ERNEST H. GREPPIN, III, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg Ernest Greppin, III, USN '89 was lost on July 15, 1991 in a parachute incident near Coronado, California.

A native of Massachusetts, Ernest graduated in 1985 from St. Andrew’s School in Middletown, Delaware. At the Naval Academy he rowed on the heavyweight crew team. He was designated a Naval Special Warfare Officer -- a SEAL -- on November 16, 1990.

Ernest was survived by his parents.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ERNEST_H._GREPPIN,_III,_LTJG,_USN

ROBERT A. FORWALDER, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Robert Forwalder, USN '89 was lost on March 26, 1993 when the E-2C Hawkeye surveillance plane he was aboard crashed into the Ionian Sea while attempting to recover aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). He was a member of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124.

A native of Akron, Ohio, Robert graduated 2nd in his class from Green High School. He graduated with honors from the Naval Academy with an Engineering degree. At the Academy he was active in the Men's Glee Club, Protestant Chapel Choir, and the Airborne Training Unit.

LT Calin Evon '89: "Bobby, as his friends knew him, was an outgoing and dedicated man. His will to succeed in all aspects of life was most admirable. As Naval Officer's we must open our eyes to the dangers of Naval Aviation. We must be prepared to fly in danger's way at anytime, anywhere. As a Husband, he was loving; as a Son, he was admirable; as a Brother, he was a best friend; and as my Roommate, he was my brother. God Bless You Bobby."

Robert was survived by his wife, Katie, and son Sean Robert, of Virginia Beach, Va.; his father Melvin and mother Beverly, of Uniontown, Ohio; his brother, Petty Officer Ronald Forwalder and his wife Cindy, both of NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii; grandparents, Doris and Kenneth Wagster, of Uniontown, Ohio, and Lillie Forwalder, of Arlington, Kansas.

His son was born on April 10, 1993 barely six weeks before Robert's death.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ROBERT_A._FORWALDER,_LT,_USN

EDWARD R. O'NEILL, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Edward "Randy" O'Neill, USN '89 was lost on January 10, 1994 when the HH-46 Sea Knight helicopter he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean about 500 miles northeast of Bermuda. Two other men were also killed; one crewman survived. They were attached to, and flying from, USS Inchon (LPH 12), which had deployed only a few days earlier for the Mediterranean.

A native of Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, Randy attended Villanova University on an ROTC scholarship for a year prior to entering the Naval Academy.

John Cunningham '89: "As a friend, classmate, and company-mate, I'll always remember Randy ribbing people who took things too seriously. He would often compare something at the Academy to his life as a Villanova student and declare he'd made a big mistake in coming to USNA, all the while being one of the most dedicated and professional guys I knew. He was a devoted father to Michael and a wonderful husband to Michele. Everyone who knew him will regret his loss."

Randy was survived by his wife of two years, Michele Kin O'Neill; a year-old son, Michael; his father, William; his brother, Kenneth; and a sister, Sharon O'Neill Hillston.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/EDWARD_R._O'NEILL,_LT,_USN

ROBERT W. VOGEL, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Robert Vogel, USN '89 was lost on October 3, 1995, when the helicopter he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Virginia. Three others aboard were also killed; they were members of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 6.

From his obituary:

Rob was born on 13 February 1966 in Groton, CT. He graduated from Newtown High School in 1984 and attended Lafayette College for one year before his persistence prevailed in gaining acceptance to the Naval Academy. His determination and innate leadership ability served to earn him the billet of 14th Company Commander his first class year. He graduated with a degree in Ocean Engineering.

After commissioning, he attended Naval Flight Training and flew helicopters until July 1991, when an automobile accident left him nearly paralyzed. During his recovery, Rob qualified as Engineering Officer of the Watch and Surface Warfare Officer on SACRAMENTO during deployment to Somalia and the Persian Gulf.

Through exemplary willpower and a great love for flight, Rob returned to flight status in 1994 and deployed to the Adriatic on KEARSARGE in support of peacekeeping operations off Serbia. He had recently returned home to HC-6 at Norfolk Naval Air Station when his CH-46 SEA KNIGHT went down at sea.

