★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★
Lt. Cmdr. Gerald Jenkins '69, USN was lost on March 16, 1981 in some kind of incident aboard USS America (CVA 66). He was a member of Air Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 33, but it does not appear it was the result of an aircraft crash.
From the 1969 Lucky Bag:
Jenks opted for Canoe U. straight from high school fighting off offers from the other Academies and many universities. Quickly establishing a reputation as the best crammer in Mother B, he managed to maintain himself on Supt’s List by studying only on odd-numbered alternate Tuesday, leaving his remaining time to concentrate on more important things, such as sleep, company sports and girls. A believer in leadership by example, Wondy was always distinguished by his healthy appearance and his expertly kept hair. With his keen mind, professional motivation and cheerful helpfulness, Jerry will be a resounding success in whatever field he chooses to follow.
Following graduation, he attended flight training and was qualified as a naval aviator in 1971; he simultaneously completed postgraduate school at the University of West Florida. He was initially assigned to a training squadron in 1973, then received training in the then-new S-3 Viking. After an operational tour he served as an aide to Commander Naval Air Test Center and then at the Naval War College. He had been at VS-33 since March 1980, where he was the squadron's maintenance officer.
Gerald was survived by his wife, daughter, parents, sister, and two brothers.
To Honor! ⚓
https://v2.usnamemorialhall.org/honorees/lcdr-gerald-w-jenkins-usn/