Born and raised in Portland, Maine, Captain Plumly graduated from Deering High School in 1949. He then attended the University of Maine for two years before receiving his congressional appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy.

After graduating with the class of 1955, he reported to his first ship, the USS Monssen (DD798). There, he rose through the junior officer ranks to Gunnery Officer. Having decommissioned Monssen, he then reported to USS Exultant (MSO 441) as Executive Officer. In March of 1960, he relieved as Commanding Officer, USS Vireo (MSC 205) home ported in Sasebo, Japan with the follow on duty as Commander Mine Division Thirty-One. His next series of sea assignments were Executive Officer, USS Forrest Royal (DD 872), Commanding Officer, ISS John Willis (DE 1027), Chief Staff Officer, CTF 115, Republic of Vietnam and commissioning Commanding Officer, USS W.S.Sims (1059). His last sea assignment was Commanding Officer, USS Shenandoah (AD 26). He retired from naval service on 1 April 1980, coincident with his decommissioning Shenandoah.

Capt. Plumly’s shore assignments include the Bureau of Naval Personnel, Office of Chief of Naval Operations, Operation and Plans Directorates, Joint Chiefs of Staff, U.S. Naval War College and Armed Forces Staff College. Capt. Plumly is U.S. Coast Guard Master licensed and is a certified mobilization convey commodore. His military decorations include the Legion of Merit with Combat “V”, Bronze Star Medal with Combat “V” with Gold Star in lieu of second award plus standard commendation, citation and theater awards.

Capt.Plumly’s civilian endeavors have primarily remained in the maritime field. He was Chief Master and Pilot for the thirteen gun ship Saudi Navy Expansion, Post Delivery Support Program, Director of Naval Ship Overhaul Programs, Coastal Dry Dock and Repair Corp., Brooklyn, New York, Vice President for Operation, Riva Yachts, Stamford, CT, Co-owner, RPM Marine, Inc., Norfolk, VA, U.S. Army tug boat deliveries and training on both coasts.

Capt. Plumly is a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association, University of Maine Alumni Association, Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, Military Officer Association of America, Navy League, Surface Navy Association and American Legion, Post 113, Virginia Beach. He is an elder at First Presbyterian Church of Virginia Beach and has been a mentor for the Judeo-Christian outreach program.

He is a member of the New York Yacht Club and the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. Additionally, he is a fifty year member of the of Masonic Triangle Lodge No.1 of Portland, Maine and he also retains memberships with the Alexandria Scottish Rite and Khedive Temple. He is an avid hiker who has completed one third of the Appalachian Trail.

Capt. Plumly is married to the former Sibyl Ann Middleton of Thomasville, Georgia. They have two married children and four grandchildren living in Atlanta, Georgia. The Plumlys reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia and Ellijay, Georgia.

Last Updated Friday, July 23 2004 @ 08:32 AM PDT