LEO S. ROLEK, JR., LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Lt. Leo Rolek, Jr. '70, USN died on June 28, 1975 of injuries sustained from the June 4th, 1975 crash of the SH-3D SeaKing he was piloting. It crashed into the Pacific Ocean during a training flight; the entire crew was rescued.

From the Class of 1970 40th Reunion Book:

As a stellar student in high school, the discipline, quality education, and life opportunities of the Navy drew Lee to USNA from Chicago. At the Academy, Lee excelled as a student and as an athlete and relished the close friendships he made. He loved fieldball and lacrosse. His roommates fondly remember Lee noisily and incessantly searching for the perfect Aero pencil in his desk drawer – but all was forgiven as he pulled them through Wires and Thermo. As a roommate and a friend he was a special person, never to be forgotten.

Lee and his high school sweetheart, Marilyn, were married in Chicago and went directly to the Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, where Lee earned a Master's degree in Aeronautical Engineering in June, 1971. It was then off to Pensacola where Lee earned his wings as a helicopter pilot in 1972. They returned to California and HS-10 for more training and to welcome their daughter Elizabeth, born in March, 1973. After the RAG, Lee joined HS-4 as an anti-submarine warfare pilot deploying to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean.

In June 1975, Lee was conducting training in Helo 66, the aircraft used to recover Astronauts of five Apollo missions, when it was involved in an accident off the coast of San Diego. Lee was able to control the Helo so that all four crew members survived, but he suffered injuries that ended his life. Lee truly appreciated the opportunities the Naval Academy afforded him and with a humorous good spirit enjoyed the challenges of his career choice. He relished the friendships he made and spent his short life doing exactly what he loved.

Leeʼs greatest joy was his family. Nothing made him happier than a day at Disneyland with two-year-old Beth. Beth is now an Assistant Professor of cardiovascular sonography at the Kettering College of Medical Arts in Kettering, Ohio. Marilyn married Lee's squadron mate and classmate, Tom Fowler, and they had two more children, Carol and Rob. Tom and Marilyn have four grandchildren.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/LEO_S._ROLEK,_JR.,_LT,_USN

CHARLES P. JACKSON, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Lt. Charles Jackson '70, USN died on April 11, 1976 of injuries sustained following ejection from his aircraft on April 7th while off the coast of Florida.

From the Class of 1970 40th Reunion Book:

I met Pat sophomore year when he transferred from Abilene, Texas. He was tall, lanky, wore cowboy boots and a huge belt buckle!! Who could resist his determination and infectious sense of humor? Pat always wanted USNA. That was all he talked about. We were friends all through high school. When he visited me on his way to Plebe Summer we realized that we liked each other A LOT more than just friends.

After a four-year, long-distance relationship, graduation and marriage couldn’t come quickly enough. After Pat received his wings in Kingsville, Texas, we were “stashed” at NAS Oceana. The best of VF-43 was the “heart” of the squadron. Our son, Patrick Andrew Jackson, was born a little early and the whole squadron focused on getting Pat home from TDY in time for his birth at Portsmouth Naval Hospital. No dad could have been more proud of a son. Andy proved the genetic link was very strong when he chose to become an Air Force pilot.

After VR-43, Pat still longed to fly the F-4. He got his chance when he was ordered to VF11, The Red Rippers. Pat always dreamed of being a Blue Angel or a test pilot. We won’t ever really know if those hopes would have been realized because his plane crash-landed on the carrier during his “work ups” for the Rippers’ next deployment. And even though he never regained consciousness, I know that he never regretted his choice to fly Navy Air; it was what he was meant to do. His favorite saying for being shot off the carrier was “It’s the most fun I’ve ever had with my clothes on” and for hooking the wire to land, “… a piece of cake ... IF you're smooth.”

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CHARLES_P._JACKSON,_LT,_USN

TIMOTHY R. COCOZZA, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Lt. Timothy Cocozza '70, USN was lost on May 15, 1976 when the aircraft he was piloting crashed during a cross-country training flight. He was an instructor with Training Squadron (VT) 2; the student pilot was also killed.

