★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★
LT Michael Tanner, USN '88 was lost on January 10, 1994 when the HH-46 Sea Knight helicopter he was aboard crashed into the Atlantic Ocean approximately 500 miles northeast of Bermuda. The other pilot (LT Randy O'Neill '89) and an enlisted crewman aboard were also killed. They were operating from USS Inchon (LPH 12) as a member of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 6.
His classmate Rob Robinson wrote in Shipmate:
Mike was born in St. Albans, Vermont on 27 October 1965. Upon earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science, he reported to Pensacola, Florida for flight training. He earned his "Wings of Gold" in September of 1990 and reported to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron THREE in January 1991 to complete his initial training as a Fleet Replacement Pilot in the H-46 Sea Knight. In September 1991, he reported to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six for his first tour of duty. While in HC-6, Mike served as the squadron's Detachment Liaison Officer, Assistant Security Manager and Ground Safety Officer.
He deployed to the Mediterranean with Detachment FOUR on board the DETROIT (AOE-4) and served as Detachment Material Control Officer In January 1994 he deployed with Detachment ONE on the INCHON (LRH-12) serving as the Operations Officer and Quality Assurance Officer. While in the squadron, Mike was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, the Battle Efficiency Ribbon, the National Defense Medal, the Sea Service Ribbon, and a Letter of Commendation from Commander Naval Air Force, United States Atlantic Fleet.
As a friend and fellow Shipmate, Mike will always be remembered for his tireless energy, sense of humor and sarcastic wit. He was a loving husband, a wonderful father and a best friend. He touched the lives of many and his warm heart will be forever missed.
Mike is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Emily, father Jim, mother Susan Carter, brothers James and Chris, step-brother Jeffrey, sister Johanna and half- sister Jessica.
To Honor! ⚓
https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MICHAEL_D._TANNER,_LT,_USN