Rob is survived by his parents, Robert and Judith Vogel of Alpharetta, Georgia; his sister, Karen Vogel, and his paternal grandparents, Robert and Grace Vogel of Southbury, Connecticut. His father graduated from the Naval Academy in 1961.

Rob will be remembered for his outstanding perseverance and unselfish generosity toward others. He faced every setback with firm resolve, and heroically gave his life attempting to rescue others at sea.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ROBERT_W._VOGEL,_LT,_USN

BRETT M. BEKKEN, LTCOL, USMCR

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Lt. Col. Brett Bekken, USMCR '89, was lost on April 21, 2004 when the F/A-18 Hornet he was piloting crashed in California during a training exercise. He was a reservist with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 112 in Fort Worth, Texas; he was also a pilot with American Airlines.

A native of Greendale, Wisconsin, at the Naval Academy he played on the lightweight football team. A classmate remembered, "Brett was the type of person you wanted to be around. He was always up to something good and he made you want to be a part of it. Brett was a caring person, generous with his time and talents." He had left active duty with the Marine Corps in 1999.

Brett had been selected for Lt. Col. the day of his death. He was survived by his parents, brother, nieces, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/BRETT_M._BEKKEN,_LTCOL,_USMCR

TERENCE L. CLARK, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Terence Clark, USN '90 was lost on February 18, 1996 when the F-14D Tomcat he was piloting crashed in the Pacific Ocean approximately 90 miles from San Diego. The radar intercept officer was also killed. Terry was a member of Fighter Squadron (VF) 11.

Terry was orphaned at a young age; his mother died of cancer in 1972 when he was three. Almost exactly a year later his father (Philip Clark, Jr. '68) was killed in action when his A-7E Corsair was shot down over North Vietnam.

He was survived by his wife, Amanda, sister, and grandparents.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/TERENCE_L._CLARK,_LT,_USN

ROBERT S. WOOD, JR., LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Robert Wood, Jr., USN '90 was lost on October 25, 1996 when the HH-60H helicopter he was co-piloting crashed in the Persian Gulf. The pilot and a passenger was also lost; nine other passengers survived.

From the January/February 1998 issue of Shipmate:

Rob was a native of Newton, MA. He was Winged in January 1993, after temporary duty at Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Directorate NATC Patuxent River, MD. He reported to HS-15 at NAS Jacksonville, FL in February 1994, after completion of FRS training in the SH-60R At HS-15, he served as Schedules Officer, Aircraft Division Officer, and Quality Assurance Officer. He was about to finish his second Mediterranean deployment, one aboard SARATOGA (CV 60), and one aboard ENTERPRISE (CVN 65).

We will think of Rob Wood, who would gnaw pensively on a dill pickle while breaking down the principles of flight as easily as describing his sock drawer, which in itself was another phenomenon. We will remember Rob Wood, roommate, who's favorite thing was busting open and sharing his mom's chocolate chip cookies while talking about home, family and friends. We will never forget the story of when he went into the forest, found the stoutest elm, and fashioned a skateboard. We will never forget the stories of flying in Wyoming and fishing in Mexico. We will never forget the stories because he so relished sharing them.

Looking back at all the memories, we see a common thread: fellowship. When he wasn't testing the limits of laminar flow, all of his favorite things included fellowship. For Rob, the opportunity to commune with his fellow man was gold. People say that the thing that he loved most was flying. To us, the thing Rob loved most was us.

We salute Rob for the way he lived. He always strove not to be better than others, but to be the best that he could. What exactly happened to him out there, we don't know other than he was probably flying at about 200 feet when something went wrong. The time to impact from that altitude is about the equivalent of time it takes a man on the street to recite his phone number. Yet, in that fragment of time, whoever was flying his helicopter realized, analyzed and reacted to a critical emergency well enough that nine passengers walked away from the crash. So, for every one of us who grieve, nine are grateful.

Rob is survived by his father, Robert S. Wood, Sr. of Jackson, WY; his mother, Julianne L. Schworm of Marion, MA; and Angelik Mclntire, of Jacksonville, FL, to whom he was engaged to be married. Rob's family has asked that donations be made to the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, FL.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ROBERT_S._WOOD,_JR.,_LT,_USN

KELLY E. MACKEY, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Kelly Mackey, USN '90 was lost on March 6, 1998 when the SH-60B Seahawk helicopter he was aboard crashed in the San Bernardino Mountains near Crestline, California. Four others aboard were also killed; they were members of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 47. The aircraft was enroute from Naval Air Station North Island, California to Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada.

