Ming E. Chang, RADM, USN (Ret)
April 20, 1932 ~ October 3, 2017
Of Eden Homes in McLean, Va, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 from complications related to Parkinsons disease. Beloved husband of 61 years to Charlotte C. Chang, devoted father of Daniel W. Chang, CMDR. USN (Ret) and his wife Paula, Donalda C. Gibson and her husband Bill, CMDR, USN (Ret) and the late Donald Chang, grandfather of Jacob (Eliza), Tara, Geoffrey and Grace. The family will receive friends at the Money & King Funeral Home, 171 W. Maple Ave., Vienna, Va on Wednesday, October 11th from 2 to 5 PM. Funeral services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Navy Marine Corps Relief Society or Wang YMCA of Chinatown, 8 Oak St. West, Boston, MA 02116.
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I am very sorry to hear of the Passing of Admiral Chang. I knew the Admiral during my Navy career and met him when I was the Force Master Chief at SURFLANT. I was also stationed with Donalda in NMPC and at Medium Attack Wing One in Oceana. The Admiral was an exceptional leader who was always concerned with the training, welfare, and advancement of all of his Sailors. He will be sorely missed. Please accept my sympathies and respects.
Dear Charlotte,
Our sincere and heartfelt condolences to you and your entire family.
John & Kay Cornell
Charlotte, my sincere condolences to you and your family. I treasure the many memories of Ming and Ed. Their commitment to serving in the Navy began a bond that lasted a lifetime. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Billie W Carter and family
Charlotte we are so saddened to hear of Ming’s passing. I wish you were still in the neighborhood so I could give you a hug. I’m so sorry for your loss.
Dear Mrs. Charlotte and the entire extended Chang family:
Please accept our deepest condolences on the loss of Admiral Ming E. Chang. We were blessed to have met him and to have him share his friendship, support and energies with us at the Chinatown YMCA and in Boston.
What an accomplished man who excelled at leadership in all phases of his military and professional life.
He had drive, passion, and such a quality about his presence that earned all our respect from our Asian
American community and colleagues.
His great smile, humor, strength, and humane personality were his gifts to us and we are certainly grateful. Hope the good memories of his well led life and his love for his family be kept alive in your hearts and minds forever.
Ming, may you rest in peace, and God bless you.
Richard Chin
Boston,MA.
Charlotte, Debbie and are so sorry to hear about Admiral Cheng. As my first Commanding Officer in the Navy, he had a tremendously positive impact on my life, setting the course for my success. He will always be well remembered by the thousands of sailors, like me, whom he touched over his great Navy career for his concern for them and their family’s welfare. May God be with him and you, Danny, and Donald and your extended families.
Charlotte, Dan, and Donalda,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Chang family.
Jay and Char Foley
Dear Charlotte and family. We of the Naval Tactical Data System project family mourn Ming’s passing. We will always remember him as a comrade and very active contributing member of the project.
Danny, Paula and Mrs. Chang,
May you find peace and comfort in your memories. Thoughts and prayers are sent your way.
Brenda Uyak
To Charlotte and family. The memories Connie and I had over the years with you and Ming will be cherished forever. Only a few weeks ago he was resting comfortably as we shared the latest Navy news. His great humor, professionalism, and ceaseless hard work carried him through life. The last two years were the fondest when we four dined together at “The Virginian.” May God have mercy on the soul of Thy departed servant, Ming Chang.
I first met Ming when he was a LTCR assigned to the Naval Technical Director Office headed by Captain Eric Swenson and Don Ream. He was assigned as Program Director to build 3 German Destroyers for the German Navy. I was assigned to design the combat systems. So, we built the three destroyers. The German Navy placed a plaque in the ships officers mess in honor of Ming. I worked with Ming in his years in NAVSEC on many occasions, along with Captain Swenson. We often met with Ming. Ming became the Admiral of the Combat Command in NAVSEA about the time I retired from the Navy. I have great respect for the many Naval Officers and civilians who worked for NAVSEA and Ming was a wonderful colleague. You have my deepest condolence. Harvey G. Kloehn
Dear Mrs. Chang, our sincere condolences, love and prayers! My Father CWO 004 John P. Holden and my Mother Joan M. Holden had the privilege of serving under his command on The USS Reeves CG 24. My Mother served as Ombudsman. My Mom had to visit you under a very trying and politically charged situation concerning a 1st Class Enlistedman while you were unpacking your home after first moving to Hawaii. She came away from meeting you with a deep respect for You and your relationship with “Captain” Chang. You may never know the stress and strength my Mother was under while serving the USS Reeves and how much your quiet support did for her. Thank You! Mom passed in 1999. I specially Love the official Captain’s Photo in The Reeves’ Yearbook with his Mickey Mouse Watch! My memory was the respect of the relationship between you and your husband! I live with my Father on the Oregon Coast and we sincerely want to extend our gratitude to you personally! We are thinking of you and your family through this Holiday season as you adjust!
Blessings, Alexiss Holden-Balch
Dear Mrs Chang, I was very privledged to have met and serve with your husband during the years of 1975-1977 onboard USS REEVES CG-24. During this time, CAPT ME Chang was our commanding officer – replacing CAPT Jerry Dickman, the XO was CDR Clearly – replacing CDR Finkelstine. I met Danny when he visited the REEVES as a midshipman. During RIMPAC 77, the REEVES crew performed at the highest level of professionalism in pride of our Captain Chang. During WESTPAC 77 the REEVES was off the coast of Korea. At this time in history there was a conflict that arised at the DMZ. I was on the port lookout, next to the bridge, CAPT Chang asked me to stand next to him. There was a Russian destroyer coming after us, with black smoke billowing from their exhaust vents. The Russian ship came along side of the REEVES. I could clearly see the faces of the Russian ship officers on their bridge lookout. CAPT Chang requested all of our ship personnel to stand still and not to respond to any waving or raidio messages. About 10 minutes later the Russian ship turned around and left the area. Another event during WESTPAC 77, was the unfortunate loss of a sailors life, which had a very devistating affect on your husband. The sailor was a radioman, burning classified material in a burn barrel on the aft section of the ship. The sailor unfortunately used copier fluid on the fire resulting in an explosion and engulfing himself in flames. Chief Wilson – navigator, put the flames out although the radioman’s injuries led to his death. CAPT Chang liked to use “green ink” on all his comments and directions when reviewing paper communications. At this time in history there were NO computers with email. No one else on the ship used green ink so that documents from the. CO were noticed immediately. One day when REEVES was in dry dock, just prior to my leaving REEVES, CAPT Chang asked me to report to his office. I will never forget CAPT Chang’s discussion with me, telling me that I was a good person and he wished me good luck in my next duty station. Your husband cared for his crew with all his heart. He will be missed, Rest In Peace RADM ME Chang, I hope to see your again someday in heaven.
When I was a young sailor I reported aboard the USS Reeves CG24 in Feb 1978. Part of the check in process was meeting the Commanding Officer Captain Ming Chang. I remember him telling me to work hard and always think safety safety safety. It was a real privilege to work for this man. I recently connected with a former shipmate and he told me of Admiral Changs passing. Fair winds and following seas Admiral.