Gerald "Corky" Corcoran

Sadly, I report the passing of Captain Gerald “Corky” Corcoran, our Classmate, my 11th Company brother, and my Plebe Year roommate in the “old 8th Company”. His son, Scott, called me to let me know Corky finally lost his long battle with pulmonary fibrosis, passing peacefully on the morning of Dec. 17.  Corky was my dear friend and brother. As I look back over the years, I will still remember him as I remembered him from Plebe Year, one of the smartest persons I’ve ever met.  He had an extraordinary ability to mentally recognize and quickly process important information.  That ability served him, the U.S. Navy and our country extremely well.

With that ability, Corky graduated with Distinction with our Class of 1967.  Progressing through the 18 month Nuclear Submarine Training Pipeline was a cake walk for him.  He progressed from a young Division Officer to XO in a succession of boat assignments- USS Haddock (SSN-621), USS Drum (SSN-677), USS Snook (SSN-592), USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN-657), and XO on USS Haddo (SSN-604).  It was on Haddo, that he shared with me, that he had the experience of wearing 3 hats on once- Chief Engineer, XO and CO, due to unique situations that occurred.  Finally, Corky commanded USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN-630), where he won the Battle “E” and was named “Outstanding FBM Submarine in the US Atlantic Fleet”. 

“Ashore”, he was Deputy Commander, ComSubRon 14, in Holy Loch, Scotland.  Subsequently, he was assigned as Senior Member of the Nuclear Propulsion Examining Board, US Atlantic Fleet.  In 1990, he took Command of Submarine Development Group ONE in San Diego.  In 1994, he began a tour as Commander, US Naval Activities, United Kingdom in 1994, during which he received the Ambassador’s Award for Outstanding Community Service.  During his outstanding career, Corky was awarded 4 Legion of Merits, and 2 Distinguished Service Medals, and a Battle “E” Ribbon with 3 stars.  He concluded his outstanding service with retirement in 1998.  After retirement, Corky spent his next 22 years in private consulting to several DOE/NNSA contractors. 

His family has much reason to be proud of Corky’s service to our country.  And, I know Corky was very proud of being a member of the Class of 1967.

Corky is survived by his sister Beverly Marksbury and aunt Susan Bamond. wife of 57 years, Karen, two sons (Scott and wife Kimberly, and Kevin) and 4 grandchildren (Christopher, Bryan, Karen, and Katie).  The family is planning a service, with full military honors at the Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, SC.  Time and date will probably be in January.  I will let everyone know when the service details are set.