Charles H. Griffiths, Jr
June 1, 1949 - March 2, 2008

"sorry to hear of Chip's loss. I enjoyed serving with him on Batfish. My first XO and he set the standard the rest were measured by. Good man. Remember his guitar playing underway! kind regards, Doug Evans"

"A Great Man who made a Good Ship, GREAT!! On PITTSBURGH, Skipper made everyone feel like they were valued. Nowhere else have I ever told someone to get out of my Field Day spot to have the Skipper raise his head and say, "Come on in, there's room for both of us!" I served on Six Boats and I only remember 3 COs. Skip was the best of those 6 and PITTSBURGH was my Favorite Ship in this man's Navy, mostly because of how the Skipper treated his men. Rest Easy, Sir, we have the Watch!! EM3/SS Sexton 88-90"

"My sincerest sorrows for the loss of ADM griffihs. He was a man of great character and proffesionalism. He tought me so many amazing things not only as a peson but as a valuable person in the worlds greatest navy he also helped me to become the person that I am today. Not only did he make the navy proud for the way he represented himself, his boat and his crew but he made me and many others proud and honored to call him our captain. My thoughts and prayers are with you. USS Pittsburgh MM E-4 88-92"

"My sincerest condolences on your loss. I was incredibly saddened to just recently learn of Chipâ??s death. I had the privilege of serving under him while he commanded Pittsburgh from 89-90; the first of two submarines, three COâ??s, and dozens of officers over ten years. Of these, Chip was the one leader I could honestly say Iâ??d to war with and be confident. I was very proud to be a member of his crew. My deepest thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Stan Jagodzinski MMI/SS"

"Cindy, Brandon, Matthew, Leslie, Scott: I served as Marine Driver for Chip's Dad down in Panama back in '72-'73. I met the three Griffiths children during that tour. I have never seen any of you since that time. Chip had just completed Nuclear Engg at the Academy. I believe he was an Ensign. I overheard many good things about him from the Admiral and Mrs G while we were traveling. He helped me change course in life and pursue Engg at the Univ of Nebr. My life was never the same. He touched many lives, more than you will ever know. He will want you to pursue life and never take your freedom for granted. Some of us will never forget him. Semper Fi, Chip Mike Farwell"

"To the Griffiths Family. I was deeply saddened to here of ADM â??Chipâ?A Griffiths passing and I offer my deepest sympathy. I proudly served with him aboard the USS PITTSBURGH from 1988-90. I respected him tremendously. I could say so much about my time with him on the boat, but I would not know where to start or how to end. I will say that we all loved him and we were honored that he was our Captain. Mark â??Chef Crefâ?A Creffield"

"Adm. Griffith was my first and best CO. He had a great calm and easiness about himself that is rarely seen. My first Field day on board USS Pittsburgh was interesting. He walked into Control with a tape recorder and placed next to the open mike and played "working on the chain gang briefly" then called away "Commence Field day." at which point he headed to the engine room and started cleaning. I have never seen anything like that since. My deepest condolences to all the Griffith family"

"To the Griffiths Family: Please accept our deepest condolences. I was deeply saddened to hear of â??Chipsâ?A passing. I served aboard the USS Philadelphia when LTCDR Griffiths came aboard as Engineer. Although we were to later find out he had a nickname â??Chipâ?A, he was always â??ENGâ?A to us. Even in the close knit community of a submarine crew, it would have been inappropriate to refer to him as â??Chipâ?A, and we didnâ??t, out of respect. Respect not only for his rank, but for the personal respect he earned, something he never had to demand. He had the unique ability to be both personable and professional at the same time. He was very much a Class Act. Shortly after he reported aboard, we entered a difficult shipyard period in Newport News, Virginia. Difficult, especially for the Engineering Department, and in particular the â??newâ?A Engineer Officer. If there were ever a time in his career he may have considered leaving the Navy, it was then. Not because he wanted an easier job, or more money. He obviously loved the Navy and loved being a Naval Officer very much. It was because during this time he missed his wife and family even more. He undoubtedly had the necessary support at home to see him through those tough times and any that may have followed. And Iâ??m sure the family already knew it, but if there was ever any doubt, his thoughts were always very much with you. Again, weâ??re very sorry for your loss."