From the Class of 1970 40th Reunion Book:

Tim attended Naval Academy Prep School prior to USNA. His dream was to become a Naval aviator. Following graduation, Tim was assigned temporary duty at the Naval Air Development Center in Warminster, PA. Tim married his high school sweetheart, Mary Ellen Hewitt, known to their friends as Mime.

Tim attended flight school in 1971. Tim and Mime’s house was usually the social center for the Class of 1970 in Pensacola. Tim went multi-engine in flight school. After getting his wings, he was assigned to the Naval Research Laboratory flying the S-2 from Andrews AFB as a host platform for technology tests. Tim was then assigned as a flight instructor and standardization officer for VT-2 in Pensacola. Tim had orders to transition to an S-3 squadron in San Diego, California and was finally going to achieve his goal of flying carrier-based jet aircraft.

Tim was one of seven children and wanted to see his extended family before leaving for San Diego. On May 15, 1976, while on a cross-country training flight from Pensacola to Atlantic City with an Iranian student onboard, he encountered severe weather and clear air turbulence near Fort Gordon, Georgia. The aircraft broke apart and Tim and his student died in the crash. There was a celebration of his life in the Whiting Field Chapel. His ashes were later released into the Gulf of Mexico off Pensacola Beach, the site of many happy times. Tim and Mime had two sons, Timmy and TJ. TJ passed away nineteen months after Tim from a very rare genetic disease called Seidelberger’s syndrome. Mime later married William “Biff” Waltman, USNA Class of 1972. They returned to the Philadelphia area where they continue to live. Their daughter, Erin, and son, Timmy, are both married. They have two beautiful grandsons, Bryce and Blake.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/TIMOTHY_R._COCOZZA,_LT,_USN

CHARLES D. POTTER, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Lt. Charles Potter '70, USN was lost on December 23, 1976 when the RF-8G Crusader he was piloting crashed into Burnt Peak, California. He was 28 years old and a member of Light Photographic Squadron (VFP) 63‏‎.

"Chuck" was a native of Los Angeles, California, where in high school he played baseball and golf. At the Academy he was a member of the Scuba Club and the Public Relations Club, played squash, and quarterbacked the lightweight football team. He graduated with a degree in naval architecture.

Check was survived by his wife, four-month-old son, and his parents.

To Honor! ⚓

(The Alumni Association has lost contact with the family. If you know how to contact them please email memorial@runtohonor.com.)

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CHARLES_D._POTTER,_LT,_USN

RICHARD A. CREIGHTON, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Lt. Richard Creighton '70, USN was lost on June 24, 1977 when the helicopter he was co-piloting crashed at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

From his widow, Carol, in the Class of 1970's 40th Reunion Book:

Following graduation Rick went to Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, in the Master’s program in electrical engineering. In February 1971, Rick and I were married and moved to Pacific Grove. In the summer of 1971, Rick began flight school, receiving his wings in 1972. His first assignment was to HSL-33, Naval Air Station Imperial Beach, California. In 1975 Rick went to Patuxent River NAS to VX-1. In April 1977 Rick and I joyfully welcomed our son, Benjamin Vance Creighton, into the world and in June we lost Rick in a helicopter accident.

Ben, like his father, graduated from Wilson High School in Long Beach as both a scholar and athlete. Ben attended Yale University and graduated with both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in political science in 1999. … Although Rick and Ben had only two months of life together, there are expressions, nuances, and a grace that they strongly share. I know that Rick would be as proud as I am of the man who is our son.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/RICHARD_A._CREIGHTON,_LT,_USN

PATRICK W. O'NEIL, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Lt. Patrick O'Neil '70, USN was lost on June 13, 1978 when the plane he was aboard crashed while approaching Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. Lt. Cmdr. Clinton Farmer '66 was also killed.

From the Class of 1970's 40th Reunion Book:

Pat arrived at the Naval Academy from Alexandria, Virginia, son of Rear Admiral Warren O’Neil (USNA ’45) and younger brother of Mike (USNA ’68). He flourished at the Academy and quickly became a leader among his classmates, earning respect and admiration for the quality of his character, his intelligence, and athletic prowess. The last of which earned him the nickname, “Scooter,” for the way he moved about the field during competition. He was the company representative to the Honor Committee. He knew he was going to be a Naval Aviator and he wanted to fly the F-4 Phantom jet. He displayed a model of the supersonic jet, given to him by his father, on his desk.

