★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★
LCDR John Bates, USN '84 was lost on January 29, 1996 when the F-14 Tomcat he was piloting crashed into a house near Nashville, Tennessee. His radar intercept officer was also killed, as were three people on the ground.
From the April 1996 issue of "Shipmate:"
Stacy was born on 20 July 1962 to Les and Peggy Bates in Nashville, Tennessee. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Valdosta, Georgia, before moving to Chattanooga in 1977. He graduated from Tyner High School in 1980, where he was a star athlete, and was appointed to the Naval Academy with the Class of 1984. A member of the 15th company, he played baseball, lightweight football and several intramural sports while at the Academy.
After graduation Stacy proceeded to NAS Pensacola to commence Naval Flight Officer training. He earned his NFO wings in October 1985 and began his training as a Radar Intercept Officer in the F-14 Tomcat at NAS Miramar.
Upon completion of the RAG, Stacy reported to the "Aardvarks" of VF-114. After a 3 year tour with VF-114 he was selected for the pilot transition program and underwent training at NAS Whiting Field and NAS Meridian. He earned his pilot wings in August 1991 and once again returned to the F-14 RAG at Miramar.
Stacy then reported to the "Black Lions" of VF- 213 in October 1992. While assigned to VF-213, he was selected to attend the prestigious Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). He additionally completed his second and third deployments to the Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf, participating in Operation Southern Watch, where he flew combat missions over Iraq.
Stacy's personal awards include the Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal and numerous campaign ribbons.
Sadly Stacy leaves behind his loving wife Christina and beautiful 12 week old daughter Savannah. He had many great achievements in his life, but none made him prouder than his marriage and the birth of his daughter.
Stacy, affectionately known as "Sprout", will always be remembered by his friends and classmates for his deep concern for and unwavering dedication to his fellow man and his country. His southern charm enabled him to quickly make friends everywhere he went and he truly touched the lives of those he met. He was an exceptional husband, father, son, friend and shipmate. He will be deeply missed by us all.
To Honor! ⚓
https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_S._BATES,_LCDR,_USN