CTICS David Wesley Psilas

Dave passed from us on March 27, 2025 at age 78. He served in the United States Navy retiring with the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.

I first met Senior Chief Psilas in 1981 when I reported to Naval Technical Training Command, National Cryptologic School as a student in the Intermediate Navy Transcription (Russian language) course RU-435.

Back Row (Instructors): Chiefs Groome, Shook, McCusker, Senior Chief Psilas, Chief McNalley Front Row (Students): Petty Officers White, Larson, Chief Browning, Petty Officers McCarthy, Biggers

Senior Chief Psilas was not "quiet", "unassuming", or "loud". When needed, he would definitely let you know what and how he expected of you and how you had disappointed his expectations. He also staunchly supported his people and trained them.

To this writer, Senior Chief Dave Psilas set the standard because he was the standard.

David Psilas enlisted in the U.S. Navy in February, 1962. Following his initial training—Recruit, Russian language, and Class "A" Schools, he served assignments at: NSGA Kami Seya (2 tours), NSGA Misawa (2 tours), NSGA Ft. Meade, NCS (RU-435 Chief Instructor), NSGD Atsugi, and with NSA Special Projects.

CTICS Psilas retired from the Navy on 31 May 1984 and was subsequently hired as an intelligence analyst at the National Security Agency. He retired from NSA in 2020.

Dave was a passionate golfer and played courses all over the world. He was a member of Prospect Bay Country Club (PBCC) and was the “Commissioner” of the Scratchers.

Dave is remembered as being a friend to all and for his friendly face, competitiveness, outgoing personality and great golf skills.

Dave was also an avid bowler and a member of the Bowling Hall of Fame.

Dave was predeceased by his wife Linda Psilas (Higgs). He is buried in Crownsville Veterans Cemetery, Centreville, Maryland.