Kelly was a native of San Jose, California. Following high school he attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School; at USNA he "lettered on the 150 pound football team and was named to the all conference team. He graduated from the Naval Academy on 30 May 1990 and reported to Naval Air Station, Pensacola, FL for pilot flight training. He received his cherished Navy Wings of Gold in April 1994."

He was survived by his wife, two sons (4 years and 8 months old), parents, grandfather, two sisters, and two "brother-cousins".

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/KELLY_E._MACKEY,_LT,_USN

MARCUS B. PLETCHER, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Lieutenant (j.g.) Marcus Pletcher '91 was lost on September 14, 1994 when the F-14 he was aboard crashed off the coast of Virginia following a mid-air collision. He was the radar intercept officer; the pilot was also lost. Both aircrew were members of Fighter Squadron (VF) 101. The other aircraft returned safely to MCAS Cherry Point.

A native of Chelsea, Michigan, Marcus became such a fixture of a Pensacola, Florida neighborhood during flight school that the residents dedicated a neighborhood garden to his memory and held a separate memorial service for him. He was remembered as a "always willing to pitch in. Anytime you asked him to help, he'd be the first in line and 10 minutes early." Neighborhood children would knock on his door and ask if he could come play. "An all American kid . . . looks like he belongs on a Navy recruiting poster."

"The neatest thing about him was on everyone's birthday, he'd bake them a cake from scratch. He never forgot anyone's birthday."

Marcus' body was not recovered; he has a memory marker at Arlington National Cemetery. He was survived by his parents and brother.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MARCUS_B._PLETCHER,_LTJG,_USN

RONALD J. MOBAYED, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Ronald Mobayed, USN '91 was lost on October 3, 1995, when the CH-46 helicopter he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Virginia. Three other men aboard were also killed. They were members of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 6.

From USNA '91:

A very special person, Ronny Mo touched the lives of many of us, and he will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of serving with him. He is survived by his father Joseph; mother Vivian; sisters Lori, Lynn, and Julie; brother Kenneth; and fiancee Suzanna Lamorte.

Growing up in Brooklyn, Ronny was competitive from the start. To control his enthusiasm, his family had a 'harness' created for him, with a rope tethered to keep him from wandering too far. Ronny dealt with this situation as he would later do at the Academy and flight training, he conquered through perseverance and sheer will. Eventually, little Ron was able to break his reins and free himself, much to the dismay of his family. At age eight, Ron and family moved to Springfield, Virginia. Ron would continue to excel both in school and on the playing field. He was an outstanding athlete, starring in football, basketball, baseball, and wrestling at West Springfield High School. In the classroom, Ron was exceptional, and a member of the National Honor Society. He was a natural leader who exuded confidence and enthusiasm, traits which would become most evident during his years in the Navy.

Ron gained acceptance to the Naval Academy Preparatory School in Newport, RI in the summer of 1986. There he made the first of what would become a large cadre of great friends. The relationships developed that first summer in Newport have carried on until today, as he always remained in touch with friends, no matter where you were. At the Academy, Ron became a very popular member of the Class of '91 through his goodwill, kindness and zest for life. His entrance would often light up any midshipman gathering, as you just knew good things were in store when Ronny Mo was with the group. Ron played catcher on the baseball team until a pitch hit him in the eye. He not only almost lost his future career in flying, but his eyesight as well. But he battled back; the injury eventually healed and Ron was back in the lineup, this time playing football. Ron walked on the 150's team his junior year and won a starting spot. He was having a banner year when bad luck struck again, this time a severe knee injury that again threatened his chances to fly. Though Ronny Mo was MIDN 1/C Whiteworks his firstie year, he was once again able to overcome a potentially career-ending injury. Thus he was able to select his first love, naval aviation, on service selection night.

