News Summary
Commander Donald C. Crawford, a distinguished U.S. Navy veteran and community leader, has left a lasting legacy in Coronado, California. His impressive military career spanned over 30 years, with numerous awards for valor. After retirement, he dedicated himself to education and community service, leaving an unforgettable impact on those around him. Crawford’s commitment to family, education, and community service serves as an inspiration for future generations.
Coronado, California – The legacy of Commander Donald C. “Crawdad” Crawford, a distinguished veteran of the U.S. Navy and dedicated community leader, continues to inspire many following his passing. With a military career that spanned over three decades, he left an indelible mark on both his country and his community.
Born on February 21, 1946, in Batavia, New York, Crawford enlisted in the U.S. Navy in December 1966. After completing boot camp in San Diego, he graduated from the Underwater Demolition Team Replacement Activity in December 1967 with Class 42. Crawford was assigned to SEAL Team ONE (ST-1), where he quickly advanced from seaman to second class in just five months. His service included three combat tours in Vietnam, where he faced multiple near-death experiences, particularly during his final mission.
After his initial enlistment, Crawford returned to college but re-enlisted in the Navy ten months later due to a sense of unfulfillment. He completed two additional WESTPAC deployments with SEAL Team ONE and eventually became an instructor at Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL training. Balancing military duties and education, he attended night classes and earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of San Diego.
In September 1977, Crawford completed Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned as an officer. His military tenure included various assignments, notably with Underwater Demolition Team TWELVE, SEAL Team ONE, and Naval Special Warfare Group ONE. He participated in Operation Desert Storm, serving at the Naval Special Warfare Command (WARCOM). Crawford retired in May 1997 after completing a remarkable 30-year career as the executive officer of the Naval Special Warfare Center.
During his service, Crawford received numerous awards, including the Silver Star, the Bronze Star with combat “V,” the Purple Heart, and the Navy Commendation Medal with combat “V.” His contributions to Navy operations and his leadership have been widely recognized.
In his personal life, Crawford met his future wife, Leslie Hubbard, during the Tecate-Ensenada Bike Ride in 1978. They eloped and married in December 1980, and together, they raised two sons, Andrew and Michael, in Coronado, California. Following his military retirement, Crawford pursued a career in education, teaching at Silver Strand Elementary and Coronado Middle School for several years.
His commitment to his community did not stop at teaching. As a former historian and plans officer for WARCOM, Crawford held leadership roles as President of the Optimist Club of Coronado and the Coronado Floral Association. Additionally, he was actively involved in the Coronado Community Band, where he played the flute and piccolo.
Crawford also made his mark in recreational sports, achieving three world records for rowing and earning the title of Master Gardener. He dedicated his time to various community causes, continuing to serve and engage with those around him long after his military service had concluded.
Commander Donald C. “Crawdad” Crawford’s legacy reflects not only his extraordinary military achievements but also his deep commitment to family, education, and community service. His contributions have created a lasting impact in Coronado and beyond, inspiring future generations to serve their communities and country.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
USS Montgomery Officers Relieved Amidst Concerns
Additional Resources
- Coronado Times: Avenue of Heroes – Donald Crawford
- Wikipedia: United States Navy
- Coronado News: Commander Donald Hubbard, USN (Ret)
- Google Search: Donald Crawford USN
- gCaptain: U.S. Navy Relieves Top Officers on USS Montgomery
- Google Scholar: Donald Crawford military
- San Diego Union Tribune: Coronado Win and Crawford Program
- Encyclopedia Britannica: U.S. Navy
- Coronado News: Avenue of the Heroes – Commander Don Hubbard, USN
- Google News: Commanders of United States Navy
