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TAPS: NIP Founding Father Trentwell “Pete” White Passes Away at Age 93

Pete’s family has arranged for a gathering for everyone who wants to pay their respects, and to celebrate him and trade stories about his life on Monday, October 6th at noon at the Greenwich Presbyterian Church: 15305 Vint Hill Road Nokesville, Virginia 20181.

PLEASE NOTE: No RSVP is required, but if you are planning to go, please send a courtesy notification to navintproeditor@gmail.com.

Commander (Ret) Trentwell “Pete” White Jr., passed on 25 August 2025 at 93. Pete was one of the six founding members and first directors of NIP, and served as the organization's first secretary/treasurer. His participation in founding NIP was one of his proudest achievements. 

Pete joined the Navy in 1955 through NROTC at Tufts University. He was a surface warfare officer for the first half of his 22 year career, serving as executive officer on mine sweepers and destroyers (the USS McCain and the USS Sproston). In 1967 he transferred to CINCLANTFLT to work in the current intelligence section. In 1969 he joined Task Force 157 Covert Division and worked there until 1971, when he was assigned to work as an intelligence officer for the First Fleet Commander. His final two Navy posts were at DIA, as head of the European and Soviet Navy sections. 

Pete had an active and eclectic career after the Navy, working with private companies, teaching, and working w/Chambers of Commerce, universities, and other state entities on business development and partnerships, career services, and other programs. He didn’t fully retire until he was 82! 

Pete didn’t watch from the sidelines, he stepped up and threw himself into improving everything he was involved with. He was an active member of NIP until his passing. In addition to being the original Secretary and Treasurer, he was also the first Newsletter Editor. The first Newsletter was published in September 1985. For years he compiled and wrote the "Where Are They Now?" section. In 1988, Gus Hancock and Pete became co-editors and in 1989 Pete became the “publisher" and Gus took over as editor. 

We will all miss him, and miss his happy response when asked how he was doing — a smile and, “Well, I woke up today…”