Onward to Pensacola to pursue his dream. In Florida, Ron became involved with the Big Brother/Big Sister Foundation, actively sponsoring a "little brother" in the Pensacola area. Ronny loved children, and soon he and Kyle became inseparable. Ron was the father figure presence that Kyle never had; and surely Kyle looked to Ron for the strength and support that much of his family and friends had drawn upon for years. Kyle meant so much to Ron that he had included Kyle as one of the major beneficiaries in his will. This is the kind of charitable man that we knew, who would literally give you the shirt off his back if it meant helping someone out.

Ron came to Virginia Beach and Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six full of energy and excitement. He completed a Mediterranean deployment with an HC-6 detachment, and returned with French wines and Turkish rugs. Ronny loved to cook exotic meals and enjoyed fine wines. This proved a boon to his roommates, who could sway a date with an excellent bottle of Israeli or French wine, or hire chef Ronald to prepare a culinary delight. Ronny Mo was quite the well-rounded naval officer. While in Virginia Beach, this most romantic guy finally found love, and literally in his own back yard. He met Suzanna Lamorte of Oakton, Virginia shortly before a trip to Panama. His extensive writing, which he was always good at, kept the channels open and the two of them soon became a pair. On 30 September, he proposed to Suzanna, and both of them were on top of the world. They were to be wed at the Academy Chapel on 19 October 1996.

Ron was a hero to those who knew him. He was a special person in that he always brought good cheer to life, even when he himself may have been down inside. His enthusiasm infected those who worked with him, he was a joy to serve with. He was our friend, our brother, our son, our love. Ronny Mo will be sorely missed, but not forgotten; for the virtues and tenets by which he lived, his life will be remembered and followed by those who knew him.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/RONALD_J._MOBAYED,_LT,_USN

BRIAN F. HUSSEY, JR., CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Capt Brian Hussey, Jr., USMC '91 was lost on August 23, 1996 when the aircraft he was aboard crashed during a training flight in Yuma, Arizona.

From Shipmate:

Brian was born on 29 June 1969 in Providence, RI. After living in several areas of the country while growing up, he finished high school in San Ramon, CA in 1987. He was in 2nd Company at the Naval Academy, where he consistently stood out in all areas. He truly embodied the mission of the Naval Academy, as he stood out "morally, mentally, and physically." Even as he found his passion in the History Department, he never let other areas of focus suffer. He regularly attended Mass (he always noted exactly how long it took), and was perpetually in peak physical shape, making the rest of us pale by comparison. As we approached our First Class Year, and most of us just wanted to get to the big day, Brian took on two huge tasks. He was a Trident scholar and the Brigade Training Officer. Even though everyone gave him the required grief for being a "striper," deep down, everyone that knew Brian admired him and looked for him to take the lead.

After graduation, Brian met the love of his life, Susan, and they were married in June of 1993. Brian took his commitment to excellence into the Marine Corps. He was near the top of his class at The Basic School, and displayed his unique, solid leadership style for all the other Marines to admire. He excelled in NFO flight school and earned his wings of gold on 18 February 1994. He lead the pack again at the Electronic Warfare School at Corry Station, Pensacola by graduating at the top of his class. After a year of training at the EA-6B FRS in Whidbey Island, WA, he checked into VMAQ-1, MCAS Cherry Point, NC.

After three months to get settled, he was off on a six month deployment to Aviano, Italy to participate in Operation Deny Flight over Bosnia. Brian's awards include the National Defense Medal, the NATO Medal, the Air Medal (3rd Award), the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and the Armed Forces Service Medal.

Brian was not only an outstanding officer, but a true friend. His presence is sorely missed and he will not be forgotten. He was very proud of being a member of the Brigade of Midshipmen and the United States Marine Corps.

Brian is survived by his wife Susan, of Newport, NC: his parents Brian and Kathy, of Saunderstown, RI; sister Erin Morgan, of Jamestown, RI. He was also very close to his in-laws, John and Chris Wisniewski; and sister-in-law Stephanie House, all of Westminster, MD.

Semper Fidelis, Brian!

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=BRIAN_F._HUSSEY,_JR.,_CAPT,_USMC

BRIAN M. SMITH, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Capt Brian Smith, USMC '91 was lost on September 15, 1997 when the aircraft he was aboard crashed near Cherry Point, North Carolina. The other officer aboard was also killed; they were members of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 224.

