MARK D. HAMILTON, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Mark Hamilton, USN '87 was lost on March 21, 1991 when the P-3C Orion he was aboard collided with another about 60 miles southeast of San Diego. All twenty-seven men aboard both aircraft were killed; they were members of Patrol Squadron (VP) 50, Naval Air Station Moffett Field, California.

A native of Cedarburg, Wisconsin, he majored in aerospace engineering at the Naval Academy -- and also minored in English. He was the lightweight crew team captain as a 1/c.

He earned his naval aviator wings on February 7, 1989 at Mather Air Force Base, California. He had been with VP-50 since September 1989 and deployed once to the Philippines.

Mark was survived by Thomas and Janet Hamilton; his brother, Paul D. Hamilton, Captain, USAF; sister Anne (Jeff) Raskiewicz; and special friend Lt. Janet M. Walters, USN.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MARK_D._HAMILTON,_LT,_USN

NED W. METCALF, JR., LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Ned Metcalf, Jr., USN ‘87 was lost on March 21, 1991 when the P-3C Orion he was aboard collided with another about 60 miles southeast of San Diego. All twenty-seven men aboard both aircraft were killed.

His high school yearbook and the Lucky Bag both mention his desire to fly. After his loss: "He always wanted to fly," his aunt said. "That's all he ever wanted to do."

Ned was survived by his fiancé and mother.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/NED_W._METCALF,_JR.,_LT,_USN

WILLIAM R. MUSCHA, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR William Muscha, USN '87 was lost on May 8, 2002 when the T-39 training aircraft he was aboard crashed into the Gulf of Mexico, likely after colliding with another. William was an instructor. Six other men were killed, including John Wilt '00.

William's plebe roommate remembered, "He came from Fargo with his violin case and a dream to be a Navy pilot. He was a great American who was taken from us way too soon."

In the Lucky Bag: "After graduation, Bill will put his aero ability to work as an NFO, and hopefully land in the space program. When I reminisce about "my Academy days," the first person who will come to mind will be my friend and roommate, Bill Muscha. I don't think I'll ever forget Bill's warm, friendly, often mischievous grin, and his loyal friendship during the glory years of 7th Company. Thanks for everything, Bill!"

William was survived by his wife, their six children, his parents, and his sister.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/WILLIAM_R._MUSCHA,_LCDR,_USN

STEVEN E. PONTELL, ENS, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

ENS Steven Pontell, USN ‘88 was lost on October 28, 1989 when the T-2C he was piloting crashed aboard USS Lexington (CV 16).

From the January-February issue of "Shipmate":

A native of Chicago, Illinois, he graduated from Buffalo Grove High School before appointment to the Naval Academy and graduation with the Class of 1988. As a Midshipman, he set his sights on Naval Air. He was described by his Classmates as an achiever, someone with a "cheerful smile and a positive attitude."

At the time of his death, he was attached to Training Squadron 19 at the Naval Air Station, Meridian, Mississippi.

His father Gary Pontell, said, "He had always been interested in being a Navy pilot. He excelled at the Naval Academy (and) was in the top 25 percent of his Class. He truly loved the Academy, the people and the prestige that went along with it."

Ens. Pontell is survived by his father and mother (Marilyn) of Columbia, Maryland; and two brothers, Michael, a senior at the University of Maryland, and Darin, 14, a freshman at Atholton High School in Columbia.

Steven’s brother, Darin, graduated the Naval Academy in 1998 and was killed in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=STEVEN_E._PONTELL,_ENS,_USN

MARTIN B. COX, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg Martin Cox, USN ‘88 was lost on March 21, 1991 when the P-3 Orion aircraft he was aboard collided with another over the Pacific Ocean about 60 miles from San Diego. Twenty-six other men -- the full crews of both aircraft -- were also killed.

From the October 1991 issue of Shipmate:

Brad was born 19 January 1964. After attending the Naval Preparatory School, he was appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy with the Class of 1988.

He graduated from the Academy 25 May 1988 and married the former Lisa M. Ford of Fairfax, Virginia on 27 May 1988. Brad received his Naval Aviator Wings 15 December 1989 at NAS Corpus Christi. He was assigned to VP-31 Training Squadron in January 1990 and to VP-50, NAS Moffett Field in July 1990. He was assigned the duties of Aviator's Equipment Branch Officer

Lt (jg) Cox is survived by his wife, Lisa M. Cox; his mother, Gayle Cox of Oklahoma City; his father, L. Allen Cox of San Diego; and his sisters, Paula Hirschler and Jennifer Cox of Oklahoma City.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MARTIN_B._COX,_LTJG,_USN

TRISTRAM E. FARMER, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Tristram Farmer, USN '88 was lost on July 31, 1992 when the E-2C Hawkeye aircraft he was aboard crashed while on approach to USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), operating in the Atlantic Ocean north of Puerto Rico. Four others aboard were also killed; they were members of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 126.

