The beautiful city of Coronado, California, home to many military veterans and families.
Admiral Robert Johnson Spane, a distinguished U.S. Navy veteran and community leader, is remembered for his impactful military service and life in Coronado, California. Spane’s career included remarkable aviation achievements, command of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers, and leadership roles within the community after retirement. His legacy extends through his family and contributions to various organizations. Despite battling Parkinson’s disease, his commitment to service and his love for golf remain evident, making him a cherished figure in Coronado.
In the charming city of Coronado, California, the legacy of Admiral Robert Johnson Spane reminds us of the incredible journey of service in the U.S. Navy and his impactful life beyond military duty. Born and raised in Ely, Nevada, Spane’s story is one of commitment and excellence.
Spane’s adventure began when he attended the prestigious United States Naval Academy, later furthering his education at the Naval Postgraduate School and completing the challenging Navy Nuclear Power Program. His dedication paid off in 1963 when he was designated a Navy aviator, marking the beginning of an illustrious flying career.
Throughout his time in the Navy, Spane soared through the skies in various aircraft, flying A-4s, A-7s, and the iconic F/A-18s. One of his career highlights was achieving an impressive 1,000 carrier landings aboard the legendary USS Enterprise. His squadron assignments were diverse and impressive, featuring deployments on both the USS America and USS Hancock, as well as time spent aboard the USS Forrestal.
Spane also served as both executive and commanding officer of VA-37 during their deployments on the USS Saratoga. Under the command of VADM Edward Martin, he showcased his leadership skills that would follow him throughout his career.
Being selected for the nuclear power program truly set Spane apart, as he prepared for two and a half years to assume command of the nuclear-powered USS Enterprise. Under his command, the USS Enterprise was deployed to Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean, notably supporting Operation Praying Mantis against Iran and carrying out military operations against Libya. His leadership led to commanding the Theodore Roosevelt Battle Group, solidifying his status within the Naval Air Forces of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
After a commendable 34 years of dedicated service, Admiral Spane retired in March 1996. His achievements and commitment to excellence left a strong mark on all who served alongside him. After retirement, he and his wife, Linda, made Coronado their home, where they embraced family and community life.
Spane’s family is a testament to his legacy. With three wonderful children—son Rocky, who followed in his father’s footsteps as an F/A-18 pilot and Top Gun graduate, daughter Michele, a former creative manager at Pixar and now a proud mother of three, and son Jonathan, a talented engineer at Qualcomm—they all reside in Coronado, contributing to the vibrant community.
In the years following his military retirement, Spane took on the role of CEO at Vanguard Airlines for four years, showing that his leadership skills extended beyond the Navy. He served as Coronado’s Port Commissioner for eight years, participated in the Homeland Security Advisory Council, and was involved with the advisory boards of both AT&T and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Spane is an avid golfer who enjoys the greens at San Diego Country Club and San Francisco Golf Club. He was also an active member of the Coronado Men’s Group. Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, he continues to cherish his connection with the Bohemian Club of San Francisco.
The remarkable journey of Admiral Robert Johnson Spane showcases a life dedicated to service, family, and community, with a lasting impact that will be felt for generations to come.
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