Association Officers
AFAPBA - President
CAPT. Rick "Creature" Creange USN (Ret.) AFA '77 N
CAPT. Rick "Creature" Creange USN (Ret.) AFA '77 N
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Captain Rick Creange, a native of Toms River, New Jersey, graduated from Admiral Farragut Academy, Pine Beach NJ in 1977. He then attended the Pennsylvania State University and was commissioned an Ensign USN through the NROTC program in 1981. After attending flight training in Pensacola, Florida, he was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1983 flying the F-14 Tomcat.
His career spanned 27 years flying the F-14 Tomcat during many deployments. These included combat operations in Desert Storm where he flew 43 combat missions over Iraq. He also participated in combat operations in support of multi-national forces in Lebanon, and later, flew combat missions supporting NATO, UN, and US forces in Bosnia, Somalia, and Iraq. Captain Creange is also a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).
Captain Creange retired from Active Duty on September 1, 2008. During his military career, Captain Creange logged over 3000 flight hours, 200 Combat hours, and 800 carrier arrestments. After retirement, he joined the team at the Navy’s Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) as a government civilian employee as the Director, Advanced Programs and led the operational test and evaluation, fleet integration, and doctrine development for highly classified advanced technology programs. He retired for good in July 2022 after 41 combined years of service to the country. He and his wife Christine moved to Tellico Village in Loudon, Tennessee in May 2022.
Captain Creange holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Aeronautical Science Degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Master of Military History Degree from Norwich University.
Currently, he is the President of the Admiral Farragut Academy North Alumni Association and Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12135 in Tellico Village Tennessee.
His career spanned 27 years flying the F-14 Tomcat during many deployments. These included combat operations in Desert Storm where he flew 43 combat missions over Iraq. He also participated in combat operations in support of multi-national forces in Lebanon, and later, flew combat missions supporting NATO, UN, and US forces in Bosnia, Somalia, and Iraq. Captain Creange is also a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).
Captain Creange retired from Active Duty on September 1, 2008. During his military career, Captain Creange logged over 3000 flight hours, 200 Combat hours, and 800 carrier arrestments. After retirement, he joined the team at the Navy’s Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) as a government civilian employee as the Director, Advanced Programs and led the operational test and evaluation, fleet integration, and doctrine development for highly classified advanced technology programs. He retired for good in July 2022 after 41 combined years of service to the country. He and his wife Christine moved to Tellico Village in Loudon, Tennessee in May 2022.
Captain Creange holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Aeronautical Science Degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Master of Military History Degree from Norwich University.
Currently, he is the President of the Admiral Farragut Academy North Alumni Association and Commander of Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12135 in Tellico Village Tennessee.
AFAPBA - Vice President
CDR Ross Mobilia USN (Ret.) AFA '78 N
CDR Ross Mobilia USN (Ret.) AFA '78 N
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Commander Ross Mobilia, AFA ‘78 is a retired Surface Warfare Officer and NJROTC Instructor. Graduating from Jacksonville University (NROTC) in April 1982 he served five successive tours in afloat assignments, most notably in USS MISSOURI (BB-63).
Ashore, Ross served as the Commanding Officer of the Navy and Marine Corps Appellate Leave Activity at the Washington Navy Yard, and on the staffs of the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, DC, the SECOND U. S. Fleet and the U. S. Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk, VA.
Retiring from the Navy in the summer of 2003, he transitioned to the Naval Junior ROTC program, retiring again in August 2020. In this capacity he served as a Blue and Gold Officer to the U. S. Naval Academy. A military and naval historian, Ross possesses an MA in Military History from Norwich University, and an MBA from George Mason University.
He is presently an online Professor of Economics at Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, Virginia and a guest lecturer for the Naval War College.
Ross’ wife, Paige, is an active-duty Navy Lieutenant; they and their daughter Reagan reside presently in Gulfport, MS.
Ashore, Ross served as the Commanding Officer of the Navy and Marine Corps Appellate Leave Activity at the Washington Navy Yard, and on the staffs of the Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, DC, the SECOND U. S. Fleet and the U. S. Atlantic Fleet in Norfolk, VA.
Retiring from the Navy in the summer of 2003, he transitioned to the Naval Junior ROTC program, retiring again in August 2020. In this capacity he served as a Blue and Gold Officer to the U. S. Naval Academy. A military and naval historian, Ross possesses an MA in Military History from Norwich University, and an MBA from George Mason University.
