Robert Herman Belter

Captain Robert H Belter USN (Ret) passed away peacefully on Sunday May 31, 2026 five days prior to his 98th Birthday.

Bob is survived by his ten nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife of 70 years Buff and his son Lou. Bob was born on June 5, 1928 in Hutchinson MN to Emma and Herman Belter.

Bob joined the US Navy as a pilot and became an Aviation Engineering Duty Officer with increasing responsibilities during his career, ultimately responsible for the purchase of the Navy’s first 70 F-14 TOMCAT airplanes. He flew combat missions in Vietnam and tested multiple airplanes at the Navy Weapons Systems Test Facility in MD. He retired to Carmel and continued his engineering and design work with many projects including building his home and a bus into a recreational vehicle used for traveling.

He was active in the community as an Airport Land Use Commissioner, Monterey County for 11 years and in aviation organizations such as Golden Eagles, Quiet Birdmen, EAA and Flying Midshipmen Association.

No services are contemplated. Memorials are not suggested but if desired to Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, Pensacola, FL