1930
2011
David M. Altwegg, retired Rear Admiral, United States Navy, and senior executive, Missile Defense Agency, passed away on Monday, April 18, at his home in Alexandria, surrounded by his wife of 57 years, Rosina, his daughter, granddaughter, and other loved ones. He had been battling leukemia for several months. Admiral Altwegg had a combined 64 years of federal service, retiring from active duty in 1985 and from the senior executive service on February 23, 2011. The Secretary of the Navy recently dedicated and named the Navy's new Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Complex in Dahlgren, Virginia after Admiral Altwegg. The family will be receiving visitors on Saturday, April 23 from 2 to 5pm at the Demaine Funeral Home, 520 Washington Street, Old Town, Alexandria. An interment at Arlington National Cemetery is being arranged. The family is receiving flowers or request a donation to the Navy Safe Harbor program in honor of Admiral Altwegg. (www.safeharborfoundation.org)
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5 Entries
April 23, 2011
Michael Madden
Mr. Altwegg was SEA-06B when I worked for him as a Division Director. He clearly defined the ascension of leadership over mere management, and our relationship will always be a sincerely respectful one for me.
April 22, 2011
Jacqueline Morales
Mr. Altwegg was the GREATEST! We will truly miss him at MDA. He helped so many of us in our careers not to mention is superior commitment to this country. For that and more we are truly thankful! My heart is truly sad for the family, but know that you will continue to be in my prayers.
April 21, 2011
Nina Huguenin
Mr. Altwegg was one of the best "bosses" that I have ever had. He was truly a wonderful man, and a great leader.
A few of my favorite memories was when he hired me to work for him at NAVSEA as his EA, I sit in a chair in his office which sank almost to the carpet and it felt like I was getting smaller and he was getting taller (he was always tall in my eyes)...trying to get him to use all his fingers when typing, I don't think I ever succeeded...and my greatest memory was when he took time out of his busy schedule to go see my son who was a Plebe at U. S. Naval Academy providing him support and mentorship. My son is 31 now and still remembers that visit and Mr. Altwegg's words of wisdom.
You always knew where you stood with Mr. “A”. My admiration and devotion for him is beyond what words can express.
I will miss him so much, what a great loss to our country, DoD and the United States Navy.
My heart goes out to his family to whom he loved dearly.
April 20, 2011
Michael Richardson
Mr Altwegg was an inspriation for those that worked with him on BDM. I had that priveledge beginning back at the start up of SM-3 then known as SM-X. He words of "Don't be TE or Hardware poor during the development phase" are words to live by. He will be missed.
April 19, 2011
Michael Cavey
Admiral Altwegg was truly a great man. I found his strength, leadership, intelligence, and endless energy very inspiring. He also had a great sense of humor which made him seem very approachable despite his high profile position.
His passing is a huge loss not just for his family and friends, but our great nation.
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