H. Reid Hunter

Captain H. Reid Hunter, USN (ret), was born in Lafayette, Louisiana in 1926.  His family moved to Texas where he attended schools, graduating from Ranger High School in 1942.  He attended Baylor University in Waco until appointed to the U.S.Naval Academy, where he graduated and was commissioned an Ensign in 1947.  His first duty assignment was USS James E. Kyes (DD787) in the Pacific where he made a deployment to the Western Pacific and participated in evaluation of an advanced sonar system.  In 1949 he volunteered for Submarine School in New London, Connecticut.  After graduating he was assigned to the USS Remora (SS487) which was deployed to the Western Pacific when the Korean War started.  Remora made one patrol in support of UN forces and returned home for overhaul and battery renewal.   

After completing qualification in submarines, he was ordered to the commissioning detail of USS Trigger (SS564), the first of a new class of submarine.  Following shakedown cruise and operations in the Atlantic, he reported to the staff of  Commander Submarine Force Atlantic for two years.  He again went to sea on USS Grenadier (SS525) where he qualified for command and made a deployment to the North Atlantic and Mediterranean. 

He returned to the Naval Academy for duty as Company Officer in 1956.  In 1958 he was ordered as Executive Officer of USS Tiru (SS416) and completed a deployment to the Western Pacific.  That was followed by duty on the staff of Commander Submarine Force Pacific.  During the period 1961-1963, he commanded the submarines Sabalo (SS302) and Remora (SS487) in Pearl Harbor, making another deployment and an evaluation of advanced sonar.   

From 1964-1966 he attended Armed Forces Staff College and served in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy as Liaison Officer to the House of Representatives.  He then went to sea as Chief Staff Officer Submarine Squadron Three, followed by tours as Commander Submarine Division Thirty One and Commanding Officer, USS Winston (LKA 94).  In the latter capacity he participated in the largest amphibious landing since Inchon  in support of USMACV.  The amphibious group was twice awarded Navy Unit Commendations for their actions. 

From 1969-1971 he served as Plans Officer for Commander in Chief Naval Forces Europe, which involved coordination with NATO and other US forces.  In 1971 he returned to the USA as Director, Command and Control on the staff of Commander in Chief, Atlantic Command.  In this capacity he coordinated operations with other CINC’s and the JCS.  He retired in 1973, returning to Texas where he became a real estate broker and at various times served as a port director and consultant.  He and his wife, Betty Beehler Hunter also became active in recreation vehicle affairs and traveled extensively around the USA in their motor home before settling in Houston, Texas. 

Captain Hunter is authorized to wear Meritorious Service medal with star, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Unit Commendation (star), Navy Expeditionary Medal, WWII Victory, American Theatre, National Defense (star), Occupation (Asia), Korean Service, Vietnam Service (3 stars), UN Medal (Korea), Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation with palm and Vietnam Campaign.