Richard K. Gaines

Richard K. Gaines served in the U.S. Navy for 34 years. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1921, graduating in 1925. Gaines was designated a naval aviator in 1928. On August 16, 1943, Gaines became the first executive officer of the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11). At the time, he held the rank of commander. Due to changes in command, Gaines had temporary command of Intrepid from March 28 to April 19, 1944 and from May 19 to 30, 1944. He served as Intrepid’s executive officer for approximately one year.

Over the course of his long career in the U.S. Navy, Gaines had many duty stations. Two notable assignments after his time on board Intrepid included command of the escort carrier USS Salerno Bay (CVE-110) and command of Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida. He retired with the rank of captain in 1955. Gaines passed away on August 3, 1968.