★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★
LCDR Edward Abel, Jr., USN '79 was lost on September 10, 1989 when the helicopter he was piloting crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Del Mar, California. He was stationed aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5).
From the December 1989 issue of "Shipmate:"
Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, he was appointed to the Naval Academy from that state, graduating with the Class of 1979. While at the Academy, Ed was a avid sailor with four sailing commands to his credit. Following graduation he attended flight school, earning his wings in January 1981.
Lieutenant Commander Abel began his operational career as an H-46 pilot in HC-16 and HC-6. He made three deployments in detachments to the Indian Ocean, North Atlantic and Caribbean. Following his first sea duty tour, he served for two years as the Aide and Flag Lieutenant to ComSerGru Two. He next attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, graduating in March 1987. At the time of his death, he was the Aviation Safety Officer on board USS PELELIU (LHA-5) homeported in Long Beach, California.
His awards include the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Battle Efficiency Ribbon (with two E'S) and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (with three stars).
He was survived by his wife, Elisabeth Abel, daughters Ryan and Ashley, sons Clayton and Andrew, parents Edward and Wilma Abel of Hot Springs, Ak., brothers Dennis Abel of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and Shawn Abel of Memphis, Tenn.
To Honor! ⚓
https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/EDWARD_G._ABEL,_JR.,_LCDR,_USN