THOMAS R. DELUCA, ENS, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

ENS Thomas Deluca, USN '83 was lost on November 14, 1984 when the training aircraft he was piloting crashed about nine miles north of Chase Field, Texas. He was a student in Training Squadron (VT) 26.

A standout high school basketball player in West Islip, New York — he averaged 18 points per game his senior year — Thomas eventually made the varsity team at the Naval Academy. As a student naval aviator, he stood number one in his class at the time of his death.

He was survived by his parents, a sister, and two brothers.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/THOMAS_R._DELUCA,_ENS,_USN

BRIAN T. GAHN, ENS, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

ENS Brian Gahn, USN '83 was lost on January 11, 1985 when the T-2C training plane he was aboard crashed near Freer, Texas. His instructor pilot was also killed; they were members of Training Squadron (VT) 26.

A native of Mamou, Louisiana, he was named best all around track and field man and also played football (tight end) and baseball. He was a member of Beta Club and the band. In April 1977 he pole vaulted 11-0’. He received a University of Southwestern Louisiana Academic Scholarship. He attended in the fall of 1977 and earned a 4.0 that semester in the School of Engineering. His next three semesters, he was on the Dean’s list.

His Lucky Bag entry noted: "Brian reported to USNA as our resident cajun having already spent two years at school back in Louisiana. This proved to be his key to success since he was never bothered with trivialities like studying. Instead, he was always available to help out a classmate with any problem, and few ever left his room without receiving his genuine support."

Brian was the eldest son and third child of seven children. He was survived by five of those siblings and his parents.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/BRIAN_T._GAHN,_ENS,_USN

MICHAEL P. THOMPSON, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Michael Thompson, USN '83 was lost on October 22, 1986 when the T-2B training aircraft he was aboard collided with another over Florida. The other pilot and the two students survived without injury. He was an instructor pilot assigned to the VT-10 Cosmic Cats.

Michael was a native of Quincy, Illinois. A friend and instructor from VT-10 remembered: "He was kind, and a great instructor. He really enjoyed flying & was looking forward to his orders to the fleet. The sky was colder & grayer after he was gone."

He was survived by his parents, two brothers, two sisters, a grandmother, and several nieces and nephews.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MICHAEL_P._THOMPSON,_LT,_USN

ROBERT T. BIANCHI, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Robert Bianchi, USN '83 was lost on March 23, 1987 when the HH-46 helicopter he was piloting crashed near the Bucao River, Philippines, approximately 30 miles north of Naval Air Station Subic Bay. He was assigned to the hospital ship USNS Mercy.

In the Lucky Bag: "Biancs has the uncanny talent of talking his way out of - or into - anything that might come up. It’s a good thing too, because he had to use his talent a lot. The man with the silver tongue could often be found talking his way out of trouble at school and into trouble with girls off campus. … Bobby must have known he was going to be elected lax captain as a senior because he started his three striper libs second semester- sophomore year. This 3 year starter was very quick with his stick, hence the name quickdraw. Laid back off the field, but intense on the field, Bert was a great leader by example."

Robert was survived by his parents and two brothers. One of those brothers, CDR Kevin Bianchi '85, was also killed in a helicopter crash.

The Lt. Robert T. Bianchi Award is awarded to the Most Valuable Player on the Naval Academy lacrosse team.

He is buried in New Jersey.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ROBERT_T._BIANCHI,_LT,_USN

SCOTT R. HIESTER, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

CAPT Scott Hiester, USMC '83 was lost on September 3, 1987 when the CH-46E Sea Knight he was co-piloting crashed aboard Camp Pendleton, California, during a night training exercise. Three others aboard were also killed.

From the eulogy prepared for his funeral:

When we lost Scott Hiester last Thursday, we lost a man with so many varied strengths and interests, his loss affects and touches us that much more. First and foremost, he was a Christ-centered man. He was the initiator of the local Officers Christian Fellowship here in the Tustin/El Toro area, a fellowship that he carried over from his days as a midshipman at the U. S. Naval Academy. Of course, he was an influential member of his church community, but more importantly, he was a living example of God's tireless servant to all who knew him.