He is presently an online Professor of Economics at Tidewater Community College in Norfolk, Virginia and a guest lecturer for the Naval War College.
Ross’ wife, Paige, is an active-duty Navy Lieutenant; they and their daughter Reagan reside presently in Gulfport, MS.
AFAPBA - Secretary / Special Projects
Brian Fischer AFA '76 N
Brian Fischer AFA '76 N
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I entered Farragut in September 1972 graduating with the bi-centennial class of 1976. At AFA baseball was my everything, I LOVED playing baseball! Unfortunately, I made the decision my senior year to not play, (yes, a girl was involved) still one of the biggest regrets of my life. And YES, I did get to tell “Coach” at a reunion before he died, “Coach I messed up big time”! At the time, I didn’t realize how beneficial the education and experience at Farragut would shape my entire life!
After graduation I went to work in the family business, a month later I was married. Eighteen years old in business, married, and making my way through life. I spent the next 10 years in the family business before spreading my wings into the wholesale distribution business. In total, I spent 45 years in the recreational boating business working my way up to sales manager of one of the oldest and finest marine distributors in the industry.
During these years I had some hard personal times, went through a divorce and a child custody battle. A lot of the discipline instilled at AFA got me through these very hard times.
On the positive side, 35 years ago I found the true love of my life and together we blended and raised our families. I am beyond proud of our 3 children and even more of the 4 grandchildren they have given us.
My career enabled me to spend lots of time at our local US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla teaching boating safety and seamanship classes and becoming public relations officer.
Later in life it also allowed me the time to coach/manager/player agent/ VP of our local little league. Teaching young kids the game of baseball was the most absolute joy I have ever experienced! Sharing what I learned about the game and passion for the game, it was amazing! My days coaching little league afforded me more, than I ever did it.
I also volunteered much time in my industry organization as a board member and as Vice President of the New Jersey Marine Trades Association. Working together with industry leaders to guide the industry to success, it was another very rewarding experience.
I retired in 2018, Denise and I live in a 55+ community in Little Egg Harbor, NJ and have been enjoying our time together with our Grandchildren.
Today I use my business experience keeping the AFAPBA organized for our events, another rewarding experience, keeping our Brotherhood alive and together.
Here I am after all these years and looking back, I think I might have made a few “course corrections”, but for the most part “life is good today”! I am extremely grateful and appreciative for the Admiral Farragut Academy experience. Damn the Torpedoes, Full Speed Ahead!
After graduation I went to work in the family business, a month later I was married. Eighteen years old in business, married, and making my way through life. I spent the next 10 years in the family business before spreading my wings into the wholesale distribution business. In total, I spent 45 years in the recreational boating business working my way up to sales manager of one of the oldest and finest marine distributors in the industry.
During these years I had some hard personal times, went through a divorce and a child custody battle. A lot of the discipline instilled at AFA got me through these very hard times.
On the positive side, 35 years ago I found the true love of my life and together we blended and raised our families. I am beyond proud of our 3 children and even more of the 4 grandchildren they have given us.
My career enabled me to spend lots of time at our local US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla teaching boating safety and seamanship classes and becoming public relations officer.
Later in life it also allowed me the time to coach/manager/player agent/ VP of our local little league. Teaching young kids the game of baseball was the most absolute joy I have ever experienced! Sharing what I learned about the game and passion for the game, it was amazing! My days coaching little league afforded me more, than I ever did it.
I also volunteered much time in my industry organization as a board member and as Vice President of the New Jersey Marine Trades Association. Working together with industry leaders to guide the industry to success, it was another very rewarding experience.
I retired in 2018, Denise and I live in a 55+ community in Little Egg Harbor, NJ and have been enjoying our time together with our Grandchildren.
Today I use my business experience keeping the AFAPBA organized for our events, another rewarding experience, keeping our Brotherhood alive and together.
Here I am after all these years and looking back, I think I might have made a few “course corrections”, but for the most part “life is good today”! I am extremely grateful and appreciative for the Admiral Farragut Academy experience. Damn the Torpedoes, Full Speed Ahead!
