Name: George Rhodes Worthington
Service Dates: 1961 – 1992
Branch: United States Navy
Rank: Rear Admiral
Roles: SEAL, Naval Special Warfare, Naval Attaché, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Special Operations)
Summary of Service: Rear Admiral George Rhodes Worthington had a distinguished career in the United States Navy, spanning over three decades. Born on July 11, 1937, in Louisville, Kentucky, George graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1961 and volunteered for Underwater Demolition Team (UDT) training in Coronado, California. He graduated with Class 36 and deployed to Seventh Fleet operations.
Throughout his illustrious career, George commanded SEAL Team ONE, Inshore Undersea Warfare Group ONE, Naval Special Warfare Group ONE, and Naval Special Warfare Command. His expertise and leadership extended to staff tours with Naval Special Warfare Group in Vietnam, the U.S. Embassy in Cambodia as a naval attaché, the Chief of Naval Operations, and as the first Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (Special Operations). He retired from active duty in 1992.
Post-Service Life: After retiring from the Navy, George continued to contribute to the military community as a member of the San Diego Military Advisory Council and by serving on several boards. He worked on littoral warfare requirements and initiated the Navy SEA FIGHTER project. His memoir, “Runnin’ with Frogs,” published in 2018, provides insights into his remarkable career and experiences.
George was also an accomplished sport parachutist with 1,622 skydives, an avid skier, and a U.S. Masters Swimming All-American. His dedication to excellence and adventurous spirit were evident in both his professional and personal life.
Rear Admiral George Rhodes Worthington passed away on December 18, 2021, from complications of Parkinson’s disease at his home in Chula Vista, CA. He is survived by his wife Veronica; two sons, Rhodes and Graham; daughter Greer; five grandchildren, Madeline, Mackenzie, George, Penelope, and Rhys; his brother, William; and his former wife, Sydna Alexander Worthington, the mother of his children. Memorial contributions may be made to the Navy SEAL Foundation. His legacy of service and leadership continues to inspire and be remembered by those who knew him.