From the December 1992 edition of Shipmate:

Tris truly loved the Navy and being a Naval Aviator. His extensive correspondence with friends and family let us join him on his many adventures which ranged from serving in the Mediterranean immediately after Desert Storm to "touring" the single malt distilleries of Scotland. Never one to shun hard work or a good time, Tris was a good and devoted friend to all who knew him. He was one of a kind, the kind of person we will all remember fondly. He returned frequently to his house on Barter's Island in Trevett, Maine, to tend his traditional British rose garden and care for the family's Newfoundland dogs. Though not a "Mainer" by birth, he was proud beyond measure of his adopted state and its people and profoundly grateful for their support and encouragement during his naval career. The grief and sadness of his death overwhelms those of us who were fortunate to have our lives touched by Tris. We cannot measure the loss of Tris's presence now; it will only be fully known as we think of all the things that he did that we miss. He was so much to so many people.

Lt. Farmer, born in New York City 27 May 1966, lived in New York, Massachusetts and Maine. He graduated from St. Mark's School in Southborough, Mass., before entering the Naval Academy with the Class of 1988. Tristram was a member of the 20th Company. While at the Academy Tris, a history major, was Fourth Battalion Operations Officer, a winner of the National Society, Colonial Daughters of the Seventeenth Century History Prize, Biographies Editor of the 1988 Lucky Bag, Production Editor of the Trident Calendar, President of the History Club, a member of Phi Alpha Theta, and a connoisseur of fine wines.

After commissioning Tris attended flight school in Pensacola and, upon earning his Wings of Gold as a Naval Flight Officer, he was assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 122. He served aboard the aircraft carrier FORRESTAL, taking part in operations supporting Kurdish refugees in Iraq in the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War. He was transferred to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126 in May 1992. Lt. Farmer was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award, National Defense Service Medal and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon.

Tris is survived by his mother, Enid Farmer of Trevett, Maine; and his brothers Thomas of Arlington, Va., and Terence of Northfield, Mass.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/TRISTRAM_E._FARMER,_LT,_USN

PETER T. LIMOGE, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Capt Peter Limoge, USMC '88 was lost on November 3, 1992 when the EA-6B Prowler he was piloting crashed in a field near Naval Air Facility El Centro, California. The other two officers aboard were also lost; they were members of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 129 and based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

From The Burlington Free Press:

He was born in Burlington, Vt., Nov. 9, 1964, the son of Roland T. and Joyce (Marcoux) Limoge.

He attended the Shelburne elementary school system and was a graduate of Champlain Valley Union High School, Class of 1983.

Peter graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy Prep School in Newport, R.I. in 1984. He then received his engineering B.S. degree from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1988, and upon graduation, he received his commission as second lieutenant, U.S. Marine Corps. He attended various military schools including earning his Airborne Wings at the U.S. Army Infantry School, Fort Benning, Ga., and a full year of Marine Corps officer training in Quantico, Va. Peter successfully completed Navy Marine Corps Flight School in January 1992. He was then assigned to Advanced Flight School in Whidbey Island, Wash., to fly the EA-6B Prowler.

Peter was married in Northampton, Mass., July 11, 1992, to Carol Ann Powers. He was a lifelong active participant in and enjoyed the Vermont environment including skiing, hiking, hunting, biking, and was an avid sailor who achieved national sailing recognition in winning the National Collegiate Sloop Championships in 1987 as a member of the U.S. Naval Academy Sailing Team.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Limoge; his parents, Roland and Jay Limoge of Shelburne; three sisters, Beth, Kristin and Allison Limoge of Shelburne; his maternal grandmother, Mrs. Catherine Marcoux of Fall River, Mass.; his mother-in-law and father-in-law, Therese and George Powers of Northampton, Mass.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be greatly missed by all of his loving family and friends.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/PETER_T._LIMOGE,_CAPT,_USMC

WILLIAM E. DAISLEY, JR., LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT William Daisley, Jr., USN '88 was lost on March 15, 1993 when the F-14B he was piloting for Fighter Squadron (VF) 101 crashed in the Atlantic Ocean, 20 miles east of Nags Head, NC. The radar intercept officer was also killed. They were flying from Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia.

