It is with deep regret I inform you of the passing of Rear Admiral (lower half) Noel Kennedy Dysart Jr. on 23 March 2023 at age 79. Rear Admiral Dysart entered the U.S. Naval Reserve in May 1966 and served in the Medical Corps until his retirement in March 2002. His commands included Naval Hospital Groton, Connecticut, and Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Florida.
Noel Dysart was commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Naval Reserve on 9 May 1966 while enrolled in the pre-med program at University of Minnesota, graduating in 1967. He earned his doctor of medicine degree in 1970 from the University of Minnesota. On 13 October 1970, he was promoted to lieutenant (junior grade) to rank from 13 December 1967 and lieutenant to rank from July 1969. On 20 June 1972, Lieutenant Dysart reported for active duty.
In June 1972, Lieutenant Dysart reported to Naval Hospital Bremerton, Washington, as a pediatrician. In June 1973, he was assigned to Naval Regional Medical Center San Diego as a pediatrician. He was promoted to lieutenant commander in January 1974 and augmented from the U.S. Naval Reserve to the U.S. Navy in May 1976. In June 1976, Lieutenant Commander Dysart was administratively assigned to the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Minnesota in duty under instruction status. In August 1978, he returned to the Naval Regional Medical Center San Diego as a pediatrician. He was promoted to commander in January 1979.
In November 1982, Commander Dysart reported to the Naval Health Sciences Education and Training Command, Bethesda, Maryland as the director of its Medical Corps program. In February 1983, he was assigned to the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations (OPNAV) as assistant for professional training (Op-939). He was promoted to captain on 1 July 1985.
In June 1986, Captain Dysart was assigned as the executive officer at Naval Hospital Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico. In June 1988, he assumed duty as the executive officer of Naval Health Sciences Education Training Command, Bethesda. In July 1990, he assumed command of Naval Hospital Groton, Connecticut. In June 1992, he assumed command of Naval Hospital Jacksonville, Florida. In April 1993, Captain Dysart reported to the Bureau of Medicine and Surgery (BUMED) as assistant chief for plans, analysis and evaluation (MED-08). On 9 May 1994, he was designated as a rear admiral (lower half) for duty in a billet commensurate with that rank.
In August 1994, Rear Admiral Dysart was assigned to OPNAV as director, Medical Resources, Plans and Policy Division (N931). He was promoted to rear admiral (lower half) on 1 September 1994. In July 1996, he was assigned to BUMED as assistant chief, education, training and personnel (MED-05). In December 1997, he was assigned to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. In January 1999, he was assigned to BUMED as special assistant, operational medicine and fleet support (MED-02). Rear Admiral Dysart retired on 1 March 2002.
Rear Admiral Dysart’s awards include the Legion of Merit (three awards); Meritorious Service Medal (two awards); Navy Commendation Medal; National Defense Service Medal (two awards); Navy Overseas Service Ribbon (two awards); U.S. Coast Guard Special Operations Ribbon; and Expert Pistol Ribbon.
Rear Admiral Dysart was an avid bowler (average 209) and life member of the United States Bowling Congress. After retiring from active duty, he made that his vocation, working at the Bethesda Naval Bowling Center starting in 2003 and managing the center from 2008 until it closed in 2019. He was instrumental in establishing free bowling programs for wounded warriors. In 2020, he was inducted into the National Capital Area United States Bowling Congress Association Hall of Fame, having served as the association’s vice president.
Full military honors services will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on 25 July 2024 at 1500.
Rear Admiral Dysart spent much of his career as a pediatrician providing quality care for children of servicemembers. He also spent substantial time in assignments engaged in education and training of more junior medical professionals, passing on his extensive experience. He was the executive officer of one hospital (Roosevelt Roads) and the commanding officer of two more (Groton and Jacksonville). His path to flag rank entailed the usual sacrifice for personal and family time. The Navy and the nation are grateful for his dedicated service.
Rest in Peace, Admiral Dysart.