CDR ALLEN SHERWOOD, USN, RET.

Commander, U.S. Navy, Allen Russell Sherwood, 79, died peacefully in his sleep in Monterey, California on Thursday, August 25, 2022, following a lengthy illness. He was raised in Walnut Creek, California and graduated from Chico State University, going on to complete graduate work at the University of Oklahoma. He was commissioned as a Naval Flight Officer at Pensacola, Florida in 1965 and served 20 years in Asia, Europe, and the United States. Notable moments in his military career included serving on the Apollo Manned Spacecraft Recovery Team and serving as technical consultant on several major motion pictures, including Top Gun, Midway, and Hunt for Red October, as well as the television series Hawaii Five-0. Other assignments included National Director of Advertising Operations for the United States Navy in Washington, D.C, and New York City. Commander in Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, and Assistant Officer in Charge at the U.S. Naval Landing Field in Kisarazu, Japan. He also served as an Assistant for Public Affairs and Deputy Appointments Secretary to then Governor Ronald Reagan, and later did White House Advance for President Reagan. Commander Sherwood retired from the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, California where he served as the Public Affairs Officer.

Following his military career, Allen spent nearly two decades as a university administrator at San Francisco State University and Chico State University, working in the areas of Student Affairs, Alumni Relations, and Public Information. He was later elected to the California State University Alumni Council, representing over two million CSU alumni. He served for more than 15 years as both City Airport Commissioner and County Airport Commissioner in Butte County, California. He was also Chair of the Service Academy Selection Committee for California Congressman Wally Herger for five years.

Allen was a Rotarian for over 20 years and was a Paul Harris Fellow. He was also a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants, and the Sons of the American Revolution. His civic accomplishments include a Freedoms Foundation Award, a Resolution of Commendation from the California State Senate, a Congressional Award from the United States Congress, and two gubernatorial appointments for the State of California. He is listed in Who’s Who in the West. Allen was an avid Ham radio operator.

Allen’s friends and family remember him for his mentorship and sage counsel. They describe him as a team player, wise and understanding, with an excellent sense of humor. They call him a great American, a wonderful man, and a fine shipmate.

Allen and his wife Susan (Bates) Prest made their home in Carmel-by-the-Sea, California. He has one grown daughter.

Plans are underway for a memorial service. In place of sending flowers the family invites to you make a donation in CDR Allen Sherwood’s name to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society on-line at Make a Difference. Donate Today. (nmcrs.org) or by mail to Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, Attn: Development Department, 875 N. Randolph St. Ste 225, Arlington, VA 22203.