Board of Directors
Ace Bottone AFA '80 N
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I entered AFA in 1979 as a Post grad. I spent only 10 months at Farragut and feel extremely connected to the rich history Farragut has provided to so many of us. I was part of the Championship Football team that went undefeated. I was proud that our accomplishments got to shed light on Farragut the school and gave the opportunity for Coach Slaby to be elected coach of the year.
I'm a CIA graduate and have been in the food business for well over 40 years. I started as a dishwasher and worked my way to line cook to eventually Executive chef to many restaurants, Country clubs and Hotels. I continue to work by choice, and I have a pretty cool job at Fossil Farms. Cooking and selling exotic game proteins. My job allows me to travel the Country, especially Florida where my wife Debbie and I have a second home.
I have been married to the same girl for almost 41 years. We have 2 Sons and 5 Grand-kids who we spend as much time with as we can. We have been traveling around Europe, been cruising around the Caribbean and loving it.
I'm a big car lover, I have restored my 1970 Olds Cutlass convertible and am currently working on my 86 Chevy pick up.
I have helped organize the Farragut reunions since inception, over 15 years now. For only attending the school for a short time I feel privileged to be a Farragut alumnus, and more importantly the friendships I have forged with all my Farragut Brothers and Sisters through the years.
I'm a CIA graduate and have been in the food business for well over 40 years. I started as a dishwasher and worked my way to line cook to eventually Executive chef to many restaurants, Country clubs and Hotels. I continue to work by choice, and I have a pretty cool job at Fossil Farms. Cooking and selling exotic game proteins. My job allows me to travel the Country, especially Florida where my wife Debbie and I have a second home.
I have been married to the same girl for almost 41 years. We have 2 Sons and 5 Grand-kids who we spend as much time with as we can. We have been traveling around Europe, been cruising around the Caribbean and loving it.
I'm a big car lover, I have restored my 1970 Olds Cutlass convertible and am currently working on my 86 Chevy pick up.
I have helped organize the Farragut reunions since inception, over 15 years now. For only attending the school for a short time I feel privileged to be a Farragut alumnus, and more importantly the friendships I have forged with all my Farragut Brothers and Sisters through the years.
Steve Ferguson '76 N
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Steve Ferguson AFA ‘76: Before Farragut I wanted to go to a Service Academy and become a military pilot. I got both of my wishes, Army West Point USMA ‘80, and a Cobra and Blackhawk helicopter pilot. Served in 2 Air Cavalry Sqdns, the Special Operations 160th SOAR Night Stalkers, Cobra Attack Battalion, and a Tank Battalion. Master Aviator, Ranger, Airborne, and Air Assault badges. Civilian: 32 years in Merck Pharmaceuticals Engineering and Manufacturing. Farragut set me up for success - Go Middies ! Beat Blair ! and ...... GO ARMY! BEAT NAVY!
Gary Gore '85 N
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Gary Gore grew up on Long Beach Island, NJ. He attended Admiral Farragut Academy for four years graduating in 1985. He eventually went on to obtain his Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Stockton University. From there he decided to pursue a career in Law Enforcement. After weighing several options including both Federal and State, he decided to accept an offer from a local agency on Long Beach Island where he grew up. There over the course of his career he served in many roles including as Detective, Patrol Sergeant, and eventually achieving the rank of Lieutenant. He also rode and was in charge of the Motor Unit for many of those years. He taught at the Police Academy, served as a Field Training Officer, and was in charge of the first Water Rescue Unit the agency started. He received numerous letters of commendation from both the public and his superiors over the course of his career. He was involved with several lifesaving incidents as well during that time. He retired in 2021 after serving his community for 27 years. He has always enjoyed traveling with his wife Jennifer and is currently working on a bucket list of visiting all 50 states. Only 5 more to go! He is involved with several civic and historical organizations including one focusing on restoration. During his free time, he enjoys working on his Classic Cars and taking them to events both near and far. Looking back on his Farragut experience Gary credits it with developing many of his values and helping it shape his overall outlook on his adult life. He continues to maintain strong friendships with several members of his graduation class and has fostered many new ones since becoming involved with the Farragut North Alumni Association.
Charles Groder '84 N
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Charlie Groder was born in Maine and moved to Middletown, NJ at the age of ten. He attended Middletown public schools until enrolling at Farragut in the fall of 1983. Graduating in 1984, he returned for a PG year with the class of 1985. That year, he was the Cadet CPO commanding the newly formed Ceremonial Platoon, that was tasked with the responsibility of raising/lowering the colors on the formation blocks and in front of Farragut Hall, as well as the Drill Team and Firing Party.