One of Scott's great loves was music, and his tastes were quite eclectic. At training exercises in Yuma and 29 Palms, he would bring his tape player and pop in an Amy Grant tape, followed by a Gordon Lightfoot one, and then he would write a letter to Cathy while listening to Tchaikovsky. We all remember him stomping up and down at Bridgeport and the Stumps, blowing into his bagpipes and causing noise complaints from neighboring Marines.

He loved to sing, work with leather, eat Cathy's home cooked sweets, and his newest interest was his computer. Much to Cathy's dismay, Scott invested in a home computer, and though he told Cathy it was "their" computer, Cathy knew it was his new toy.

Scott was a committed officer and husband. He put 100% of his energies to accomplish the assigned task. He knew the commitments and demands the Marine Corps asked of him, and he died knowing those commitments. He loved flying, he loved his job, he loved life.

Scott kept a spiritual journal, which Cathy has graciously permitted the reading of one of his passages. He commented on one scripture verse, which I would like to read:

2 Timothy 4:6-8: The time of my dissolution is near. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. From now on a merited crown awaits me; on that Day the Lord, just judge that he is, will award it to me - and not only to me, but to all who have looked for his appearing with eager longing.

Scott's comment reads as follows: "Paul, in 2 Timothy 4:6-8 tells of his readiness to see the Lord, to be with God. The idea is not only to be ready for the Lord at death but during your whole life remain in fellowship, meditating on his promises, and putting Christ first."

We will miss you, Scooter.

Scott was survived by his wife, Cathy; his parents; and his brother.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/SCOTT_R._HIESTER,_CAPT,_USMC

MARK C. SAGERHOLM, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

1LT Mark Sagerholm, USMC '83 was lost on December 30, 1987 when the OV-10 Bronco he was aboard crashed during a training exercise about 30 miles east of Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms, California. The pilot was also killed; they were members of Marine Observation Squadron (VMO) 2.

A native of Rectortown, Virginia, Mark attended NAPS prior to the Naval Academy. His Lucky Bag biography reads, in part: "But who can blame the Swedish prince. Many times women were simply drawn to his magnetism. Indeed, the tester made his mark on the social scene in Annapolis. A weekend venture to Marymount college finally served to tame the prince for the remainder of his reign at the Academy, the Swedish prince found his princess. After graduation, Mark won't be as free to undertake his favorite pastimes such as surfing, sleeping, and looking in the mirror."

Mark was survived by his son, now-Major Dane Sagerholm, USMC (USNA '08), his parents VADM James (USNA '52) & Mrs. Margaret Sagerholm, and three sisters.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MARK_C._SAGERHOLM,_CAPT,_USMC

JAMES M. DEE, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Lieutenant Commander Jim "Jambo" Dee, USN '83 was lost on February 24, 1996 when the EA-6B Prowler aircraft he was aboard crashed during a routine flight from USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63). Another of the crew was killed; two survived. They were members of Electronic Attack Squadron (VAQ) 135.

From his obituary:

Following his 1978 graduation from Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx, he began work on an engineering degree at Manhattan College in New York. He was accepted into the United States Naval Academy and received his commission in May 1983. Following graduation he reported to Naval Flight School, Pensacola, FL. He earned his "Wings of Gold" and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in August 1984.