While at the Academy, he met the love of his life, Linda. They later married and after graduation set out to Pensacola, Florida, on their Navy adventure. He achieved his first goal in 1972, when he was awarded the “Wings of Gold” as a Naval Aviator and subsequently went to the Replacement Air Group at Naval Air Station, Oceana, where Naval Aviators train on the specific aircraft they have been assigned to fly. In Scooter’s case, it was the F-4 Phantom. After the RAG, he deployed with a Carrier Battle Group to the Mediterranean Sea with his Oceana-based F-4 squadron and excelled. His talents were doubly honored when he was selected for Navy Test Pilot School and selected early for Lieutenant Commander.

Pat’s Navy adventure tragically ended on June 13, 1978, at Naval Air Station, Patuxent River, Maryland, when the plane he was flying crashed during landing. He left behind Linda and three young children; the oldest who was eight years old. The Navy lost one of its very best, but his family lost more. Going to the Academy, the bar for character is set high, but seldom comes along a man who was so pure, honest, loyal, and generous. He raised the bar for those who knew him. He was recognized as an exceptional Naval Aviator, but he was most proud of his role as a husband and father. He is missed.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/PATRICK_W._O%27NEIL,_LT,_USN

PAUL L. MELLOTT, JR., LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Lt. Paul Mellott, Jr. '70, USN was lost on May 20, 1979 when his helicopter crashed while en route to the Brunswick (Maine) Naval Air Station from Norfolk, Virginia. The four other men aboard were also killed; they were all members of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 30. Paul was a native of Funkstown, Maryland, where in high school he played football, baseball, and track & field teams. He married his wife on June 7, 1970; he was survived by her, their daughter & son, two sisters, brother, and a paternal grandmother.

To Honor! ⚓

(We and the Alumni Association have lost contact with the family. If you know how to contact them please email memorial@runtohonor.com.)

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/PAUL_L._MELLOTT,_JR.,_LT,_USN

MELVIN H. BROWN, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Lt. Melvin Brown '70, USN was lost on August 23, 1979, when he crashed near Tonopah (Nevada) Test Range airfield. He was piloting a Soviet MiG-17F that belonged to the Air Force's 4477th Test and Evaluation Flight, though he was a member of Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 4.

From the Class of 1970 40th Reunion Book:

Melvin Hugh Brown came to USNA from Roanoke, Virginia. His dad was a 30-year CPO, so Hugh knew what to expect at USNA. He adapted effortlessly, or so it appeared to the rest of us. He always seemed bemused by what was going on around him, even when doing pushups into a pool of sweat. Hugh was a gifted athlete, laconic and kind, irresistible to women (a great dancer), and always gracious.

Before flight school, Hugh went to Eglin AFB, and met Linda, a 19-year old girl even more charming than he. In September 1972, several of us attended his wedding in Virginia. On his second shore duty tour in San Diego, he and Linda were joined by Brady and Brian. Hugh loved being a father – even changed his name tag to “Daddy.”

Hugh was a respected, accomplished pilot. As described by his commanding officer: Hugh Brown was a good pilot without being brash … he was a wonderfully warm man with a great sense of humor. He was a great guy to have on your team because he didn’t care who got the credit.

To Honor! ⚓

(We and the Naval Academy Alumni Association have lost contact with the family. If you know how to find them please email memorial@runtohonor.com.)

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MELVIN_H._BROWN,_LT,_USN

JACK A. FISHER, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Lt. Cmdr. Jack Fisher '70, USN was lost on October 29, 1981 when the EA-6B Prowler he was aboard crashed near Virginia Beach, Virginia. He and the other two crew aboard had just departed Naval Air Station Norfolk on their way to USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67); they were members of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 138 based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

From the April 1982 issue of Shipmate:

Appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of California, LCdr. Fisher was graduated with the Class of 1970 and ordered to instruction as a naval flight officer, receiving his wings in 1971. Naval tours began with VQ-2 Rota, Spain, form August 1971 to August 1974, flying strategic reconnaissance missions as an electronic warfare evaluator, then serving as a geographical area intelligence analyst in West Germany from August 1974 through August 1976.

