Vice Admiral Anthony LESS, USN (Ret)
Golden Eagle Emeritus
 

Gentlemen,
 
It is my sad duty to report that on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, Golden Eagle Emeritus VADM Anthony A. LESS, USN (Ret), made his Last Take Off at his residence in Clifton, Virginia, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
 
VADM Tony LESS was born in Salem, Ohio, on 31 August 1937. He was an alumnus of Leetonia High School in Leetonia, Ohio. Upon graduation he attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio. And upon graduation from Heidelberg in 1959, he applied for and was accepted into the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate Program. In April 1960 he was commissioned as an Ensign and started flight training at NAS Pensacola, Florida. He moved onto NAAS Kingsville, Texas, where he earned his Wings of Gold in June 1961.
 
Upon his graduation, Tony was transferred to NATTC Memphis for temporary duty awaiting further assignment. In November 1961 Tony, was assigned to VA-43 for training in the A-4 Skyhawk. Upon completion of the A-4 syllabus and in April 1962, Tony was assigned to VA-86 Sidewinders for his first operational tour of duty on board USS Independence (CV 62). This tour lasted until November 1964 when he was transferred to VA-44 as an A-4 instructor pilot at NAS Cecil Field, Florida.
 
Tony served in VA-44 until February 1966, when he transferred to NARTU, NAS Memphis, Tennessee. There he flew several A-4 Skyhawk variants while awaiting his transition to the A-7 Corsair II. In September 1966 Tony was transferred to VA-174 Hellrazors where he transitioned to the A-7. Upon completion of the syllabus and in January 1968, he was assigned to VA-105 Gunslingers for his Department Head tour. While in VA-105 was deployed on board USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) for combat operations in Vietnam. He flew 110 combat missions during this tour.
 
Tony transferred to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in October 1969 and was assigned as an Assignment Officer. This tour was complete in February 1971 when he was sent back to VA-174 for refresher training in the A-7 Corsair II. Upon completing the syllabus and after his selection to command, Tony was assigned to VA-12 as Executive Officer. In June 1972 Tony took over as Commanding Officer of VA-12. Commander LESS’ Command tour ended in October 1973 when he was selected to be the first Commanding Officer of the Naval Flight Demonstration Squadron/Blue Angels. As Commanding Officer Tony lead the team in its transition to the A-4 Skyhawk and over 120 demonstration flights.
 
In August 1976 Tony was selected for carrier air wing command and assigned to Commander, Carrier Air Wing Nine on board USS Constellation (CV 64). In December 1977 Tony was reassigned to the Office of the CNO as Executive Assistant to OP-05. He served there until April 1979 when he was selected for deep draft command and started his training track. In December 1979 Tony was directed to the replenishment oiler, USS Wichita (AOR 1) as Commanding Officer. In July 1981, Tony detached from USS Wichita and was reassigned to the CINCPAC staff as Executive Assistant. This tour lasted until April 1982, when Tony was selected for carrier command and was reassigned to USS Ranger (CV 61). He served as Commanding Officer until July 1983.
 
Another staff tour followed as Captain LESS was assigned as Chief of Staff to Commander, Seventh Fleet. In March 1985 Tony was transferred to the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as Deputy Director, POLMIL Affairs, (J-5). In July 1987 Tony was selected for Flag and command of Carrier Group One.
 
As Commander Carrier Group One, RADM LESS deployed to the Middle East and was involved in Operation Earnest Will which was in response to the Iranian attacks on Strait of Hormuz shipping. Within Operation Earnest Will was Operation Praying Mantis which was executed in response to USS Samuel B. Roberts sustaining damage caused by Iranian mines. In January 1988 Tony assumed Command of Joint Task Force Middle East and ordered the attack on several Iranian oil platforms, several Iranian vessels and bases. As a result, the Iranian government decided to sue for peace in September 1988. In April 1989 RADM LESS was transferred to the Office of the CNO, as Assistant DCNO, Plans, Policy, and Operations, OP-06B. He served there until July 1991 when he was promoted to Vice Admiral and reassigned as Commander, Naval Air Forces, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Tony led Naval Air Forces until 1 May 1994 when he retired from active service.
 
After his retirement from the U.S. Navy, Tony served as President of the Association of Naval Aviation until January 1996 when he joined Kaman Aerospace Corporation as Vice President of Government Programs in Washington, D.C.
 
During his active service VADM LESS commanded seven commands, flew 110 combat missions, accumulated over 6,200 flight hours and was awarded 10 Strike Flight Air Medals and a Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V.” Additionally, he is authorized to wear Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Medal (with Gold Star in lieu of second award), Defense Superior Service Medal (with Oak Leaf cluster in lieu of second award), Legion of Merit (with Gold Star in lieu of second award) in addition to a number of unit awards. During is flying career he accumulated over 1,025 arrested landings and 50+ carrier/ship helicopter landings.
 
VADM Tony LESS was married to the former Leanne Carol Kuhl of Memphis, Tennessee. They have four daughters: Robyn/Mrs. Paul Monger, Pam/Mrs. Chris Maxey, Tracy and Christy/Mrs. Ed Policy. Additionally, they have five granddaughters, three grandsons, and three great-grandchildren with two more on the way.
 
He will be missed.
 
In Sadness,
Matt MOFFIT
Pilot