★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★
LCDR Joseph King, Jr., USN '83 was lost on March 13, 1997 when the HH-60H Seahawk helicopter he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Carolina. Three others aboard were also killed; they were members of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 3, operating from USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67).
From the July/August 1997 issue of Shipmate:
Joe, a Navy junior, was raised in Hampton, VA and entered the Naval Academy with the Class of 1983. He was awarded his Wings of Gold in February 1985. In June of that year he married Bonnie Frank of Ellicott City, MD. Joe's initial assignment was in HS-15 where he made two Mediterranean deployments. Following a tour as an instructor pilot with HS-1, Joe returned to sea duty in HS-11 where he participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After a Washington tour on the staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower and Personnel), LCDR King transitioned to the H-60 Seahawk at HS-1. He then reported the HS-3 Tridents in October 1995, and was the Operations Officer of the squadron at the time of his death.
LCDR King's awards included the Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy Achievement Medal (3), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation and other service medals.
Joe completed the Naval Academy with a perfect record in conduct to the amazement of his Classmates and family. He loved flying and he loved being in the Navy. He had zest for life and he brought that enthusiasm to every assignment. His positive attitude as well as his sense of mischief and humor were infectious. His Classmates from 25th Company will always have fond memories of Joe. It was an honor and a joy to be a part of his Iife.
Of all his accomplishments, Joe especially took pride in his role as a husband and father. More than anything, he loved his family. He was the beloved husband of Bonnie, devoted father of five daughters, Brittany, Courtney, Chelsea, Sydney and Mallory; cherished son of Joe and Niki King (Class of 1959); and treasured brother of Kelly (Class of 1984), Stephen, Elizabeth, and Kathryn. He is also survived by a host of other family and friends.
To Honor! ⚓
https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOSEPH_F._KING,_JR.,_LCDR,_USN