CTTCM(SW) Robert Kerry Yarber, USN Retired

Robert Kerry Yarber was born July 2, 1954 and passed away on January 15, 2016. 
He was a loyal and caring husband, father and friend. Kerry was devoted to both his 
family and the United States Navy. He retired after 31 years of faithful service to the 
United States Navy as a CTTCM. Kerry is survived by his wife Cindy, of 29 years, 
his daughter Caroline, parents and siblings. He lost his 7-year war with cancer at the 
age of 61. Kerry fought tenaciously until the very end and left this life on his terms to 
look over the rest of us until we meet him again.,,Kerry enlisted in the Navy's Delayed 
Entry Program in 1974, and completed Boot Camp at Recruit Training Command, 
San Diego, California. Upon graduation from Electronic Warfare Technician "A" and "C" 
schools at NTTC Corry Station, Pensacola, Florida, Master Chief Yarber was assigned 
to the USS California CGN-36 home ported in Norfolk, Virginia. During his time aboard, 
the California was diverted from a Mediterranean cruise to the Indian Ocean due to the 
hostage situation in Iran. The ship left the Mediterranean and ran at flank speed south 
through the Atlantic, around Africa, and up into the Indian Ocean. In April 1980, this 
ship along with forces from the Air Force, Marines, and Army participated in the failed 
Iranian hostage rescue attempt "Operation Eagle Claw". In 1981, California circumnavigated 
the globe, becoming the first nuclear-powered warship to do so since 1964. 
Master Chief Yarber left active duty and affiliated with the Navy Reserve in 1983.,,
Since affiliating with the Navy Reserve, his assignments included USS Gridley CG-21, 
USS Roark FF-1053, Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Twenty, Naval Reserve 
USS McKee AS-41, Commander Pacific Fleet Detachment 520, and Naval Reserve 
Navy Information Operations Command, Camp Parks. Master Chief Yarber was mobilized 
from 2002 to 2003 as the Naval Security Group Reserve Command, Mobilization Officer in 
support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In November 2005, he was selected to serve as 
the Command Master Chief for the Reserve Vice Commander, Navy Network Warfare 
Command and Naval Security Group Reserve. He retired after 31 years of faithful service 
to the United States Navy in December 2007.,,Master Chief Yarber's personal awards 
include a Meritorious Service Medal (1), Navy Commendation Medal (2), 
Navy Achievement Medal (2) and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal (1) 
along with other campaign and unit awards.