Upon completion of EA-6B training with VAQ- 129, Lieutenant Commander Dee was assigned to VAQ-140. While in VAQ-140 he made two deployments to the Mediterranean Sea aboard JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) and EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Following his tour with the "Patriots," Lieutenant Commander Dee was selected for Naval Test Pilot School, Patuxent River, MD and reported in January 1989. After completion he reported to Systems Engineering Test Directorate, Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River as EA-6B project officer. His work there included EA-6B/HARM Block 3 Integration, testing of the USQ-113 Radio Countermeasures Set and the Tactical EA-6B Mission Planning Systems. Lieutenant Commander Dee was then assigned to the staff of Commander in Chief, United States European Command, Vaihingen, Germany as Staff Communications Officer, from July 1992 until July 1994. In Germany he was responsible for the restructuring of the Defense Communications System in Europe and he coordinated the initial visits of the military-to-military contact team with the former Warsaw Pact countries. Lieutenant Commander Dee returned from Europe and was again assigned to VAQ-129 until January 1995 when he reported to VAQ-135 as Electronic Warfare Officer and then Operations Officer. He deployed with the "Black Ravens" aboard ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) to the Indian Ocean and Arabian Gulf in support of "Operation Southern Watch" and served with KITTY HAWK (CV-63) in preparation for her 1996 deployment.

Lieutenant Commander Dee logged over 1900 flight hours in 25 different airframes and accumulated 440 carrier landings. His awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal (First and Second Strike/Flight), the Navy Commendation Medal (gold star in lieu of second award), the Navy Achievement Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation, the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, the National Defense Service Medal, the Southwest Asia Defense Service Medal (with bronze star), the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (with 2 bronze stars), and the Navy/Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (with bronze star). He was also awarded the Eaton System Excellence Award ("Prowler Award") in 1987.

Lieutenant Commander Dee holds a Master of Science in Aviation Systems from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Science from the United States Naval Academy.

Lieutenant Commander Dee is survived by his wife Cynthia; his mother Maria Dee of Marblehead, MA; his sisters Katherine Updegrove, also of Marblehead, and Laura Dee of New York City; his brother Commander Thomas Dee; and several nieces and nephews.

Lieutenant Commander James "Jambo" Dee was an inspiration to all who had the privilege of serving with him. Jambo's sense of humor, absolute dedication to the service of his country, and his passion for carrier aviation will forever be remembered by his squadronmates, friends and family.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JAMES_M._DEE,_LCDR,_USN

JOSEPH F. KING, JR., LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR Joseph King, Jr., USN '83 was lost on March 13, 1997 when the HH-60H Seahawk helicopter he was piloting crashed into the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of North Carolina. Three others aboard were also killed; they were members of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 3, operating from USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67).

From the July/August 1997 issue of Shipmate:

Joe, a Navy junior, was raised in Hampton, VA and entered the Naval Academy with the Class of 1983. He was awarded his Wings of Gold in February 1985. In June of that year he married Bonnie Frank of Ellicott City, MD. Joe's initial assignment was in HS-15 where he made two Mediterranean deployments. Following a tour as an instructor pilot with HS-1, Joe returned to sea duty in HS-11 where he participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After a Washington tour on the staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower and Personnel), LCDR King transitioned to the H-60 Seahawk at HS-1. He then reported the HS-3 Tridents in October 1995, and was the Operations Officer of the squadron at the time of his death.

LCDR King's awards included the Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy Achievement Medal (3), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation and other service medals.

Joe completed the Naval Academy with a perfect record in conduct to the amazement of his Classmates and family. He loved flying and he loved being in the Navy. He had zest for life and he brought that enthusiasm to every assignment. His positive attitude as well as his sense of mischief and humor were infectious. His Classmates from 25th Company will always have fond memories of Joe. It was an honor and a joy to be a part of his Iife.

Of all his accomplishments, Joe especially took pride in his role as a husband and father. More than anything, he loved his family. He was the beloved husband of Bonnie, devoted father of five daughters, Brittany, Courtney, Chelsea, Sydney and Mallory; cherished son of Joe and Niki King (Class of 1959); and treasured brother of Kelly (Class of 1984), Stephen, Elizabeth, and Kathryn. He is also survived by a host of other family and friends.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOSEPH_F._KING,_JR.,_LCDR,_USN