Captain Ernie Lowen, 98, passed peacefully on April 11, 2020 in his home in Fairfax, Virginia. He had a distinguished career in the US Navy, which spanned three major wars- World War II, Korea and Vietnam. He was appointed by Congressman Joe L. Smith to take the physical and mental examination to the US Naval Academy, Annapolis from Charleston, West Virginia. He graduated with the class of 1946, which graduated in 1945 to participate in WWII. He caught up with his first ship, USS Indiana BB-58, returning from a strike off Okinawa in the Pacific Ocean and was assigned duty in the Turret One, 3-16 inch guns. This battleship later entered Tokyo Bay to participate in the signing of the surrender by Japan, during which he led a group in the night searching for enemy swimmers. Later he attended a course in Destroyer Anti-Aircraft Gunnery at Camp Catlin, Oahu, Hawaii.
After inactivating USS Indiana (BB 58) in Seattle, he was assigned to an aircraft carrier, USS Sicily (CVE 118). During the West Berlin crisis transported fighter aircraft to the Raf Base in Scotland for the eventual purpose of escorting the logistic aircraft supporting West Berlin to reduce harassment by the Russians. Attended the Navy Electronics School at Treasure Island, CA. Taught at Georgia Tech in nrotc, gunnery and navigation, as associate professor of Naval Reserve Officer Training. As Commanding Officer Skohegan (PCE-843), commended by Comone for the rescue of four seamen at sea who were swept overboard from USS Cross, a destroyer escort. He was later Commander Mine Division 41 and Commanding Officer, US Naval Facility, Shelburne, Nova Scotia, Canada, tracking unfriendly submarines. As Commanding Officer of an amphibious ship, participated in the opening of the Saint Lawrence Seaway in 1958 with Amphibious Squadron Eight (Operation Inland Sea) with President Eisenhour and Queen Elizabeth of the United Kingdom in attendance.
Commanded USS Powell (DD686) in Vietnam on Taiwan patrol and shore bombardment. On returning to San Diego from Kaoshung, Taiwan during a full power trial with flag ship in company, the starboard shaft parted steaming alone and hoping to find temporary help in Midway Island was unsuccessful and continued on to Pearl Harbor on the one shaft, where the shaft was secured and ultimately replaced in San Diego. His ship, Powell, was recommended for the Arleigh Burke Trophy (most improved destroyer in the pacific fleet). He was later Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations in Commander Cruiser-Destroyer Flotilla under Admiral Zumwalt. He participated in two tours of rotation in the Vietnam War, after which he was toured in the organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He retired from the US Navy in July 1975. During the years after his navy career, he worked in consulting and later for Raytheon Service Company.
He graduated from the US Naval Academy in June 1945, having attended Morris Harvey College (now Charleston University, Charleston, WV) and West Virginia University. In addition to commendations for Operation Inland Sea and rescuing seaman, he was awarded Meritorius Service medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Navy Occupation medal (Asia), Joint Service Commendation medal, American Theatre, Vietnam Service (2 Star), Secretary of Defense Badge,
Victory (WWII) Vietnam Campaign medal, Joint Chiefs of Staff Badge, National Defense (Bronze Star), Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, RVN Meritorious Unit Citation (Civil Action), RVN Cross of Gallentry, Pacific, Pacific Theatre. He was a member of the Charleston High School, Charleston, WV football team, 1939 State Champions. He was active in tennis, having managed and played in the Mantua (Fairfax) Program. He is predeceased by his loving wife, Sibyl Jean MacPherson Lowen and is survived by his three children, Pamela Osti (Mario) of Annandale, VA, Catherine Pearce (James) of Machias, ME, James Lowen (Edyta) of Nashville, TN and three grandchildren; Gabriel, Colin and Maia.
A funeral service with Full Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, October 7, 2020 at Ft. Myer Chapel at 9:00am with interment to follow at Arlington National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Church of the Good Shepherd, 9350 Braddock Road, Fairfax, Va 22032.