He attended Lycoming College in Pennsylvania, studying marine biology and oceanography and turned his passion for marine science into a career, moving to the U.S. Virgin Islands and becoming a USCG licensed captain and scuba instructor. He met his wife Jane on a beach under a palm tree, and later moved to Boston, where Jane is from, and was a commuter boat captain there.
They moved to NJ in late 1994, to work in his family’s home health care business, and welcomed their daughters Reilly and Reid in 1995 and 1996, respectively.
In 1999 he became a County Corrections Officer with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office. Two years later, he was hired by the Holmdel Township Police Department as a Patrolman, and was promoted to Sergeant in 2013.
During his tenure with HTPD, he served as a Firearms Instructor, a Field Training Officer, pepper spray instructor, and Patrol Supervisor. He was a member of the Honor Guard, later becoming the Guard’s Commander. He was also the agency’s Training Officer and Accreditation Manager, achieving State Accreditation in 2021. He received three lifesaving awards, unit citations for his work as a member of the accreditation team and for his years of service as the Commander of the Honor Guard, as well as numerous letters of commendation. He has been an Instructor at the Monmouth County Police Academy since 2006, instructing recruits in firearms and Emergency Vehicle Operations, duties that he continues to perform to this day.
Charlie retired from Holmdel Police in November 2024, and he and Jane intend to move back to a tropical island soon.
He attended Lycoming College in Pennsylvania, studying marine biology and oceanography and turned his passion for marine science into a career, moving to the U.S. Virgin Islands and becoming a USCG licensed captain and scuba instructor. He met his wife Jane on a beach under a palm tree, and later moved to Boston, where Jane is from, and was a commuter boat captain there.
They moved to NJ in late 1994, to work in his family’s home health care business, and welcomed their daughters Reilly and Reid in 1995 and 1996, respectively.
In 1999 he became a County Corrections Officer with the Monmouth County Sheriff’s Office. Two years later, he was hired by the Holmdel Township Police Department as a Patrolman, and was promoted to Sergeant in 2013.
During his tenure with HTPD, he served as a Firearms Instructor, a Field Training Officer, pepper spray instructor, and Patrol Supervisor. He was a member of the Honor Guard, later becoming the Guard’s Commander. He was also the agency’s Training Officer and Accreditation Manager, achieving State Accreditation in 2021. He received three lifesaving awards, unit citations for his work as a member of the accreditation team and for his years of service as the Commander of the Honor Guard, as well as numerous letters of commendation. He has been an Instructor at the Monmouth County Police Academy since 2006, instructing recruits in firearms and Emergency Vehicle Operations, duties that he continues to perform to this day.
Charlie retired from Holmdel Police in November 2024, and he and Jane intend to move back to a tropical island soon.
Tom Martin '76 N
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Thomas ‘Marty’ Martin. I got that nickname from upperclassman Jerry Holdsman during my first semester at Farragut. As a lowly plebe/4th classman I went where I felt most comfortable, Robison Hall or any other athletic venue were my refuge for the next 4 years!
After graduation I attended Vanderbilt University and Thiel College. Post college I enlisted in the USCG, 1979 -1985. Electronic Technician, split my time between Lorsta Iwo Jima, and as an instructor at ET-A school on Governors Island.
My post military career has been spent mostly on the Hospitality/Movie theatre industry. Got my last job before retirement doing something completely different World Class Distribution, {Trader Joes}. QA Supervisor, got to travel a bit as a trainer.
High point of my life August 4, 1990, I married my incredible wife Regina! It is no exaggeration to say I would not be here without her. We have two wonderful grown children, Michael and Rachael. Both are successful adult contributors to society!
Nowadays I work part time at Wawa to help fund the many cruises we love to take, and the golf that I enjoy playing. Badly!
See you at the Reunions and High the Silver and the Blue, ALWAYS!
After graduation I attended Vanderbilt University and Thiel College. Post college I enlisted in the USCG, 1979 -1985. Electronic Technician, split my time between Lorsta Iwo Jima, and as an instructor at ET-A school on Governors Island.
My post military career has been spent mostly on the Hospitality/Movie theatre industry. Got my last job before retirement doing something completely different World Class Distribution, {Trader Joes}. QA Supervisor, got to travel a bit as a trainer.
