★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★
Lt. Cmdr. Stuart Powrie '70, USN was lost on February 22, 1982 when his A-4F Skyhawk stalled and then crashed during Blue Angels practice near Naval Air Facility El Centro, California. He was piloting aircraft #5.
From the Class of 1970's 40th Reunion Book:
Stu was born in Miami, Oklahoma, and raised in Akron, Ohio, where he attended Firestone High School before appointment to USNA. Stu was a competitive swimmer throughout high school and Academy days, and set two USNA records in the breaststroke.
Stu was designated a Naval Aviator in April 1972. Upon completion of training in the F-4 Phantom, he reported to Fighter Squadron 161, which deployed to the Western Pacific for two years aboard the aircraft carrier USS MIDWAY (CV 41). He served as the Squadron Landing Signal Officer and Quality Assurance Officer during his tour with the “Rock Rivers.” Stu entered the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey in 1975, where received a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Stu was then assigned to the Pacific Missile Test Center at Pt. Mugu, California. While at PMTC, he served as a Project Officer in the Flight Test Division, Flying the F-4, F-14, and T-39 aircraft. Stu then deployed in November 1979 aboard the aircraft carrier USS CORAL SEA (CV 43) to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean. Stu was assigned to the Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the “Blue Angels” in October 1980, after accumulating more than 2000 flight hours and 320 carrier landings. As their lead solo pilot, his flying was seen by over 10 million people throughout the United States and Canada as he performed the thrilling Blue Angels maneuvers during their 1981 season. He also personally comforted and gave hope to many people who were ill and handicapped as he visited countless hospitals.
He was survived by his wife, son, daughter, and mother.
To Honor! ⚓
https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/STUART_R._POWRIE,_LCDR,_USN