two tours to get that ship right! After four years in Washington, D.C., his final naval assignment was as Commander of a squadron of frigates sailing out of San Francisco.

Upon retirement, Fred earned his U.S. Coast Guard Unlimited Master’s License and sailed on it while settling in Washington State. He continued teaching seamanship and engineering, proudly saying that his students were never involved in a ship collision.

The final boat that Fred commanded was his Nordic Tug,  Nord Lys  , which he and Judy owned for over 20 years. Together with family and friends, they made four trips to Alaska and numerous voyages throughout the waters and marinas of Washington and British Columbia.

Fred is survived by his wife of 62 years, Judy; daughter Deby Hansen (husband Jon), and their children, Jaron and Jordan; son Bruce Triggs and his children, Harriet and Myriam (their mother, Laurel Dykstra).

A service in Fred’s honor will be held on Saturday, May 30th at 11:00 a.m., at Edmonds United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers or trees, contributions may be made in Fred’s honor to:  Navy‑Marine Corps Relief Society  875 N. Randolph St., Suite 225 Arlington, VA  22203www.nmcrs.org