Martin, Edward, VADM

        Following his Navy retirement Admiral Martin accepted a position with the Zerox Coporation as Director of European Business Development.  After two years in that position Admiral Martin returned to Coronado, California and worked in the private investment sector. He served on a number of corporate, educational, and civic boards.  He was also a frequent guest lecturer, media commentator and military news analyst. Admiral Martin retired and lived the good life, along with his wife the former Sharon Handly.   


       Profile Sponsors Note: 27 Jan 2015:

        It is with regrets today that I learned of Admiral Martin s passing on 12-23-2014 in San Diego.  I will always recall foldly my contacts with the Admiral.  He was a fine gentleman indeed.     


                                                                                                                                             Hand...........SALUTE!
                                                                                                                                        AW1 Carl Mottern USN-RET



 

      Profile Sponsors Note:

     It has been my extreem pleasure to research material for this profile of Vice Admiral Edward Martin.  I first came in roundabout contact with Admiral Martin in the Spring of 1977, when he was CO of the Oiler USS CANISTEO (AO-99). After my HS-15 helo dropped mail to CANISTEO, Captain Martin had 10 gallons of ice cream sent up the hoist in mail bags.  He then radioed my helicopter that the treat was "For ROTORHEADS ONLY, AND I  MEAN ROTORHEADS!". His deep Georgia drawll was unmistakable.  The ice cream gift may seem like a small gesture, but put in perspective it was a rare and much appreciated token of his appreciation from a receiving ship, sent from this decorated fellow Naval Aviator, to us less glamorous helo types.  We got back to AMERICA, called all our workshops and had everyone who wished show up in the ready room with a cup and spoon for an ice cream snack and a brief break.  I never forgot that nice gesture. 

      The next day when AMERICA pulled alongside CANISTEO for refueling an announcement was made that this was THE first time two former POW's had Captained the two ships in a refueling operation.  AMERICAs' CO at the time was the much respected Captain R. "Byron" Fuller, a POW from July 67 to March 73, having been captured only a few days after Captain Martin.   Both of course went on to serve as Admirals, with Admiral Martin becoming Commander of the 6th Fleet.

       Years later a writing project about Admiral Fuller for the USS AMERICA Carrier Veterans Association led me to contact Admiral Martin for his recollections on Admiral Fuller.  He could not have been more pleased to help, and contributed accurate info on thier much interwined and parallell careers.  It was  true pleasure to speak to both of these fine gentlemen.  They are in my opinion both great Americans, under who'm I was proud to have served.

        Please enjoy this profile on Vice Admiral Martin.  If you may spot any mistakes or have better information for correction or  photo contributions, please by all means feel free to contact me.  I am particularly interested in Admiral Martins service with VA-34 while on INTREPID prior to his shoot down and capture, and any memories from his time as CO of  both CANISTEO and SARATOGA.   

                                                                                                Regards,
                                                                                AW1 Carl Mottern USNR-RET
                                                                                         The White Buffalo