Captain Epes was born in Washington, D.C., 10 August 1917, and after attending schools in Washington and the College of Engineering, New York University, he entered the Navy as an Aviation Cadet in 1939. On completion of flight training at Pensacola in 1940 he was commissioned an Ensign and designated a naval Aviator.

During his career he has commanded, Carrier Air Group Fifteen (CVG-15) Air Development Squadron Five (VX-5), Fighter Squadron Thirty Three (VF-33), and the USS THETIS BAY (LPH-6). Other assignments at sea have included, Operations and Plans Officer for Commander SIXTH Fleet; Operations Officer in the commissioning crew of the new aircraft RANGER (CVA-61); Executive Officer of Composite Squadron Ninety (VC-90); and Naval Aviator in two Cruisers, USS AUGUSTA (CA-24) and USS CINCINNATI (CL-6).

Shore assignments have included duty in the Bureau of Aeronautics, Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, and at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxtent River, Maryland.

Captain Epes is a graduate of the Naval Test Pilot School, General Line School, and the Naval War College.

He wears the Distinguished Flying Cross with Gold Star, the Air Medal with seven Gold Stars, and the Navy Unit Commendation earned while flying from aircraft carriers in World War II and the Korean War.

Captain Epes assumed command of KITTY HAWK on May 4, 1963. He is married to the former Katherine Park Read of Pelham Manor, New York.