Virgilio Edward Moretti died on February 1st, 2018 at his home in Gore, Virginia. He joined the CIA as an Operations Officer in July 1971. During his 21-year tenure, he held various technical and senior management positions. Providing direction for, and management of, a technical staff of engineers and professional officers, and also served as the Chief of Special Projects.

On behalf of the CIA’s aerial reconnaissance programs; he directed major research and development programs for airborne intelligence collection platforms that supported both CIA and Foreign liaison aerial reconnaissance operational requirements. At any one time he supported over 20 such programs worldwide. He served as the CIA’s senior manager in the planning, directing, and executing foreign liaison aerial reconnaissance programs, providing liaison with turn key operation, training and technical support. Mr. Moretti served his full CIA career in the Directorate of Operation Clandestine Service in various positions of responsibilities and trust. He had a fully productive and challenging career with the Agency and has achieved many noteworthy and significant accomplishments, and served on the CIA’s patent board for twenty years.

He was responsible in the development of the agency’s Aerial Photo Reconnaissance capabilities modifying commercial aircraft with large format aerial panoramic and mapping cameras. He was instrumental as the programs technical manager in directing the development of technical hardware for special sensor configured aircraft platforms providing the agency covert mission aircraft with all-weather day/night capabilities for intelligence collection missions. He integrated night vision equipment and special sensors in the agency special mission helicopters used in covert operations. All the hardware was specifically designed and developed and fitted for these one of a kind helicopters.

He developed unique navigation systems never before used in helicopters for the failed Iranian hostage mission. He was responsibility for the aircraft modification, crew training, and installation of the hardware in the helicopters before launching aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS Nimitz. He was awarded the Intelligence Medal of Merit for his outstanding performance.

He was the chief architect and principle planner in the development of uniquely configured airborne sensor aircraft providing all weather day/night capabilities tracking air-air and air-to ground targets in the most hostile environment in the support of clandestine air/maritime operations. He was awarded the Intelligence Commendation Medal for his professionalism and dedication to duty supporting these missions.

Mr. Moretti traveled extensively supporting worldwide operations. He trained foreign Liaison service in SA7surface to air missiles using simulators and actual firing demonstration. Introduced secure satellite communication and navigation systems: developed the first high altitude aerial reconnaissance aircraft with state of art large format aerial cameras. He was the driving force that adapted and integrated new technology innovations into the CIA inventory. Primarily through his efforts, the CIA maintained its position as a leader in new technology and years ahead of industry standard.

Mr. Moretti has had a very successful and distinguished career and was awarded the Career Intelligence Medal for his service with the CIA when he retired in 1992.

His wife of 51 years, Patricia Lou Moretti, preceded him in death in Sept 2002, survivors include two daughters Patricia J Moretti of Winchester, VA and Linda M Norton of Gore, VA and grandchildren; Donnita Rivera of Stephens City, VA, Kyle Hopson of Sterling, VA, Ashley McCrary of Arlington, VA and great grandchildren; Trey and Aaliyah Coates, Jocelyn and Javien Rivera and Sadie Hopson. Mr. Moretti will be buried with his wife at Arlington National Cemetery on Thursday, June 14, 2018, at 1:00 PM.