I was stunned to hear of Phil's passing. My sincere condolences to his family and friends.
While I never served with him during our Navy careers, I did have a few phone discussions with Phil while he was our detailer. I truly believe he always did his very best to balance out individual wishes with needs of the Navy, a challenging job, to say the least.
Much later, when I was working at TRW McLean VA, developing Integrated Logistic Support Plans for new subsystems (i.e. ABF, IAP, etc.) Phil retired from the Navy and applied to TRW for employment within our Project group. It was SOP for each member to interview prospective employees. During his interview, a couple in the group were "fence sitters", but there was no doubt in my mind that Phil would be a very valuable asset. Following my interview with Phil, I strongly recommended him to our Project Manager, retired Capt. John Rigsbee (former COSP Commodore).
Shortly thereafter, Phil joined our group as the lead Training Plan developer. To say he was a valuable asset is, in many ways, an understatement. He quickly applied his skills to mesh with the engineers, ILSP staff and many others to develop quality training plans for new subsystems.
Phil and I became very good friends and coworkers during our time together. Sadly, after I left TRW, some three years later, Phil and I never saw each other again. May you rest in peace shipmate.
I never served with Phil (The Fonz) either but he was the Detailer when the McCloy returned from the Med in 1981. Denny Conrad had found out that I was not on the Chief's List which made the Homecoming a little less enjoyable. After a week or so of standdown, I called Phil to discuss some personnel changes. I introduced myself as OTA1 Moseler and he said who! I repeated myself and he said you mean Chief Moseler! I didn't quite know what to say and he went on to explain how that happened. Needless to say, it made my day! RIP Shipmate. Our sincere condolences to Phil's family.
A good man, with a sense of humor. He helped a lot of careers.
For your consideration....Below is a link to Phil's "Find A Grave"memorial. In respect for grieving families, Find A Grave makes recent memorials inaccessible for a 90 day period. Phil's memorial should be accessible by 30 April 2023. There is no cost; anyone can view the memorial, leave a virtual "tribute" such as a flower, flag, etc. There are special icons available for veterans, police, etc.
At the very bottom of the Memorial is a "We Remember" link. Stories, anecdotes, etc can be entered here, again, at no cost.
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/249157145/philip-lee-brown
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This is an amazing way to keep memories of departed friends & family fresh in our hearts & minds.
If you know of other IUSS mates that have passed, memorials can be made for them as well.
The site is free. Phil's obit is posted on the site. You can leave a virtual flower, flag, etc. There is also a "We Remember" section where you can share your memories of Phil with a much wider audience.
