Lew and Ann Chatham
Mary Jo Bellner Swartzberg
Many people know the Chathams – Lew being a dignified gentleman who always has a nice thing to say about everyone – Ann being a considerate and beautiful person both inside and out. My hunch is that not many people know their story.
I had the opportunity to interview Lew and his wife Ann to find out more about them and, in particular, the man who is referred to as “The Admiral.”
Lew was born in Houston, Texas, but considers himself a San Antonio native where his parents settled after WWII. He graduated from Rice University in 1956 receiving his commission through the NROTC. He received his wings and was designated a naval aviator in 1957. Early assignments included both fighter and attack squadrons at NAS Miramar, California. It was at the end of his second carrier cruise that he learned his next assignment was with the Blue Angels. Lew flew with the Blues for three years, 1961 through 1963, as the lead solo No. 5 pilot.
After his Blue Angel tour Lew continued his career including numerous deployments during the Vietnam conflict. During the Vietnam War he flew 366 combat missions in the years 1964 through 1966 from U.S.S. Hancock and in 1971 through 1973 from U.S.S. Midway. As Commanding Officer of an A-7 attack squadron, VA-56, he led his pilots during an 11 month combat cruise during the height of the air war. During the war Lew received numerous awards for valor. In 1973 he was selected for Air Wing command, where he would fly different types of airplanes with the various squadrons. It was also in 1973 that he met Ann.
During his career Lew experienced many interesting events. A couple of them were the following:
In 1960, Lew and the other Blue Angels were at the Naval Air Station in Brunswick, Maine, and on the tarmac when Air Force One landed. They were introduced to President John F. Kennedy!
While serving on board U.S.S. Oriskany, Lew was the last person to see and talk to Senator John McCain before McCain’s last flight into Vietnam. Their conversation – Lew: “Tough mission, John. Going to lose some people. Take care of yourself.” McCain: “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be OK.” McCain’s jet was shot down over Hanoi and he was held for six years as a POW. Lew is mentioned in McCain’s book Faith of My Fathers: A Family Memoir.
From 1978 to 1980 Lew commanded the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Kittyhawk. Due to the enormous responsibilities to his ship and crew, he considers that tour as his most challenging yet rewarding tour of duty.
During his career Lew flew over 5000 hours in 30 different aircraft types and made 1100 carrier arrested landings, 300 at night!
“The Admiral” retired in 1987 after 31 years of naval service.
Following the Navy were other assignments in the civilian world with family disruptions and moves. There are many events and memories folded into Lew and Ann’s 42-year marriage that led them to SaddleBrooke — But that’s Ann’s story—.