WILLIAM C. MCCOOL, CDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

CDR William McCool, USN '83 was lost on February 1, 2003 when Space Shuttle Columbia was destroyed above Texas during reentry. He was the orbiter's pilot.

From the Lucky Bag:

Hailing from the wide open spaces of Texas, Willie came to prove that even Texas could produce a man ready to accept the challenge "morally, mentally, and physically." Mentally and physically Willie had no problems at all. A natural athlete, Willie excelled at every sport. His first love, running, however, dominated his time. Participating in cross country and both indoor and outdoor track we didn't know if he was dedicated or just plain crazy. When got bored as a 4.0 Aero major, Willie decided to pick something he really liked: computers. He's the only one we know who bought a wrist watch specifically because it had space invaders on it. He’s done so well here that he's planning on getting his masters degree in computers before going to flight school. Though it sounds as if Willie was busy all the time, he still had enough spare time to teach himself to play the guitar and to speak French. (This really irritates G.P. and T.K. the other members of the urraah lounge.) He was in bed by 10:30 every night because he needed "at least 8 hrs. a night."

William received the masters mentioned above from the University of Maryland in 1985, and another in aeronautical engineering from the US Naval Postgraduate School in 1992.

From his Wikipedia entry:

McCool completed flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in August 1986. He was assigned to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 129 (VAQ-129) at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, for initial EA-6B Prowler training. His first operational tour was with Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 133 (VAQ-133), where he made two deployments aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and received designation as a wing-qualified Landing Signal Officer (LSO). In November 1989, he was selected for the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School/Test Pilot School (TPS) Cooperative Education Program.

After graduating from TPS in June 1992, he worked as a TA-4J and EA-6B test pilot in Flight Systems Department of Strike Aircraft Test Directorate at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland. He was responsible for the management and conduct of a wide variety of projects, ranging from airframe fatigue life studies to numerous avionics upgrades. His primary efforts, however, were dedicated to flight test of the Advanced Capability (ADVCAP) EA-6B. Following his Patuxent River tour, McCool returned to Whidbey Island, and was assigned to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 (VAQ-132) aboard the carrier USS Enterprise. He served as Administrative and Operations Officer with the squadron through their work-up cycle, receiving notice of his NASA selection while embarked on Enterprise for her final pre-deployment at sea period.

McCool accumulated over 2,800 hours flight experience in 24 aircraft and over 400 carrier arrestments.

An incredibly powerful article, "16 Minutes From Home," is available on his VMH page.

William was survived by his wife, Lani, their three sons, and his parents.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/WILLIAM_C._MCCOOL,_CDR,_USN

MICHAEL D. MUELLER, 1LT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

1LT Michael Mueller, USMC '84 was lost on May 20, 1987 when the F/A-18B Hornet he was aboard crashed in the mountains in central California. He was a naval flight officer with Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125; the crash site wasn't found for over a year.

From the 1984 Lucky Bag:

Mike majored in sleep, minored in Oceanography and managed to do well in both. A prime candidate for a fixture in the Midshipman sample room, Mikey has been the "model mid" in everything he's done. He took max grief for being in D&B plebe year ("Dad-gum guys, I could be Commander someday!"), jumped out of perfectly good airplanes second class summer ("Shucks fellas, there's nothing like it!") and continued to lead as a company commander first class year. He'll be most remembered in FUN-ONE for his drilling expertise ("Column left-Halt"), his eating habits (peanut butter sausage with mayo and catsup on rye, hold the pickles), and his concern for others.

From the June 1988 issue of Shipmate:

Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, he grew up in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, attended public schools there, including College High School, and won an appointment to the Naval Academy from Oklahoma. He had attended Bartlesville Wesleyan College for a year before entering the Naval Academy with the Class of 1984. In Bartlesville he played baseball from second grade through college at Wesleyan. He was also a member of the school band, becoming drum major; at the Naval Academy, he was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps.

