Edward C. Waller Papers, 1971-1983 (bulk 1976-1983): Finding Aid
Published in January 2021
Summary Information
- Publisher: United States Naval Academy. Special Collections & Archives.
- Publisher Address:
589 McNair Road
Annapolis, Maryland 21402-5029, USA
Phone: 410-293-6917
https://www.usna.edu/Library/sca/index.php - Call number: MS 554
- Location: Special Collections & Archives Department - Manuscripts
- Title: Edward C. Waller Papers
- Dates: 1971-1983
- Bulk Dates: 1976-1983
- Size: 1.25 linear feet
- Container Summary: 3 manuscript boxes
- Creator: Waller, Edward C.
- Language(s) of material: English
- Abstract: Edward Carson Waller, III was a Vice Admiral in the United States Navy and a member of the United States Naval Academy Class of 1949. The Edward C. Waller Papers span from 1971 until 1983, with most of the documentation commencing in 1976. The papers, composed largely of personal correspondence, are the product of Waller's latter U.S. Navy commands, including his tours as Director of Anti-Submarine Warfare and Ocean Surveillance Programs, Commander of the United States Third Fleet, and Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy.
Biographical Chronology of Edward Carson Waller, III
- 1926
- Born on January 24 in Chicago, Illinois.
- 1944
- On September 29, enlists in the U.S. Naval Reserve.
- 1945
- Appointed to the United States Naval Academy by the Secretary of the Navy.
- 1949
- On June 3, graduates from the United States Naval Academy and is commissioned Ensign.
- Assigned to the United States Naval Academy Executive Department for plebe indoctrination.
- In September, reports for flight training at Naval Station Pensacola and, later, Naval Air Station Corpus Christi.
- 1951
- On March 23, designated Naval Aviator.
- Assigned to Fleet Air Wing 14 for operational training.
- In September, assigned to patrol squadron duty with Patrol Squadron 892 and Patrol Squadron 50.
- 1952
- In March, deploys with the Formosa Patrol Force until September.
- 1953
- In June, deploys to Korea until December.
- 1954
- In June, reports to the Naval Postgraduate School for instruction.
- 1956
- Receives a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.
- 1957
- Receives a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering from the Naval Postgraduate School.
- In July, assigned to Air Development Squadron 1 as Avionics Engineer.
- 1959
- In July, reports to the Naval War College for instruction in the Command and Staff Course.
- 1960
- In July, assigned to Patrol Squadron 48 as Anti-submarine Warfare Officer and Operations Officer.
- 1962
- In April, detaches from Patrol Squadron 48.
- 1963
- In February, completes training at Naval Test Pilot School in Patuxent River, Maryland.
- Assigned to the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent, Maryland as Program Officer in the Weapons Systems Test Division for Project A-NEW (P-3C and S-3A development).
- 1965
- In May, detaches from the Naval Air Test Center for duty with Patrol Squadron 44 as Executive Officer and, later, Commanding Officer.
- 1967
- In April, reports to Naval Air Systems Command Headquarters as Project Manager for the P-3 Anti-submarine Warfare Weapons System Project.
- 1969
- In August, reports to the Industrial College of the Armed Forces for instruction.
- 1970
- In September, graduates from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
- In September, assumes command of U.S.S. Charleston (Amphibious cargo ship: LKA-113).
- 1971
- Selected for promotion to Rear Admiral.
- In September, appointed Commander Fleet Air Wings, U.S. Pacific Fleet and Commander Fleet Air, Moffett Field.
- 1973
- In January, reports as Commander, Anti-submarine Warfare Systems Project Office in the Office of Naval Material with additional duty as Director, Anti-submarine Warfare Office in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.
- 1975
- In February, promoted to Vice Admiral.
- In February, named Director, Weapons Systems Evaluation Group in the Office of the Secretary of Defense.
- 1976
- In July, reports as Director, Anti-submarine Warfare and Ocean Surveillance Programs in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations.
- 1979
- In October, assumes command of the U.S. Third Fleet.
- 1981
- On August 22, relieves Vice Admiral William P. Lawrence as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy.
- 1983
- On August 31, relieved by Vice Admiral Charles R. Larson as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy, and subsequently retires from the United States Navy.
- 2021
- Dies on March 2 in Annapolis, Maryland.
Description of Contents
The Edward C. Waller Papers, comprising 1.25 linear feet of documentation, span from 1971 until 1983, with most of the documentation commencing in 1976. The papers, composed largely of personal correspondence, are the product of Waller's latter U.S. Navy commands, including his tours as Director of Anti-Submarine Warfare and Ocean Surveillance Programs, Commander of the United States Third Fleet, and Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy.
