Groton — A memorial service was held at the Naval Submarine Library and Museum Aug. 3 to celebrate the life of a sailor who was a leader to many in the acoustics intelligence community.

The family of Master Chief Sonar Technician Submarines Gabe Chellew requested a burial at sea at a later date. Chellew, who had a 31-year career in the Navy and the federal government, died April 2.

Chellew, who retired from the Navy in 1987, served on submarines before he was assigned to Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine Training Center, Naval Intelligence Support Center, Office of Naval Intelligence and Submarine Surveillance Equipment Program. He conducted more than 22 operations as an acoustics intelligence specialist.

After serving in the Navy, he worked for Naval Intelligence in Washington, D.C.

“Gabe was clearly the finest specialist in the Navy,” said retired Vice Adm. Al Konetzni. “During the course of Gabe’s naval career he influenced thousands of lives and specifically instructed at least 1,000 young men.”

Konetzni said Chellew was a mentor to many people, including him. Since the creation of the acoustics intelligence specialist program in 1962, only 235 sailors have qualified.