Graduating in the top fifth of his Class, he accepted a commission in the Marine Corps and attended Basic School at Quantico, Virginia, from which he finished second in a class of 900. He served six months at Headquarters, Marine Corps, and then reported to flight school at Pensacola, earning his wings in March 1987. He was subsequently assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron 125 for training in the FA-18 Hornet.

Mike was survived by his parents.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MICHAEL_D._MUELLER,_1LT,_USMC

JAMES F. LAZEVNICK, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg James Lazevnick, USN '84 was lost on July 30, 1987 when the SH-3 Sea King helicopter he was co-piloting crashed while attempting to land aboard USS La Salle (AGF 3) in the Persian Gulf. He was a member of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron (HC) 2; three other men aboard the helicopter were also killed.

From the December 1987 issue of Shipmate:

Born in Camden, New Jersey, he grew up in Paulsboro, attending St. John's Church and parish school, and Paulsboro High School. He participated in football, basketball and track, and reported high school scores to the local newspaper. He was a member of the student government association and the National Honor Society. He was his high school's homecoming chairman during his senior year. He submitted poems to his school's literary magazine and also worked part-time at the local K-mart store.

Appointed to the Naval Academy from New Jersey, he graduated in the top third of the Class of 1984. He married the former Linda Parker of Waldorf, Maryland, and served two years at the Academy as an instructor before undergoing flight training in Pensacola, Florida, which he completed in March 1986.

He was first assigned to Helicopter Support Squadron One in Pensacola and joined Helicopter Support Squadron Two at NAS Norfolk last March.

He deployed to the Persian Gulf in April and the next month helped rescue crewmen from the ill-fated USS STARK.

He is survived by his widow, Linda; his parents, John J. and Elizabeth of Paulsboro; two brothers, John B. of Salisbury, N.C. and Joseph P. of Paulsboro; and a sister, Mary Beth of Clementon, N.J.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php?title=JAMES_F._LAZEVNICK,_LTJG,_USN&action=edit

BRIAN C. HAWLEY, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Brian Hawley, USN '84 was lost lost on April 14, 1988 when the A-6E Intruder he was aboard crashed about 25 miles south of Chehalis, in southwestern Washington. The pilot was also killed; they were members of Attack Squadron (VA) 145, based at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington.

A native of South Lake Tahoe, California, Brian majored in aerospace engineering at the academy. Upon graduation he completed flight training and became a Naval Flight Officer. He is remembered as a "laid-back Californian skibum."

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/BRIAN_C._HAWLEY,_LT,_USN

MARK A. PRUSINSKI, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Mark Prusinski, USN '84 was lost on March 28, 1990 when the aircraft he was piloting crashed near the Naval Weapons Center China Lake, California.

Mark was born in Tarrytown, New York but came to the academy from Litchfield, Minnesota. At the Naval Academy he studied aerospace engineering and was a member of the Glee Club. After graduation he became a Naval Aviator, piloting the A-6E Intruder with Attack Squadron (VA) 196. He twice deployed with this squadron to the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

He had been assigned to the weapons station since August 1989.

Survivors include his wife Michelle, mother Joanne, brother Norman, sisters Linda Sroufe and Donna Sershen, and his grandmother Mary Segretta.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MARK_A._PRUSINSKI,_LT,_USN

DANIEL J. ADAMS, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

CAPT Daniel Adams, USMC '84 was lost on October 16, 1991 when the UH-1 Huey helicopter he was aboard crashed near the Dalton Sea, California. The three other Marines aboard were also killed; they were members of Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron (HMLA) 169 stationed at Camp Pendelton, California.

A native of Brick, New Jersey, Daniel attended the Naval Academy Preparatory School for a year prior to entering the Naval Academy. He majored in Ocean Engineering.

Daniel was survived by his wife Susan, a daughter, his parents, a brother and three sisters. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DANIEL_J._ADAMS,_CAPT,_USMC

RICHARD M. MCBRIDE, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Richard McBride, USN '84 was lost on January 14, 1992 when the aircraft he was aboard collided with another aircraft and crashed near Corpus Christi, Texas. He was an instructor pilot with Training Squadron (VT) 27.