Included in the collection are letters sent and received, orders, forms, clippings, conference schedules, pamphlets, and reports.
The Waller Papers are organized into two series by document type. Series 1: Personal Correspondence consists primarily of letters received and copies of letters sent by Waller during his final three U.S. Navy commands. While many of the letters are of a purely personal nature, the series does offer some insight into the operations of the Navy's anti-submarine warfare programs, the Third Fleet, and the Naval Academy. Series 2: General Files consists of scattered orders, travel documents, and officer appointments from the final decade of Waller's career.
Arrangement
The Edward C. Waller Papers are organized into the following two series:
- Series 1: Personal Correspondence, 1976-1983
- Series 2: General Files, 1971-1982
Access and Use
Access
Access to Series 2: General Files is restricted until 2045 due to the presence of Personally Identifiable Information. Access to any potentially classified material is restricted.
Copyright and Permission
The Edward C. Waller Papers are the physical property of Nimitz Library. Copyright belongs to the authors or creators of the works, or their legal representatives. For further information, consult the Head, Special Collections & Archives.
It is the responsibility of the researcher to secure written permission to publish, reprint, or reproduce material from Special Collections & Archives. The researcher assumes responsibility for infringement of copyright or literary or publication rights. Please contact the Head, Special Collections & Archives for permission to publish and for further information.
Acquisition and Appraisal
Provenance and Acquisition
Transfer from the Naval Academy Archives in December 2020. Accession No. 20-51.
Related Materials
Related Archival Material
Material pertaining to Waller's time as Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy can be found in RG 405.2 Records of the Office of the Superintendent, 1960-1984 and General Office Files, 1941-2008 (bulk 1967-2008). Additional material in this repository pertaining to Edward C. Waller an be found in his Midshipman Personnel Jacket (restricted until 2045) and his Alumni Jacket.
Materials Cataloged Separately
No materials have been removed from this collection and cataloged separately.
Processing and Other Information
The Edward C. Waller Papers were previously processed and housed with the Alumni/Memorabilia section of the Naval Academy Archives until December 2020.
Preferred Citation
Edward C. Waller Papers, MS 554
Special Collections & Archives Department
Nimitz Library
United States Naval Academy
Selected Bibliography
The following sources were consulted during preparation of the biographical note:
Waller, Edward C, III. Alumni Jacket, RG 405, Special Collections & Archives, Nimitz Library.
Processing Information
This collection was processed by David D'Onofrio in January 2021. Finding aid written by David D'Onofrio in January 2021.
Subject Headings
Name and Subject Terms
- Anti-submarine warfare
- Orion (Patrol aircraft)
- United States Naval Academy. Superintendent
- United States. Navy. Fleet, 3rd
- Waller, Edward C.
Genre Terms
- Correspondence
- Manuscripts
- Orders (military records)
Contents List
Series 1: Personal Correspondence, 1976-1983 Boxes 1-3
Series DescriptionPersonal correspondence sent and received by Waller while serving as Director of Anti-Submarine Warfare and Ocean Surveillance Programs, Commander of the United States Third Fleet, and Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. The correspondence, much of which was exchanged with fellow flag officers, consists largely of expressions of thanks, replies to invitations, offers of congratulations, professional references, and conference planning documents. To a lesser extent, the correspondence pertains to various operational issues facing the various commands held by Waller.
Series ArrangementOrganized into three subseries by command/duty station.
Subseries 1a: Director, Anti-Submarine Warfare and Ocean Surveillance Programs, 1976-1979 Boxes 1-2
Subseries DescriptionLetters received and copies of letters sent by Admiral Waller while serving as Director, Anti-Submarine Warfare and Ocean Surveillance Programs. Much of the correspondence consists of thank-you letters, congratulations, invitations, conference planning documents, and requests for aid in or recommendations for personnel moves, as well as interactions with various contractors, such as General Electric, Lockheed, and AMF. Topics pertaining specifically to anti-submarine warfare include the role of the P-3 Orion, non-acoustic anti-submarine warfare, Tactical Development and Evaluation, manpower issues, and various sonar and related anti-submarine warfare systems. Included among the letters are occasional pamphlets and conference schedules.
Frequently mentioned conference and symposia include the Undersea Warfare Systems Division of the American Defense Preparedness Association, the Laboratory Advisory Board for Undersea Warfare, IEEE conventions, the Anti-Submarine Warfare Advisory Committee, JASON, the Undersea Warfare Technical Meeting, the Current Strategy Forum, the NSIA ASW Committee, the Technical Exchange Meeting, the AIAA Strategic Systems Conference, the AIA Spare Parts Committee, and the Airpower Symposium.
