Captain Allison James “Al” Holifield Jr., USN (Retired), passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family, on February 13th in Vero Beach, Florida. He was 85 years old.
Born in Jackson, Mississippi, Al was the son of Colonel Allison James Holifield Sr. and Sara Lott Holifield. He grew up in Sebring, Florida, where he developed a lifelong love for Corvettes and swamp buggies. But it was the call to serve that shaped his destiny. In 1957, he entered the United States Naval Academy, where he studied Nuclear Engineering and served in the 17th Company brigade. He graduated with honors in 1961, receiving his diploma from President John F. Kennedy.
Al went on to attend Nuclear Power and Submarine School in Groton, Connecticut, launching a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. His early tours included service aboard the USS Dace (Sonar Officer, 1963–1966), USS Bancroft (Engineer Officer, 1966–1968), and USS Narwhal (Navigator/Operations Officer, 1970–1972).
Commanding submarines and leading their crews became his greatest passion. He had the distinct honor of commanding the NR-1 (1973–1976), where he played a critical role in the recovery of a Phoenix missile from the ocean floor—an event chronicled in the book Dark Waters. He later commanded the USS Pogy (1977–1979), taking his proud Navy family to Hawaii, followed by his final submarine command aboard the USS Ethan Allen (1979–1981).
His distinguished shore assignments included serving as Force Intelligence Officer at COMSUBPAC in Hawaii (1981-1984), Commanding Officer of the Naval Intelligence Support Center in Washington, D.C. (1984–1987), and Staff Director of the Defense Liaison Division at the Pentagon (1987–1991). After three decades of dedicated service, he retired from active duty in 1991.
Al’s commitment to service continued beyond the Navy. He led the complex closure and cleanup efforts of the nuclear weapons factory Rocky Flats Plant near Denver, Colorado (1991-1998), playing a key role in environmental restoration.
Al retired fully in Vero Beach, Florida, where he spent his days surrounded by family, friends, and golf. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, he brought kindness, wisdom, and love to those around him. He is survived by his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Mugs; his three daughters, Buffie, Cristina, and Donna; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.
A military funeral service will be held at the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland, in the coming months, where he will be honored for a lifetime of dedication to his country.
Fair winds and following seas, Captain.
