JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Retired Rear Adm. Kevin Delaney -- who retired in Jacksonville after 34 years in the Navy and spent many years as a civic leader in the community -- died Tuesday. He was 68 years old.
Delaney began his service flying hundreds of combat missions in Vietnam and retired after serving as the top commander of Navy Region Southeast. His family said he died Tuesday of lung cancer attributed to his exposure to Agent Orange during the war.
Delaney received 98 military awards and decorations, including the Silver Star.
Gov. Rick Scott, also a Navy veteran, issued a statement on Delaney's passing.
"Kevin was an inspirational leader during his service in the Navy, and he continued to serve our state after his retirement, including as a member of the Florida Defense Support Task Force.," Scott wrote. "Kevin was a true hero to our country and the state of Florida."
Services will be held at 10 a.m. April 20 at NAS Jacksonville, 6801 Roosevelt Blvd.