"We at the Undersea Defence Technology Conference and Exhibition were saddened to hear about RDML Griffiths' death as he was a valued advisor and friend to us over many years. Our thoughts and most sincere condolences are with you at this most difficult of times."

"Dear Griffiths family, I was lucky to serve "The Admiral" during my tour as XO at SWFPAC. He was an outstanding and supportive leader who you always understood would stand behind you. I was greatly saddned to learn of his passing. Please accept my deepest condolences and know that Dottie and I will keep you in our prayers and thoughts."

"Dear Cindy, We are so saddened by the news of Chip's passing. Please accept our sincerest condolences. You, Matthew and Brandon are in our thoughts and prayers."

"Dear Cynthia, I served on the SUBGRU NINE STAFF with Admiral Griffiths from 2000 to 2002. I was the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and also the guy who played a leading role in building Deterrent Park. I finished my career as a CDR and ran the NROTC Unit at USC and UCLA for my last Navy job. I now work at USC. I am so sorry to learn of Admiral Griffiths' death and your terrible loss. I am dealing with a very similar situation in that my wife Denise is also dying of brain cancer. She was diagnosed in July 2007 and is currently at death's door. She is not expected to survive more than a few days. I just ask the Lord to let us all do our part to help her finish well. We have three of our five daughters home, the fourth arrives tomorrow, and our oldest just married three weeks ago and now an Army 2 Lt will arrive Friday. I will be praying for you as you grieve Chip's loss. Blessings, Angus McColl"

"Cindy and family, Frank and I were genuinely saddened to see RADM Griffiths' obituary in the Washington Post. He was always a pleasure to be around at STRATCOM, and made me, a personnelist, feel like a part of the nuclear community. I have the greatest admiration for him. He was more than simply another flag at STRAT, he was one of those who made a difference. While nothing I can say will ease your pain, I wanted you to know how special others saw him. We are all diminished by his passing."

"I had the pleasure of working for Chip Griffiths at Raytheon. As we shared a background in service with the Navy and on submarines it was wonderful to see the Navy so well represented. He exuded the fine qualities of an officer and a gentleman, and as such was a wonderful model of quiet but strong leadership behavior in a civilian corporate environment. A very fine man, I count myself as fortunate to have known him. He will be sorely missed. My condolences. Warren McAuliffe Captain, USNR USNA Class of 1979"

"My deepest condolences to the Griffiths Family. Admrial Griffiths was my CO on USS Pittsburgh and was a great man. He let my father drive the boat something he never forgot. Fair winds and Following Sea Sir."

"I am saddened by this news, but count myself lucky to have served under this man. I also served under him on board USS Pittsburgh. He is to this day my definition of what what a leader is. He didn't demand my respect, but quickly earned it. What is more he returned my respect. Adm Griffiths will always live on in me, and a most likely everyone who had the honor to know him. Fairwinds and Following Seas Skipper! Carson Wright Olympia Wa"

"Cindy and family, I'm not saying anything you don't know when I say Chip was not just one of the "good guys," he was one of the really, really good guys. One of the best guys. In addition to the pleasure and great memories of working side by side with him, some of my strongest memories of Chip include wonderfully silly things like poker at your kitchen table. I loved Chip, and my single biggest regret is not telling him that when I could have. Although I'm sure he knew how I felt. We will all miss him. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Steve"

"Served with CDR Griffiths on USS Pittsburgh. Although we were all proud to hear that he made Admiral, to me he'll always be "The Captain." He was so professional, the consummate submarine commander. He challenged us to excellence both as sailors and in our personal lives. Most of the Pittsburgh crew have gone on to great successful lives. I'll always remember him jogging around the engineroom to stay in shape; ribbing the XO and me for being Cardinals fans; looking for dirt before Field Day with his megawatt flashlight; helping to paint the boat; giving us every minute of liberty on shore possible; joining in with us during Blue Nose; and every day, making us all proud that we served in the United States Navy. We'll miss you, Skipper."

