Rear Admiral Roy Francis Hoffman, USN (Retired)

A Biography

Rear Admiral Roy Francis Hoffmann

Rear Admiral Roy Francis Hoffmann, a native of Crystal City, Missouri, enlisted in the Naval Reserve on 28 April 1943, and was commissioned from the University of Notre Dame NROTC Unit of 1 June 1946.   He advanced through the ranks to Rear Admiral on 1 July 1974.

Rear Admiral Hoffmann served on eight ships during his sea service career.   His initial assignment was on USS Quick DMS-32 which operated in the Western Pacific during the years 1946/1947.   After a brief interruption of service, he reported in August 1950 while minesweeping off Wonson, Korea, USS Pirate AM-275 hit a mine and sank in five minutes.   The Admiral received the Purple Heart Medal for wounds he received during that enemy action.   Returning to sea duty in December 1950, Rear Admiral Hoffmann reported aboard USS Harry E. Hubbard DD-748 as Gunnery Officer and again participated in several deployments through the remainder of Korean hostilities.   From July 1953 to August 1955 he served as an instructor in naval weapons at the NROTC Unit at Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago.

In September 1955, Rear Admiral Hoffmann returned to sea duty as Aide and Flag Secretary to Commander Destroyer Flotilla TWO and subsequently as Executive Officer of USS Lloyd Thomas DDE-764, a ship that was employed primarily as an anti-submarine unit in Atlantic Fleet ASW operations.

In August 1959, Rear Admiral Hoffmann was ordered to duty in the Bureau of Naval Personnel as the Destroyer Placement Officer for the Atlantic Fleet.   In July 1961, he assumed the first of four ship commands when he reported aboard USS Cromwell DE-1014.   During his tour of command, CROMWELL joined ships of South American Navies in Anti-submarine Training in Exercise UNITAS II.

After completing two tours at the Naval War College in November 1965, Rear Admiral Hoffmann assumed command of the Atlantic Fleet Missile Destroyer USS Charles F. Adams DDG-2 and remained in command for 27 months.   In May 1968, he reported for duty as Commander Coastal Surveillance Force (TASK FORCE 115).   As “Market Time” Commander, RADM Hoffman was responsible for the coastal security, harbor defense and inshore raider operations for the Republic of Vietnam.   He was one of several senior officers instrumental in the original concept, planning, organization and execution of the highly successful operation SEALORDS.   This was a joint and combined naval operation which initiated maximum integration of the Vietnamese Navy and Marine Corps with United States Armed Forces.   RADM Hoffmann was awarded the Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious service against the Viet Cong enemy, the Silver Star Medal and three Bronze Star Medals for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action while Commander Task Force 115.

In June 1969, RADM Hoffmann assumed command of USS Sierra AD-18, an Atlantic Fleet Destroyer Tender.   In recognition of his leadership and SIERRA’S abilities to support the fleet during his command tour, RADM Hoffmann was awarded the Meritorious Service and Navy Commendation Medals.   In February 1971, he assumed command of the Guided Missile Frigate USS Leahy DLG-16, a ship which achieved a reputation of continued excellence during his tour as Commanding Officer.   LEAHY was awarded the Atlantic Fleet Anti-air Warfare Excellence Award for 1972.   For his inspirational leadership as Commanding Officer, RADM Hoffmann was awarded a Gold Star in lieu of the second Meritorious Service Medal.

RADM Hoffmann detached from LEAHY in September 1972 and reported to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations as Head, Current Plans Branch, and upon selection for Rear Admiral in 1973, he assumed duties as Director, Surface Warfare Division.

In November 1974, RADM Hoffmann relieved as Commander Mine Warfare Workforce in Charleston, SC.   When the type command was disestablished in July 1975, he became the Commander of the newly organized Mine Warfare Command, with direct responsibility to the Chief of Naval Operations and the Fleet Commanders for all matters concerning mine warfare.

In June 1976, he assumed the additional duties of Commandant, SIXTH NAVAL DISTRICT/COMMANDER NAVAL BASE CHARLESTON.   In 1976, he assumed duties as COMNAVBASE Charleston/COMSIX upon being relieved as COMINEWARCOM.

RADM Admiral Hoffman retired on 1 September 1978 ending a career spanning 35 years and three wars.

In addition to the personal decorations referred to above, RADM Hoffmann wears the Legion of Merit with gold star in lieu of second award, Navy Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and Vietnamese Navy Distinguished Service Order Second Class Medal.   His Campaign and Service medals are: American Campaign, China Service, Navy Occupation (Japan), World War II Victory, National Defense with one star, Korean Service with seven stars, Korean Presidential Unit Citation, United Nations, Vietnam Service with four stars, Vietnam Campaign, and Navy Expeditionary (Cuba).   RADM Hoffmann holds a BS in chemistry from the University of Nebraska and an MS in International Affairs from George Washington University.

RADM Hoffmann is married to the former Mary Linn Thompson of Bonne Terre, Missouri. They are the parents of five daughters.