High point of my life August 4, 1990, I married my incredible wife Regina! It is no exaggeration to say I would not be here without her. We have two wonderful grown children, Michael and Rachael. Both are successful adult contributors to society!
Nowadays I work part time at Wawa to help fund the many cruises we love to take, and the golf that I enjoy playing. Badly!
See you at the Reunions and High the Silver and the Blue, ALWAYS!
Mark Mechura '81 N
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George Miller '80 N
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George Miller spent the first four years in Lempster, New Hampshire before moving to Bayville, New Jersey. He moved to Maryland in 1980 to attend the University of Maryland, College Park. He received a Bachelor of Science in Transportation and has remained in Maryland since graduation. He began working with computers a few years after graduation and realized that was his true calling. As a result, he took night courses to become certified in Computer Information Systems in 1992.
He worked as a computer programmer for most of his career for companies including ADS (Software Development Company), Thos. Somerville (Heating, Plumbing, HVAC wholesaler) before going to work in Federal Government in 2013. When asked which agency he worked for his response is, “Not sure I want to admit which one, but the initials are IRS.”) He retired in April 2025 but was contacted by a previous co-worker to return as a Government Contractor for Cybermedia Technologies (aka CTEC).
Some of the activities during his Farragut years include: Band, Library Council (some referred to him as “Mr. Bray’s right-hand man”), the Drama Club (he has performed on stage with Lorenzo Lamas!), Trident Staff and Galleon Staff, just to name a few. He is a member of Reformed Presbyterian Church of Bowie. He enjoys Alfred Hitchcock movies and has seen approximately 48 of his 53 movies.
He worked as a computer programmer for most of his career for companies including ADS (Software Development Company), Thos. Somerville (Heating, Plumbing, HVAC wholesaler) before going to work in Federal Government in 2013. When asked which agency he worked for his response is, “Not sure I want to admit which one, but the initials are IRS.”) He retired in April 2025 but was contacted by a previous co-worker to return as a Government Contractor for Cybermedia Technologies (aka CTEC).
Some of the activities during his Farragut years include: Band, Library Council (some referred to him as “Mr. Bray’s right-hand man”), the Drama Club (he has performed on stage with Lorenzo Lamas!), Trident Staff and Galleon Staff, just to name a few. He is a member of Reformed Presbyterian Church of Bowie. He enjoys Alfred Hitchcock movies and has seen approximately 48 of his 53 movies.
Gary Parker '83 N
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Greg Sloane '84 N
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Gregory Sloane’s journey began in the heart of Allamuchy, New Jersey, where he was born and raised as a true jack-of-all-trades. After graduating from Admiral Farragut Academy in 1984, Greg answered the call to serve his country, joining the Army as a combat engineer. He dedicated two years to active duty, followed by six years in the Army Reserves, honing the skills and discipline that would guide him through a lifetime of adventures. Craving new horizons beyond his small hometown, Greg set out on a transformative road trip that eventually led him to the sunlit slopes of Lake Tahoe, California. There, for three decades, he immersed himself in the alpine lifestyle, his passion for the mountains fueling his work and play. To support his love of the slopes, Greg obtained his general contractor’s license and founded Sloane Creative Carpentry, building a reputation for craftsmanship and creativity in the local community. Always eager to expand his horizons, Greg embraced new challenges and pursuits. He studied and worked as a paramedic, ventured into long-haul truck driving, and continued to refine his skills in construction. After 25 years amid Tahoe’s peaks and pines, Greg relocated to the picturesque Sonoma County, where he met and married Christina Sloane. His culinary curiosity blossomed, leading him to enroll in culinary school, all while continuing his involvement in the building trades. Yet the call of the mountains proved irresistible. In 2016, Greg and Christina moved to the Sierra Foothills, where he began a rewarding tenure with California State Parks as a Regional Heavy Equipment Operator. After years of dedicated service, he retired, transitioning into a semi-retired life rich with adventure and fulfillment. Today, Greg enjoys life alongside his wife Christina and their three loyal Labradors. Whether embarking on weekend escapades in “Ronja” the legendary camper van, carving new roads on his motorcycle, or tending to their home and land with his trusty tractor, Gregory Sloane continues to live each day with the curiosity, skill, and zest for life that have defined his remarkable journey.
Christopher Quincannon '92 N
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