“Gus” Gustafson

John Albert “Gus” Gustafson, CTRCM, was born on 27 September 1935 in Kane, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Smethport High School in Smethport, Pennsylvania in 1953 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Upon completion of boot camp at USNTC Bainbridge, Maryland, he attended Radioman School, also at Bainbridge.

John volunteered to serve as U.S. NCVA Membership Secretary in 1998. He held that position for several years, and also helped establish the Naval Security Group Cryptologic Command Display onboard the Center for Information Dominance, Corry Station, Pensacola, Florida. He was a regular volunteer at the CCD.

John passed away on April 11, 2024, at the age of 88. He dedicated his life in service to his country and community.

Career

Upon completion of RM school, he received orders to NRS(R) Bellmore, Long Island, New York. From there his consecutive NAVSECGRU assignments were NRS (R) Cheltenham, Maryland; NSGA Midway Island; NAVCOMMSTA Wahiawa, Hawaii; NSGHQ Washington, D.C.; NAVCOMMSTA Guam; NAVCOMMSTA Honolulu, Hawaii; NTTC Pensacola, Florida; NSGA Adak, Alaska (where he served as Command Master Chief); and back to NTTC Pensacola where he retired as a CTRCM in 1984.

While serving at Wahiawa, he was assigned as Operations Chief for the reorganization of the Pacific High Frequency Direction Finding system into a single Pacific HFDF Net. Gus was entitled to wear the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Award, and the National Defense Service Medal.

Gus served honorably in the United States Navy for 30 years. During his time in the Navy, he demonstrated unwavering courage, commitment, and patriotism. He served at several stations before serving as the Master Chief of the Naval Security Group Activity (NSGA) command in Adak, Alaska, and retired at Corry Station in Pensacola, Florida in 1984. Gus earned numerous awards and commendations throughout his service.

Post-Navy Service

In 2020, the Radio Club of American (RCA) presented the George P. McGinnis award to U.S. NCVA Member CTRCM John Albert “Gus” Gustafson, USN (Ret.) for advancement and preservation of U.S. Naval Cryptologic history at the RCA virtual banquet on November 23, 2019 at the Westin Times Square, New York City.

Following his military service, Gus continued to embody the Navy’s values of honor, courage, and commitment in his civilian life. Gus was instrumental in establishing the Cryptologic Command Display at Corry Station. He touched the lives of many with his kindness, generosity, and sense of humor.

Fair Winds & Following Seas

Gus is survived by his wife of 65 years – Marguerite Gustafson, daughter – Joan Grabau, son – John (Carmen) Gustafson, and granddaughter – Jenny Carver, who will cherish his memory and carry on his legacy of service and love.

Gus’s indomitable spirit, selflessness, and love for his family, country, and fellow service members will be deeply missed but forever remembered.