"I didn't know Chip, but worked with his father, Chuck, back in the early-mid 1980s when I was with Westinghouse in Pittsburgh. I was saddened to see Chip's obituary in The Washington Post yesterday. When I was working with his father, Chip was only a Commander, but clearly, he was cut of the same cloth! Chuck spoke about Chip often and it was clear how proud he was of his son. I wanted to take just a moment to offer my deepest condolences to the entire Griffiths family. Terry Dailey Captain, USNR Ret USNA Class of 1970"

"This just doesn't seem possible. Such a wonderful guy and such a wonderful family. We are so, so sorry. It seems like such a short time ago that you were living on Brookings Ct."

"Brandon and Matthew - I am so sorry for your loss. As my mom mentioned it doesn't seem like enough time has passed for something like this to have had time to transpire. Your father was an accomplished man and role model and I know that we are all better persons for having known him."

"Chip was a fine classmate, roommateat nuclear prototype in Idaho, fellow submariner, and human being. He married well! Cindy is still beautiful and gracious, as always. Did you know that Chip could eat a Big Mac in 2 bites and less than 30 seconds? We miss you Chip! Duces Virum! Rest in peace!"

"Cindy, Brandon and Matthew, we were so saddened to read of your loss in this morning's paper. Chip was a wonderful man and he will be greatly missed, for he was so kind and such a positive influence on so many lives. He will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew and loved him. Though we haven't seen you in years, we have many fond memories of your time in Mantua. It seems like only yesterday that Mike, Brandon and Mattie were riding bikes up and down the street and exploring the neighboring woods. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."

"Cindy, Brandon and Matthew, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Chip was a great influence on me and I am proud to have served with him. He was a true patriot and a great American. Watching Yankees games will never be the same again."

"Cindy, Brandon, Matthew and the entire Griffiths family. Our love, thought's and prayers are with you. A donation to the Brain Tumor Research Fund in Memory of Chip and Paul will also be made. I pray for a cure soon! Love and Prayers Wendie Anderson and Children"

"I was privileged to know Chip as I was in the class of 1971 during Plebe year. Although I left Navy during Youngster Year, during the brief time I knew Chip it was evident that he would have an exemplary career. I am a better person for having known him, albeit so briefly. May the family experience the peace and comfort that only Almighty God can offer."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Griffiths family during this most difficult time."

"Susan and I express our deepest sympathy. I served onboard USS PITTSBURGH and it was a very rewarding experience. ADM Griffiths holds the respect of everyone he served with, and made a positive impact on our lives. God bless. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

"Please accept our sincerest condolences from me and my family. ADM Griffiths was my CO on the Pittsburgh. He was a great man and a great influence to the whole crew. It was the best time of my naval career and I think of him and my time on the Pittsburgh often. I think it is fair to say that any one of us would have done anything for "Chip". Take care, our thoughts are with you all."

"To Gail and the entire Griffiths family, my family and I would like to pass on our deepest condolences. The USS PITTSBURGH was my first submarine out of boot camp. ADM Charles "Chip" Griffiths was my first Commanding Officer, and to this date he has been one of the best. The way he treated the crew was like his own family and I will never forget that. God bless you and your family. "Fare Winds and Following Seas." SKIPPER"

"He was a terrific influence in my life during my time in the navy. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Dave Sauder USS Pittsburgh '88-'90"

"To the entire Griffiths family, I wish to express my deepest sympathy at this very sad time. The world will miss a man god spent extra time with. I served onboard USS PITTSBURGH, he allowed me to become the man I am today. I will always cherrish the times we spent under the surface. Very respectfully, Matt Schaefer"

"May I express my families sincerest condolences to the family and friends of Admiral Griffiths. We are very sorry to hear of your loss."

"I wish his family my sincere condolences. I also served on the Pittsburgh with him and my life is much the richer for the experience."

"It was an honor to serve with ADM. Griffiths.Sorry to hear of his passing.Many great memories while serving on the Pittsburgh with him and the great crew we had."

"To the family of ADM Charles "Chip" Griffiths, Gail and I would like to pass on our deepest Condolences. Pittsburgh was my first submarine after 15 years in the Navy. ADM Griffiths was my first Commanding Officer that was a people person. Gail was his OMBUDSMAN, we to this day still have the utmost respect for our Commanding Officer. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. "Fare Winds and Following Seas" SKIPPER."