From the Star-Gazette of Elmira, New York:

Lt. Daisley was born Feb. 22, 1966, in Spangler, Pa., and moved to Coudersport with his family when he was 6 months old. He attended public schools, excelled in both academics and athletics.

He graduated as valedictorian from Coudersport High School in 1984 and earned an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md. After graduating in the top 10 percent of the academy class in 1988, he attended flight schools in Pensacola, Fla., and Meridian, Miss., before receiving his pilot's wings in 1990.

"He was the type of young man everyone hopes they have for a son," said Lewis Schaub, his high school principal. "He was very humble and never gloated over the fact that he DAISLEY won so many awards and was so good academically and athletically."

Lt. Daisley competed in football, wrestling and track and won the Davies-Foy Scholar Athlete Award from the Olean Times Herald.

"Everyone who knew him knew he was a leader and someone special," Schaub said.

Military services for Lt. Daisley were conducted Tuesday in the Chapel of the Good Shepherd at Oceana Naval Base.

"It was a difficult day, but wonderful too, because of the honors given him, and the planes that conducted a fly-over in his honor," said his mother, Judy Daisley of Coudersport.

Although Lt. Daisley hadn't lived in Coudersport for a while, many in the community say they will never forget his friendliness and upbeat demeanor.

"To know Billy was to love (him). He was a friend whose fun-loving attitude touched all who knew him," said Kathy Fox of Coudersport, a friend.

Lt. Daisley also is survived by a sister, Brenda Whitman, and two brothers, Dax and Dana, all of Coudersport; his paternal grandparents, Wilda Houston and William Daisley, both of Spangler; three nephews and one niece; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/WILLIAM_E._DAISLEY,_JR.,_LT,_USN

PAUL A. AMBROGI, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Paul Ambrogi, USN '88 was lost on July 23, 1993 when the A-6 Intruder he was piloting crashed northwest of Roanoke, Virginia. The bombardier/navigator aboard was also killed. They were members of Attack Squadron (VA) 75, flying from Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia.

From the October 1993 issue of "Shipmate:"

Paul was born in Richmond, Virginia, on 26 July 1966. He began his naval aviation career in Pensacola, Florida, and was subsequently selected for jet training at NAS Meridian, Mississippi. After completing intermediate and advanced carrier jet qualifications at Training Squadrons Nineteen and Seven, he earned his "Wings of Gold" on 1 June 1990. Paul then traveled to NAS Oceana, Virginia, and reported aboard Attack Squadron Forty-Two for A-6E "Intruder" pilot training. In December of 1991 he was assigned to the "Sunday Punchers" of Attack Squadron Seventy-Five, where he was designated an A-6 section leader. During Paul's tour in VA-75, he accumulated over 900 total flight hours, 180 carrier landings and completed a six-month deployment to the Mediterranean and Adriatic seas aboard USS JOHN F KENNEDY (CV-67) flying missions in support of operation "Provide Promise."

Paul received the ComNavAirLant Battle "E" ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service ribbon and numerous personal and unit awards and decorations.

Paul is survived by his father and mother. Franco and Ruth Ambrogi, his two brothers, Mark Lawrence Ambrogi and Anthony Francis Ambrogi, and his sister, Maria Theresa Reardon.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/PAUL_A._AMBROGI,_LT,_USN

MICHAEL D. TANNER, LT, USN

★★★ 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

RAYMOND E. O'HARE, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR Raymond O'Hare, USN '88 was lost on July 11, 2000 when the plane he was aboard crashed while landing at the Patuxent River Naval Air Station. He was a student at the Naval Test Pilot School since January; he would have graduated in December. The pilot of the aircraft was also killed.

Ray was born in Chicago Heights and raised there and in Palos Heights, Illinois. He was the youngest of four children. His older brother Mark is a 1976 graduate. Ray does not appear to have attended the Naval Academy for very long; it was not mentioned in his obituary.

His high school principal and social studies teacher remembered “This kid was special. He was a class act. He was bright, respectful and cordial. The kind of kid every teacher wants in his class.”

After leaving the Naval Academy, he attended Harvard. In late 1989 he entered officer candidate school and graduated at the top of his class in 1990. Afer becoming a radar intercept officer in F-14 Tomcats, he served in various squadrons in California. He married his wife, Colleen, in 1992.

He was survived by his wife, two daughters, ages 3 and 4, and a 10-month-old son, his parents, and his three siblings.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/RAYMOND_E._O'HARE,_LCDR,_USN

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