On March 25, 1985, the Naval Security Group Activity Misawa, Japan lost one of its most valuable members, and Misawa Air Base lost a trusted and respected pillar in the base community – Master Chief Petty Officer Robert E. Hall, United States Navy – our Command Master Chief. He died of an apparent heart attack.

Master Chief Hall was deeply involved in a vast array of NSGA and Misawa Air Base activities; he was also an avid sports and physical fitness enthusiast with a drive and vigor which was unequalled by virtually any one here at Misawa. As Master Chief of the Command he coupled relentless energy, drive, competency and enthusiasm with his consummate professionalism to bring success to every endeavor. He was many things to all of us – leader, father, confidant, helper, wise counselor, trusted friend – a Navy professional. He never expected more from anyone than he was personally willing to give himself. He set the example for all to follow. He epitomized the Chief Petty Officer corps of the Navy. He was the Navy – a chief’s “Chief”. We all looked up to him, after all – he was the Master Chief! He became the ideal liaison between NSGA’s commanding officer and the enlisted men and women in the command, an accomplishment which many have tried but only a rare few have succeeded so well — Master Chief Hall was one of the rare few.

The 44 year old Master Chief, who hailed from Rochester, New Hampshire, commenced his aspiring career at the age of 21 when he enlisted in the Navy in April 1961, whereupon completion of recruit training he entered Cryptologic Technician “A” School in Pensacola, Florida. In his 24 years of Naval Service his first tour of duty brought him to the Naval Communications Station at Guam. In the years following at Fort Meade, Maryland; NSGA Sabana Seca, Puerto Rico; NSGA Winter Harbor, Maine and at the Naval Communications Station in Honolulu, Hawaii. In Hawaii he was promoted to Chief Petty Officer and also selected for participation in the Navy’s Associate Degree Completion Program.

In August 1974 he was transferred to the Puget Sound Naval Station in Bremerton, Washington where he enrolled at Olympia Junior College, completing his Associate of Arts Degree in Personnel Management. Two years later, sea duty followed and while stationed aboard the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65), homeported in Alameda, California, Chief Hall was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer in October 1977. He was subsequently transferred to the Naval Technical Training Center, Corry Station, Pensacola, Florida where he attained the highest enlisted military rank – Master Chief Petty Officer – in October 1982. His next assignment brought he and his wife Barbara, who were married on July 15, 1961, to the Naval Security Group Activity Misawa, Japan, as the Command Master Chief in June of 1983.

Upon his arrival, onboard NSGA Misawa, Master Chief Hall had stated, “. . .I am eagerly looking forward to the challenging months ahead.” And challenging they were for as Master Chief of a command, especially one the size of NSGA Misawa, challenges abound and it is no easy task to keep everything under control, the command on an even keel and a steady course, even though the Master Chief make it look easy. There is many a person on the mid-watch who can attest to the fact that Master Chief Hall was up and at work before the birds in order to get a head start on the day before being bombarded by countless phone calls, interviews and appointments which filled his 25-hour days.

In addition to his significant command responsibilities at NSGA he was also an outstanding neighbor, friend and contributor to the entire Misawa community, on and off the base, as attested to by Chief Master Sergeant Kelley, Senior Enlisted Advisor for the 432d Tactical Fighter Wing. Chief Kelley stated that, “In addition to representing the enlisted members of Misawa’s Naval Security Group, Master Chief Hall was an avid supporter of any effort to build the cohesiveness of the entire Misawa community.

“He was among the initiators of a sponsor program for a local town orphanage; instrumental in the Armed Forces Senior Enlisted Association dining-out. He conceived the upcoming all-services enlisted dining-in commemorating Armed Forces Day 1985, and his support of charitable efforts by the Fleet Reserve Association and the VFW Auxiliary was endless. “Master Chief Hall was a regular and eager participant in the Air Force Non-commissioned Officers’ Prepatory Course classes – helping to clarify some of the mysteries about our sister service. He was also one of the founding fathers of Misawa’s monthly birthday dinners for meal card holders.”

Master Chief Hall was a man who “practiced what he preached,” for in his own words he had written, “set your goals now, be aggressive, take the initiative and most importantly take pride in being in the world’s best Navy. Regardless of whether you plan on staying in the Navy, make your. . .enlistment one to remember by working hard at your job, improving your education, setting a good example for your peer group – and do it because it is the right thing to do.” Master Chief Hall was a man of his word and a pillar of the community.

During his Naval service he was authorized to wear the following decorations and awards: Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation (first and second awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation, five Good Conduct Awards, National Defense Service Medal and a Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one star.

He is survived by his wife Barbara and their three daughters, Leann, Robin and Julia.

A memorial service was held in his honor March 29th at 3:30 p.m. in Hanger 941 at Misawa Air Base. We here at the Naval Security Group Activity Misawa, as well as members of the Misawa Air Base community at large will miss this generous and vicarious individual who had contributed so much to the men and women of Misawa, to the United States Navy and to his country. He was indeed – The Master Chief! Sayonara dear shipmate. Fair winds, following seas and God speed.