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Brian graduated high school in Nashville before attending the Naval Academy. He married Maria Tukowski, USAFA '91, in June of their graduation year. Following Marine and flight schools he was winged as a Naval Aviator in August 1994. He had been with VMFA 224 for two years.

Brian was survived by his wife, his parents, and a brother. He never met his daughter, Theresa Marie, who was born 4 days after his death.

Brian is buried in Ohio.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/BRIAN_M._SMITH,_CAPT,_USMC

JONATHAN B. NOLAN, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Jonathan Nolan, USN '91 was lost on May 27, 1998, when the F/A-18 Hornet he was piloting crashed during an exercise near Fallon, Nevada. He was a member of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 37, based in Jacksonville, Florida.

From the July-August 1998 edition of Shipmate, via USNA '91:

Jonathan Bennett Nolan was born on 25 August 1969 in Syracuse, NY. A native of Syracuse, he graduated from Christian Brothers High School before entering the Naval Academy. While at the Academy, Jon spent the majority of his time in the halls of "Club 34," until graduating as an Aerospace Engineer in 1991.

After commissioning, Jon was attached to Topgun at NAS Miramar in San Diego, CA. He began his flight training in Pensacola in June 1992, with follow on orders to jet training in Kingsville, TX. He earned his "Wings of Gold" in September of 1994 and was assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 106 for F/A-18C Hornet training. Jon reported to the "Ragin Bulls" of Strike Fighter Squadron 37 at Naval Air Station, Cecil Field, FL in September 1995. Assigned as the Avionics/Armament Division Officer, as well as additional duties as Landing Signals Officer, he completed preparations for deployment with VFA-37.

Jon deployed on board Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) in November 1996 for Joint Task Group 97-1 to the Mediterranean Sea, Adriatic Ocean, Red Sea and Persian Gulf. He participated actively in Operation Southern Watch and Determined Guard over the skies of Iraq and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Most notably, he enjoyed every bit of the ten port visits and seven countries.

Jon, or "Bass" as he was known to his fellow pilots, will be deeply missed; but more than that, he will always be remembered - his larger than life attitude, his quick wit, his strong faith in God, his love for flying Hornets around the carrier, his honesty, his meals of Slim Fast and salad, his ability to be a true friend, his willingness to give to others and share in so many ways, and most of all for his many laughs. You lived life to the fullest, my friend, and now for you it's only getting better. Save me a seat. We'll miss you brother! Strapping in, pressing on and keeping the faith, like we know you'd want us to. Your friends . . .

Jon is survived by his parents, Thomas and Patricia of Syracuse, NY; his brothers, Robert, Chris and Kevin and his grandfather, Walter Lewczak.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JONATHAN_B._NOLAN,_LT,_USN

CHRISTOPHER C. TRAGNA, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR Christopher Tragna, USN '91 was lost on April 2, 2002 when the aircraft he was aboard collided with another near Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. He was an instructor with the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School.

"Tragna, a native of Northport, New York, graduated salutatorian from his high school. Tragna was remembered as a man who loved his wife, the Yankees, wrestling with his dog, Bungee, and flying."

Well over 500 people attended his memorial service. He was survived by his wife, Desiree, parents, brother, half sister, and in-laws.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CHRISTOPHER_C._TRAGNA,_LCDR,_USN

ROBERT E. CLUKEY, III, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR Robert "Trey" Clukey, III, USN '91 was lost on November 3, 2002 when the F/A-18 Hornet he was piloting crashed in the Adriatic Sea during training.

From the January-February 2003 issue of "Shipmate":

Born in Bangor, ME, a native of nearby Orono, "Trey" was a member of the ski patrol, an emergency medical technician, and a state-ranked competitive skier in high school. He received a congressional appointment to the Naval Academy from Senator William Cohen of Maine. At the Naval Academy, Trey earned a bachelor of science degree in oceanography and was a member of the offshore sailing team. He graduated in May 1991, a member of the 30th Company.

