Richard C. Allen enlisted in the Naval Aviation Cadet program in 1959. He was commissioned an ensign and designated a Naval Aviator in 1960 and Naval Flight Officer in 1971.  A graduate of Naval Postgraduate School with a bachelor’s degree in engineering science, he also completed the Armed Forces Staff College and National Defense University Capstone Training. He was selected for flag officer assignment in 1987. He retired from the U.S. Navy 1 April 1996 as a VADM and passed away May 2009.