Beck joined the Navy V-5 program in May of 1945. He attended Whitman College, the California Institute of Technology, and the University of California.
While at Pre-Flight school in Ottumwa, he joined the Aviation Midshipman Program. In June of 1948 he received his wings and in December of 1948 his commission.
Beck served in VA-194 and VA-155 flying ADs at NAS Alameda. In December of 1949 he was released to inactive duty and immediately joined a
reserve fighter squadron at NAS Oakland flying the F6F, F4U, FJ-1, and F2H. In 1958 he was transferred to VS flying S2s.
He served as Commanding Officer of VS-873 / VS-216 from July 1967 to June 1970.
In February of 1972 he was selected for Captain. In 1987 he retired after 42 years and one day of service.
Beck earned a BA degree from Stanford University in 1951 and an MBA degree from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 1953.
He retired as a Vice President from Wells Fargo Bank in 1982.
Thanks for the card – good picture.
We spent July and August on the Oregon Coast as usual.
We like the cool, misty summer weather.
Class:
Ottumwa, Iowa, Pre-Flight Class 9-46