Trey attended flight training in Pensacola, FL, and Kingsville, TX, and was designated a naval aviator in September 1994. In October, he reported to VMFAT-101 at MCAS El Toro, CA, for FA-18 Hornet training. In November 1995 he reported to VFA-113 the "Stingers" in Lamoore, CA. During this tour, Trey completed two deployments to the Persian Gulf on Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and Abraham Lincoln (CVN-72), flying 38 combat missions in support of operations Southern Watch and Desert Strike. He was awarded the Strike/Flight Air Medal for his actions in these operations.

Call sign "Plumbr," Trey was selected to become a strike fighter tactical instructor in October 1998. He completed the Strike Fighter Tactics Instructor training course at Top Gun in Fallon, NV and was assigned to the Strike Fighter Weapons School, Atlantic in February 1999. While at the Weapons School, he served as the weapons and tactics coordinator and was the air-to-ground employment subject matter expert for the East Coast Hornet community.

In August 2001, Trey reported to VFA-34, the "Blue Blasters," as the tactics officer and deployed on George Washington (CVN-73) in June 2002. While on deployment, Trey completed 20 combat missions over Southern Iraq and Afghanistan in support of operations Southern Watch and Enduring Freedom. He also conducted missions in operation Deliberate Forge/Decisive Guardian in support of NATO peacekeeping in Bosnia. In September 2002 he was awarded his second Strike/Flight Air Medal.

Trey is survived by his parents, Robert E. Clukey Jr. and Francis H. Clukey of Bangor, ME; and two sisters, Robin Clukey of Carmel, ME, and Christina Clukey of Bangor, ME.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ROBERT_E._CLUKEY,_III,_LCDR,_USN

ANTHONY R. DOMINO, LCDR, USNR

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR Anthony "Tony" Domino, USNR '91 was lost on April 18, 2003 when the F-5E Tiger II jet he was piloting crashed near Naval Air Station Fallon, Nevada.

From the September 2003 issue of Shipmate:

Tony was the oldest of four brothers growing up on his parents' farm in Middletown, DE. Growing up, his interests included the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and helping with his father's standard bred horses.

At the Naval Academy, Tony distinguished himself on the football field, starting three years as on outside linebacker, wearing number 60. Off the field, he was known for high-speed runs to Ocean City, MD, in his red Corvette. His parents were also well known for taking in more than a few hungry Midshipmen. If you have seen the size of Tony and his brothers you know the Dominos took a few extra hungry mouths in stride.

After graduation Fats reported to flight training. Going the Corpus Christi/Kingsville route, he was Winged in 1993 with orders to the Tomcat FRS. After completing Tomcat training, he was sent to the Jolly Rogers of VF-103 where he supported missions in Bosnia-Herzegovina as well as Operation Southern Watch in Iraq. His next assignment was to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center, working in the Air Wing Training Department. There, he served as an adversary mission commander, as well as an air-to-air/air-to-ground tactics instructor. In 2001 Fats left active duty and joined the Fighting Saints of VFC-13 at NAS Fallon as an adversary instructor pilot. Fats was also a commercial airline pilot, flying the Airbus A320 for Jet Blue Airways.

Lieutenant Commander Domino's awards included two Strike/Flight Air Medals, two Armed Forces Service Medals, an Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and a NATO Medal.

Funeral services were held on 28 April 2003. The small church in Delaware City, DE, was filled beyond capacity, with hundreds of people standing inside and outside the church to pay their last respects. Attendees included Delaware Senator Joseph Biden, who gave Fats his nomination to the Naval Academy and continued to follow his career. Lieutenant Commander Anthony Domino was buried with full military honors including a fly-by of four F-14s from ComFitWingLant. With his death we have lost a great friend, brother, son, and wingman. Those who knew him have all commented on his gregarious spirit, outgoing nature, and love of life.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ANTHONY_R._DOMINO,_LCDR,_USNR

SCOTT A. ZELLEM, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR Scott Zellem, USN '91 was lost on August 10, 2004 when the S-3B Viking jet he was piloting crashed on the island of Kita Iwo Jima, Japan, during a training flight from USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74). Three others aboard were also killed; they were members of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 35.

Scott was remembered by his roommate as "one of the most likable guys ever to come to USNA." A member of the football team in high school and at the Academy, he excelled at both places and earned his Naval Aviator's wings in 1992. He flew the A-6 Intruder and the S-3B Viking, had more than 540 carrier landings, and flew several combat missions in 2003 as a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

He was survived by his wife, Jennifer; son Tanner (1 year old); parents Sally and Theodore; a brother, Edward; and a sister, Millie Cathcart.