Frequent correspondents include Professor F. P. Carlson, Rear Admiral R. R. Hedges, R. R. Heppe, Admiral James L. Holloway III, Andrew C. A. Jampoler, Rear Admiral J. V. Josephson, Professor C. T. Leondes, Rear Admiral Isham Linder, Vice Admiral Kinnaird McKee, Captain Jerry L. Mitchell (Commander, Oceanographic Systems, Pacific), Rear Admiral P. J. Mulloy, Rear Admiral Charles O. Prindle, Carl J. Smith, Vice Admiral James B. Stockdale, Wendell G. Sykes, Rear Admiral N. R. Thunman, and Vice Admiral Harry D. Train II.
Subseries ArrangementArranged chronologically.
Personal Correspondence, 1976 July-December
Includes scattered correspondence pertaining to the P-3 Orion upgrades, Tactical Development and Evaluation (TAC D&E), management of the Submarine Launched Cruise Missile program, the CH-53 program, readiness models, and flight hour allocation.
Personal Correspondence, 1977 January-March
Includes scattered correspondence pertaining to flying hour allocation, NRAC panel on non-acoustic anti-submarine warfare, upgrading several helicopter and ASW wings to major command status, the Mark 46 torpedo, acoustic Doppler fixing, the Sonar and Fire Control Operational Readiness Assessment and Training Program, the SQR-18 computer, and P-3 false contact rates.
Personal Correspondence, 1977 April-June
Includes scattered correspondence pertaining to Waller's eulogy of Donald M. Neal, manpower needs, the Readiness Indications and Assessment System, zinc sacrificial anodes, the Royal Navy Equipment Exhibition, the Offboard Acoustic Sensors Symposium, the CAPTOR mine, non-acoustic ASW systems, TAC D&E funding, and P-3 Orion performance.
Personal Correspondence, 1977 July-December
Includes scattered correspondence pertaining to measures of effectiveness of undersea surveillance, National Ocean Policy, non-acoustic ASW systems, review of the ASW Master Plan, study of sea based air anti-submarine warfare, papers on anti-ship missiles, and requests to extend Jerry L. Mitchell's tour at Ocean Systems Pacific.
Personal Correspondence, 1978 June-December
Includes scattered correspondence pertaining to collection of merchant ship acoustic data, notifications of Navy Meritorious Public Service Citations, dedication of the Donald M. Neal Award, Captain W. O. Wirt's address on the Navy helicopter community, AN/BQR-23 sonar signal processor, Dr. Norris Keeler, the Mobile Sea Range, and the Automated Signal Excess Prediction System program. Includes a copy of "Securing the Seas: Soviet Naval Challenge and Western Alliance Options."
Personal Correspondence, 1979 January-May
Includes scattered correspondence pertaining to Stratidome concrete structures, the Patrol Squadron Employment and Training Management System, women in Naval Flight Officer training, AN/BQR-23 and MCPS-32A sonar signal processors, the Applied Research Laboratory Advisory Board, the Clipper Troop project, the careers of Commanders Anthony R. Maness and John A. Mason, Pierre Sprey, establishment of a Tactical Command Readiness Program, leadership changes at Lockheed, revitalization of Military Chairs at the Naval War College, and VP-6 change of command.
Personal Correspondence, 1979 June-September
Correspondence pertaining to Waller's selection for command of the Third Fleet, as well as scattered correspondence pertaining to Vice Admiral G. J. Willis RAN (including portrait), sonobuoy shortages, OP 095 office renovations, the collection of ASW data on the S-3A Viking, recommendations to replace the S-3 with the CH-53, LASROC anti-submarine missiles, and P-3 Orion accident rates.
Subseries 1b: Commander, Third Fleet, 1979-1981 Boxes 2-3
Subseries DescriptionLetters received and copies of letters sent by Admiral Waller while serving as Commander of the U.S. Third Fleet. Much of the correspondence consists of thank-you letters, congratulations, invitations, commendations, and requests for aid in personnel actions and selection boards, as well as interactions with government contractors such as Lockheed. Other topics covered by the correspondence include battle group anti-submarine warfare training, RIMPAC-80, conferences (such as the NSIA ASW Committee and JASON), the status of the island of Kaho'olawe, The Navy's Beneficial Suggestion Program, and the development of various systems. Included among the letters are occasional clippings, reports, and conference schedules.
