The Museum Mourns the Loss of Vice Admiral (VADM, Retired) Albert Melrose Calland III

July 30, 1952- March 31, 2023

Vice Admiral (VADM, Retired) Albert Melrose Calland III died on 31 March 2023, from health complications, due in large part from injuries suffered during 33 years of Special Operations military service to the United States of America. Bert was 71 years old, an avid scratch golfer and resided in Atlantic Beach, Florida. He is survived by Cindy, his wife of 45 years who was his companion, partner, and best friend from the onset of their magnificent journey; two grown children, Joel and Sarah; granddaughters Bailey and Ashby and two very close brothers, Dick and Joe Calland.

Born in Columbus, Ohio and raised in Zanesville, Ohio, VADM Calland was a natural athlete whose prowess, competitive spirit and drive enabled him to master any athletic endeavor. His first foray into swimming at a young age resulted in five medals in the Junior Olympics. In high school he played every sport available and was a three-sport letter winner. He continued his success at United States Naval Academy (USNA) and was a three-year starter on the Navy football team. He holds the USNA record for most receptions in a season and was the team MVP his senior year.

Following graduation from the Naval Academy in 1974, he was selected and qualified as a Navy SEAL. During his 33 years of active duty, VADM Calland served in numerous unique positions of national significance and impact and was a warfighting and leadership titan in the Naval Special Warfare community. In 1987, he deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Earnest Will as Commander, Naval Special Warfare Task Unit, Pacific, aboard a mobile sea barge, conducting interdiction and capture missions utilizing a variety of joint airborne and seaborne assets. He commanded Navy Special Warfare Development Group, a CNO Priority One Major Command as well as Naval Special Warfare Command, in charge of all Navy SEAL’s. VADM Calland was Special Operations Commander Central Command (SOCCENT) when the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001 occurred. He directed, in-country, more than 3,000 US and Coalition Special operation forces in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. This effort included direct and first in-country liaison and arrangements with the current controlling factions in Northern Afghanistan for entry and operation of Coalition Special Forces throughout the campaign region. He was, literally, the initial “tip of the spear” in the War on Terrorism directing with boots-on-the-ground, the successful victory over the Taliban regime. VADM Calland was appointed Deputy Director of the Central Intelligence Agency by President George H. Bush in July 2005 and served until he was specifically selected, in July 2006, as Deputy Director for Strategic Operational Planning at the National Counterterrorism Center to set up and develop that organization.

Following retirement from the Navy, VADM Calland continued his involvement in counterintelligence and the war on terrorism as Executive Vice President for security and intelligence integration at CACI International Inc. The Special Operations community was dear to his heart, and he was a passionate advocate of ensuring Special Operations Forces individuals received continuing health monitoring and care. In this capacity he served as the Chairman of the Navy SEAL Foundation for many years.

It is difficult to capsulize his life and its impact on this country; but it is easy to reflect on how immensely respected, admired, and well liked he was by everyone who had the pleasure to know him- senior officers, contemporaries, those he led in battle and the family who he loved so much, that he leaves behind, where his memory and legacy will carry on.
Vice Admiral (VADM, retired) Albert Melrose Calland III will be interred at the United States Naval Academy at a later date.