President Bush, in a letter to Tanner in August 2004: "I had the privilege of flying with your father Scott on May 1, 2003. He was a strong, brave man who defended our nation and protected our freedom. I'm proud to have been his commander in chief."

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/SCOTT_A._ZELLEM,_LCDR,_USN

MARIO D. CARAZO, LTCOL, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

From the September-October 2010 issue of "Shipmate":

Lieutenant Colonel Mario “Sugarbear” Carazo, USMC, ‘91 was lost to enemy action in Afghanistan, on 22 July 2010. His AH-1W Cobra was shot down while supporting Marines engaged in a firefight. He was 41 years old.

Born on 25 May 1969 in Inglewood, CA, to Alvaro and Ana Carazo, Mario entered the Academy where he graduated in 1991, with a B.S. in history, as a member of the 19th Company.

Mario went on to fly the AH-1W Cobra with the World Famous HMLA-369 “Gunfighters” at Camp Pendleton, CA. He did two Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) deployments, followed by a tour as an instructor at the Fleet Replenishment Squadron. He attended the Amphibious Warfare School in Quantico, VA, and then went back to Camp Pendleton for another tour as a “Gunfighter.” “Sugarbear” attended the United States Naval War College, Newport, RI, as a Major, where he received a M.A. in national security and strategy. He was not satisfied with one M.A., so he attended the School of Advanced Warfighting in Quantico and received his second in Operational Studies.

He took this newly found knowledge, and as only he could do, applied it on another deployment—in Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel in December 2007 and returned from Iraq in August 2008 to Camp Pendleton, becoming the executive officer of MAG-39, and ultimately the commanding officer of Headquarters Squadron 39. He then deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Mario spent his life focusing on taking care of the people in his life. There was always the “Sugarbear” smile to pick you up, or the “What’s going on, kid,” to begin a bull session, but there was the certainty that he would do whatever was possible to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone he cared about—his family, both immediate and extended.

He is survived by his wife, Jennifer; their son, Mario, and daughter, Milla; his parents, Alvaro and Ana; his brother and two sisters, Alvaro, Ana, Sandra and their families. Mario was interred with full military honors and an AH-1W fly-over at the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in San Diego, CA. The family has established an education fund for the children, “Carazo Education Fund,” at California Bank & Trust, 1127 Wall Street, La Jolla, CA 92037.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MARIO_D._CARAZO,_LTCOL,_USMC

DAVID E. BERGSTROM, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT David Bergstrom, USN '92 was lost on June 18, 2000 when the F-14 Tomcat he was aboard crashed during a demonstration flight at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station, Pennsylvania. The pilot, classmate LT Bill Dey, was also killed.

A native of Annandale, VA, David graduated from W.T. Woodson High School in 1987. He went on to study at Virginia Tech for a year prior to attending the Naval Academy. His father was also a naval aviator; Dave earned his wings as a Naval Flight Officer in 1994. He deployed twice with his first squadron, Fighter Squadron (VF) 14. In 1999 he returned to the training squadron, Fighter Squadron (VF) 101, as an instructor.

Dave was survived by his parents, Captain James and Catherine Bergstrom; two sisters, Karen and Patty; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DAVID_E._BERGSTROM,_LT,_USN

WILLIAM J. DEY, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT William "Bill" Dey, USN '92 was lost on June 18, 2000 when the F-14 Tomcat he was piloting crashed during a demonstration flight at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station, Pennsylvania. His radar intercept officer, classmate LT David Bergsrom, was also killed.

A native of New Jersey, Bill had celebrated his 5th wedding anniversary the night before with Deborah. He was also survived by his 14-month-old daughter, Kamryn, his grandmother Mary, and sister Karin. (Other survivors were not listed.)

His family had attended the air show's rehearsal the day before and saw Bill fly.

Bill had two sides: "The serious, confident pilot and the funny guy who could laugh and joke." "He was wonderful, always there when you needed him," said his sister, Karin Parry, of Souderton. "He excelled at whatever he did.""

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/WILLIAM_J._DEY,_LT,_USN