★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★
LT Robert Matheny, USN '81 was lost on June 20, 1988 when the A-4 Skyhawk aircraft he was piloting crashed off the coast of Virginia. He was a member of Fighter Squadron (VF) 43, based at Oceana, Virginia.
From the October 1998 issue of Shipmate:
Lt. Robert (Bob) N. Matheny was killed 20 June 1988 while on a training mission for VF-43 in the Virginia Capes operating area. As of this writing, the A-4 accident is currently under naval investigation. The funeral was held at St. Mary's Church in Bolivar, New York, on 27 June.
Bob was born 12 October 1959 and grew up in Bolivar, New York, graduating from Bolivar Central High School in 1977. Bob was very active in numerous sports, extracurricular, and community activities during his pre-Academy days. Bob graduated from the Academy in 1981 with his degree in aeronautical engineering and as a star letterman on the rugby team before selecting Naval Aviation as his career path.
He completed flight training at Pensacola and Meridian before accepting his initial assignment as part of the adversary squadron in Subic Bay, the Philippines. As part of the "Checker Tails" Bob flew throughout the area for 16 months before reporting to his next duty in Oceana, Virginia with VF-11. Bob flew F-14's off of FORRESTAL with VF-11 and then off of SARATOGA with VF-74 before transferring to VF-43.
Throughout his career. Bob was extremely active in community youth groups. During his time in Pensacola he coached championship basketball and football teams, and was personally recognized with his own key to the city and the dedication of Robert Matheny Day, 27 February 1982, for his efforts with the Youth Organization. Bob was also recognized and honored with a citation from the Virginia Beach JC's and Chamber of Commerce. Bob is to be recognized with an article in their national publication for his leadership and guidance to area youth organizations.
Survivors include parents and family of Bolivar, New York, and too many friends to possibly mention. Bob's spirit for life and concern for the development of the student-athlete will be continued with the Lt. Robert Matheny Student-Athlete Scholarship Fund for Bolivar Central High School Students.
To Honor! ⚓
https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ROBERT_N._MATHENY,_LT,_USN