Later he had training with VAQ-129 at Whidbey Naval Air Station, and from 1976 was a resident of Oak Harbor. He also served with VAQ-133 as electronic warfare officer, making cruises in KENNEDY and FORRESTAL with the Sixth Fleet May of 1977 to November 1979. He was assigned to VAQ-129 as squadron assistant operations officer and later squadron safety officer from November 1979 until July 1981, and then reported to VAQ-138 as administrative officer.

His decorations included the Meritorious Unit Citation, the Navy Unit Commendation, and the Joint Service Commendation.

He is survived by his widow Jane, Oak Harbor, WA; a daughter; his parents and a brother.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JACK_A._FISHER,_LCDR,_USN

STUART R. POWRIE, LCDR, USN

★★★ 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

STEVEN A. HAZELRIGG, CAPT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Capt. Steven Hazelrigg '70, USN was lost on August 15, 1990 when the A-6E Intruder aircraft he was piloting suffered a catastrophic flight control failure and crashed near Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. The other man aboard ejected and survived. Steven was the Chief Test Pilot of the Naval Strike Aircraft Test Squadron. He became a naval aviator in 1972 and was Intruder Pilot of the Year in 1974. He had two operational tours before entering the Navy Test Pilot School in 1978. In 1982 he returned to the fleet; in 1984 he was executive officer of Attack Squadron (VA) 128. He next was executive officer and then commanding officer of Attack Squadron (VA) 145.

He was posthumously promoted to Captain a week after his death.

Steven was survived by his two daughters, his mother, father, and a brother. He is buried in Texas.

To Honor! ⚓

(We and the Naval Academy Alumni Association have lost contact with the family. If you know how to find them please tell us!)

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/STEVEN_A._HAZELRIGG,_CAPT,_USN

JAMES L. SMEE, MAJ, USMC '70

Major James Smee, USMC '70. From the Lucky Bag: "First coming to Annapolis from Tehran, Jim, a defector from an Army family, occasionally called Fort Lupton, Colorado, Fort Monroe, Virginia, or San Francisco, home. After spending Plebe year as an intramural jock, he renounced the dusty fields for the musty corner of Maury Hall that houses the debate team, where he became a member of the first string. As the result of his debating feats, Jim managed to avoid the Naval Academy on weekends, but still managed to remain high in the class. Although his workouts were primarily composed of carrying around two bags of file cards, while leaving the more difficult evidence carrying to his nefarious forensic colleague, the Dwarf, Jim managed to try sailing and squash as well. His military and academic prowess, tied with a truly genuine interest in others, will make him a fine officer."

In the Class of 1970's 40th Reunion Book: "Jim began flight training in April 1971 in Pensacola, after completing The Basic School at Quantico. He received his wings in Kingsville, Texas in October 1972. His first assignment was F-4 squadron VMFA 235 in Kaneohe, Hawaii. He was selected for the Olmsted Scholar Program, class of 1975, and spent two years at the Institut d’Etude Politiques in Grenoble, France. Upon his return, he was deployed for a year to Iwakuni, Japan. After attending Amphibious Warfare School in 1978-9, he spent three years in Beaufort with VMFA 122 and 312, deploying to Iwakuni as the Operations Officer of VMFA 312. In January 1983, he attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk. In August 1983, he was assigned to MAWTS-1 in Yuma, Arizona. At the time of his death in May 1984, he was serving as the Operations Officer of MAWTS-1.

Jim married Susan Garnett in September, 1970, in Ft. Riley, Kansas. They had two daughters, Melissa Kristine Smee Walker and Sarah “Gayle” Smee Minden. Melissa lives in Nashville with her husband Tim, and has three children: James Lawton, Katherine Alexandra, and Margaret Susan. Gayle lives in Denver with her husband, Vaun, and has one child: Zoe Elizabeth. Susan Smee lives in Burke, Virginia. We miss Jim every day."

Jim's family will be joining many others this weekend as we honor their incredible service and sacrifice at the annual Honor Our Fallen Heroes event.

JAMES L. SMEE, MAJ, USMC