Adm. Arthur S. Moreau Jr. Dies; Led U.S. Naval Force in Europe

U.S. Adm. Arthur S. Moreau Jr., commander of NATO forces in southern Europe, died Monday of a heart attack, military officials said. He was 55.

Moreau, who also was commander of U.S. Naval Forces in Europe, died at a military hospital in this port city.

His death was announced by a U.S. Navy spokesman in London, Capt. Gordon Peterson, and confirmed in Naples by the Allied Forces in Southern Europe.

In Washington, Navy officials expressed shock at Moreau’s death and said there would be no immediate announcement on a replacement.

Moreau, who was appointed to the posts in September, 1985, and took command two months later, headed the largest of the four military regions under Allied Command Europe. His area of responsibility covered Italy, Greece, Turkey, the Black Sea and the Mediterranean.

His command included the U.S. 6th Fleet, Commander Fleet Air Mediterranean and U.S. Naval Activities, United Kingdom.

From May, 1983, to October, 1985, he served as assistant to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His previous posts included deputy chief of naval operations for plans, policy and operation, and commander-in-chief of the U.S. Naval station at Subic Bay, Philippines.

Moreau graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1953. He was married and had five children.

He will be buried at Arlington National Cemetery after funeral services at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md.