Master Chief Cryptologic Technician (Maintenance) Jay R. Browne, USN (Retired)

CTMCM Jay R. Browne, U.S. Navy (Retired), died on 23 May 2021 in Pensacola, Florida. Jay was married to the former Doreen Margaret May Proctor of Inverbervie, Scotland.

Jay BrowneJay Robert Browne was born in Cleveland, Ohio and graduated from Mentor High School in July 1968. Following recruit training, he attended Electronic Technician “A” School at Great Lakes.

Upon graduation from ET Class “A”, Jay completed the course of instruction on the AN/FRA-44/54 recorder/analysis system at Naval Communications Training Center, Corry Station, Pensacola, Florida. Assignments to NSGA Keflavik, Iceland and Wahiawa, Hawaii followed. Next, Jay completed Electronic Technician “B” School at NSGA Skaggs Island – Treasure Island followed by assignment to NSGA San Vito, Italy. CTM1 Browne next completed the AN/FRD-10(A)/(V) maintenance course and was deployed to Thailand and served successive tours at NSGA Misawa, Japan, and NSGA Edzell, Scotland. Chief Browne next served as an instructor at Corry Station followed by tours at NSGA Galeta Island, Panama and CINCUSNAVEUR London, England. In 1989, Master Chief Browne was assigned to the National Cryptologic School in Maryland. Jay’s final tour of duty was at NSGA Kami Seya, Japan, where he served as the Command Master Chief and Chief Historian.

Master Chief Browne’s decorations include the:

  • Defense Meritorious Service Medal
  • Navy Commendation Medal
  • Navy Achievement Medal (two awards)
  • Good Conduct Medal
  • National Defense Service Medal

At the 2016 NCVA Reunion in Norfolk, Virginia, Executive Director Bill Hickey presented Jay with the NCVA Distinguished Service Award:

"For distinguished service and conspicuous dedication to the Naval Cryptologic Veterans Association (NCVA) for many years, first as the Assistant Editor and most recently as the “Producer” of the Association’s flagship publication “CRYPTOLOG.” Jay has also been a significant presence at the Cryptologic Command Display on Corry Station – helping with many technology-related activities. Over the many years of Jay’s steadfast leadership, the NCVA has become the most visible and respected veterans organization within the cryptologic community — due in no small part to his insistence that the CRYPTOLOG has been, and remains today, the “face” of the organization. Jay’s long and dedicated service continues to this day, where he demonstrates his unrelenting loyalty, support, and commitment to the NCVA that have been the hallmark of his service and are in keeping with our highest traditions."