Richard Hastings '62 in the Lucky Bag: "Dick hailed from Lomita, California. Like most Navy juniors, Dick went to more schools than he could count. He graduated from high school in Youngstown, Ohio and returned to Lomita just before going to the Academy. While at Canoe U., Dick always loved sports. He had a great interest in aviation and read anything and everything about the subject that he could get his hands on. He took an active part in the Aeronautical Engineering Club and was program director during his second class year. With his interest in aviation, Dick will be a great asset to Navy Air."
The Class of 1962 website continues his story: "He was designated a naval aviator in 1963, and then reported to VF-124, San Diego, for training in the F-8. In March 1964 he joined VF-51, making two Far East cruises in the Ticonderoga: he had recently completed training as a landing signal officer. Among his awards were the Navy Commendation Medal and the Expeditionary Medal."
Richard died on May 14, 1966, of injuries sustained by debris from a jet striking the ramp of USS Ticonderoga (CVA 14).
He was survived by his wife, Violet; parents; sister; and grandmother.
https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/RICHARD_W._HASTINGS,_LT,_USN