Captain Frederic G. Ludwig, Jr. USN (Ret), call sign "Wigs" unexpectedly flew his last mission to rendezvous with God on Sunday, April 16, 2023, in San Diego, California. He was born April 12, 1945, in New Haven, Connecticut to the late Frederic G. Ludwig and Alice A. Ludwig , and grew up in neighboring Woodbridge. He attended Amity Regional High School, class of 1963, and went on to graduate from Trinity College, class of 1967, prior to becoming commissioned in the U.S. Navy. He received his wings in March of 1969.

As a naval officer, Rick discovered a passion for both flying and leadership, excelling at both throughout his career. Over his 28-year career, he flew over 300 combat missions during the Vietnam conflict and later over Lebanon and parts of the Middle East. In so doing, Wigs logged more than 1,200 carrier landings, and 7,500 hours of flying time, in 35 different aircraft, both fixed and rotary wing. His leadership skills brought him to command an F-14 Operational Fighter Squadron (VF-31), the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), and an Operational Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX-4). His last command was as CAG of Carrier Air Wing Fifteen, aboard the USS Kitty Hawk. Capt. Ludwig also served on the Chief of Naval Operations staff as lead analyst for Carrier Air Wing Study (CAWS)-2010, which plotted a roadmap for future carrier air wing composition, and was the Operations Officer for Commander Naval Air Forces Pacific Fleet.

Following his Navy career, he served as Director, Tactical Unmanned Systems Business Development at Northrop Grumman, retiring in 2011. In retirement, Rick worked tirelessly in service positions for various organizations in the community, including the Knights of Columbus, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and American Cancer Society Discovery Shop.

Rick enjoyed hiking and nature, texting while driving, playing the guitar, fishing, bicycle and motorcycle riding, chocolate desserts (without fruit), and most of all his grandchildren.

Left to cherish his memory are his brother, Bill Ludwig, former wife and best friend, Nancee Roth Ludwig, their son, Eric Ludwig with wife Janine, and granddaughters Charlotte, Josephine, and Helen.

Funeral Mass will be held 11:30 AM on Monday, May 15, 2023, at St. Michael's Catholic Church 15546 Pomerado Road, Poway, California 92064. Burial, with military honors, to follow at 2:15 PM on May 15, 2023, at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, California 92122.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Tailhook Educational Foundation ( Foundation - Donation Form - Formstack ) or the TOPGUN Association ( TOPGUN Association – Ensuring the future of TOPGUN ).