Regular correspondents include Captain Warren E. Aut, Vice Admiral Masayuki Akiyama, Vice Admiral Lee Baggett, F. C. Brehm, Rear Admiral E. W. Carter III, Richard F. Cross III, Waller's in-laws (Captain and Mrs. G. B. Gelly), RADM A. E. Hill, Ervin Kapos, Rear Admiral T. R. Kinnebrew, Rear Admiral P. J. Mulloy, Rear Admiral G. W. MacKay, Admiral Ryohei Oga, Rear Admiral Charles O. Prindle, Vice Admiral William T. Rapp, G. W. Ringenberg, Vice Admiral Paul D. Stroop, Vice Admiral R. F. Schoultz, Rear Admiral E. A. Wilkinson, Admiral Tsugio Yata, and Vice Admiral Lando Zech.
Subseries ArrangementArranged alphabetically by correspondent's last initial, thereunder chronologically.
Personal Correspondence (A-B), 1979 October-1981 July
Includes scattered correspondence pertaining to Japanese participation in RIMPAC-80, perception of Patrol Squadron support, over-the-horizon Tomahawk missile targeting, Battle Group material readiness, concerns over military use of Kaho'olawe, battle group ASW training, Battle Readiness Board meeting, participation in the Portland Rose Festival, and desktop computer utilization.
Personal Correspondence (C-F), 1979 October-1981 June
Includes scattered correspondence pertaining to Professor F. Paul Carlson, battle group material readiness, RIMPAC-80, Captain Ming Chang's appointment as Waller's Chief of Staff, concerns over Kaho'olawe being listed as an archeological district, Battle Readiness Board Meetings, appointment as Naval Academy Superintendent AN/SQR-18A sonar tape recording capabilities, the Beneficial Suggestion Program, and studies of vertical arrays at Scripps Institution.
Personal Correspondence (G-K), 1979 November-1981 July
Includes scattered correspondence pertaining to P-3C purchasing, the Portland Rose Festival, utilization of OEG Reps, CWC development, status of the Ford Island Chapel, responsiveness of the military justice system, SOSUS officer promotion rates, Ketron Inc., RIMPAC-80, and carrier onboard delivery recommendations. Also includes a copy of an essay entitled "Missile Chess: A Parable."
Personal Correspondence (L-M), 1979 October-1981 July
Includes scattered correspondence pertaining to performance of Patrol Wings Atlantic Fleet, VP/VS systems analysis, CWC doctrine implementation, thoughts on "Total Force," KA-6D aerial refueling, and assignment to the Naval Academy as Superintendent. Also includes a history of Fleet Air Wing Ten, an article about P-3 flight instructor Jay R. Beasley, and a point paper entitled "Needed Definition and Focus for the Navy's Ocean Prediction Program."
Personal Correspondence (N-R), 1979 October-July 1981
Includes scattered correspondence pertaining to Roll Call 80 merchant shipping protection exercises, Q-5 system readiness, tactical assessment, Battle Group material readiness, P-3 procurement, and computerizing the NAVTAG war game. Also includes an article on the "Crazy Ivan."
Personal Correspondence (W-Z), 1979 October-July 1981
Includes scattered correspondence pertaining to RIMPAC-80, damage sustained at San Francisco's Pier 3 during the docking of U.S.S. Mauna Kea, and the establishment of the Center for Naval Warfare at the Naval War College. Also included is a report on general aviation safety at Honolulu International Airport.
Subseries 1c: Superintendent, United States Naval Academy, 1981-1983 Box 3
Subseries DescriptionLetters received and copies of letters sent by Waller while Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy. Many of the letters pertain to the applications of individual midshipman candidates, invitations received by Waller, offers of congratulations, event planning, speaking engagements, professional reference requests, condolences, the acceptance of gifts, officer of employment appointments, and updates from friends and acquaintances. Included among the letters are occasional clippings and articles.
Subseries ArrangementArranged chronologically by date of outgoing letter.
Personal Correspondence, 1983 August
Includes scattered correspondence on Waller's thoughts on talent distribution among the three warfare communities, Hyman Rickover's Naval Academy roommates, Harry N. Walter's invitation to review a dress parade, and Waller's impending retirement. Includes a copy of Karel Montor's "Personality and Motivational Factors of U.S. Naval Academy Graduates as Indicators of Aviation Mishap Potential," as well as a letter referencing the Academy's NL102 Leadership Course.
Series 2: General Files, 1971-1982 Box 3
Series DescriptionPersonnel and other official documentation from the last decade of Waller's U.S. Navy career. The materials pertain to Waller's appointment as Rear Admiral, requests for leave, and his assumption of command of the Third Fleet and the United States Naval Academy. Included in the series are orders, forms, vouchers, and an oath of office.
Due to the presence of Personally Identifiable Information, access to the documents in Series 2 is restricted until 2045.
Series ArrangementArranged alphabetically by document type.