From the September 1992 issue of "Shipmate":

Born in Houston, Tx., Rich was the son of astronaut Capt. John McBride USN (Ret.) and Brenda (Mrs. John) Edinburgh. He graduated from Clear Creek High School, lettering in football and baseball and setting several standing school athletic records.

At the Academy, Rich was honored to represent his alma mater at West Point in 1982. After graduation, he was a research assistant at NASA in Houston and then entered the Naval Aviation pipeline, earning his wings and assignment in the LAMPS community.

Rich is survived by his wife Lynn; children Megan A. and Richard M., II, who was born 6 April 1992; his parents, a brother Jon; a sister, Melissa Hunt; and his grandparents.

Richard's page on Virtual Memorial Hall includes a long and loving tribute to him from his sister-in-law, whom he never met.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/RICHARD_M._MCBRIDE,_LT,_USN

JOHN S. BATES, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR John Bates, USN '84 was lost on January 29, 1996 when the F-14 Tomcat he was piloting crashed into a house near Nashville, Tennessee. His radar intercept officer was also killed, as were three people on the ground.

From the April 1996 issue of "Shipmate:"

Stacy was born on 20 July 1962 to Les and Peggy Bates in Nashville, Tennessee. He spent most of his childhood growing up in Valdosta, Georgia, before moving to Chattanooga in 1977. He graduated from Tyner High School in 1980, where he was a star athlete, and was appointed to the Naval Academy with the Class of 1984. A member of the 15th company, he played baseball, lightweight football and several intramural sports while at the Academy.

After graduation Stacy proceeded to NAS Pensacola to commence Naval Flight Officer training. He earned his NFO wings in October 1985 and began his training as a Radar Intercept Officer in the F-14 Tomcat at NAS Miramar.

Upon completion of the RAG, Stacy reported to the "Aardvarks" of VF-114. After a 3 year tour with VF-114 he was selected for the pilot transition program and underwent training at NAS Whiting Field and NAS Meridian. He earned his pilot wings in August 1991 and once again returned to the F-14 RAG at Miramar.

Stacy then reported to the "Black Lions" of VF- 213 in October 1992. While assigned to VF-213, he was selected to attend the prestigious Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). He additionally completed his second and third deployments to the Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf, participating in Operation Southern Watch, where he flew combat missions over Iraq.

Stacy's personal awards include the Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal and numerous campaign ribbons.

Sadly Stacy leaves behind his loving wife Christina and beautiful 12 week old daughter Savannah. He had many great achievements in his life, but none made him prouder than his marriage and the birth of his daughter.

Stacy, affectionately known as "Sprout", will always be remembered by his friends and classmates for his deep concern for and unwavering dedication to his fellow man and his country. His southern charm enabled him to quickly make friends everywhere he went and he truly touched the lives of those he met. He was an exceptional husband, father, son, friend and shipmate. He will be deeply missed by us all.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_S._BATES,_LCDR,_USN

MARK A. EHLERS, LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR Mark Ehlers, USN '84 was lost on February 4, 1997 when the S-3 Viking aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. Three other crewmen were also lost; they were members of member of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 22 and operating from USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

From the April 1997 issue of Shipmate:

Mark was native of Yucaipa, CA and entered the Naval Academy on 8 July 1980 with the Class of 1984. While at the Naval Academy he starred on the nationally ranked rugby team and earned a degree in oceanography. Following graduation, Mark reported to NAS Pensacola where he achieved his Wings of Gold and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in May 1986. It was in Pensacola that Mark met and married his partner in life the former Susan Imhof. Mark was qualified as a Tactical Coordinator in the S-3 in VS-41 in San Diego in 1987 and reported to VS-28 in Jacksonville, FL. With the Gamblers of VS-28, "Eels" made two deployments onboard FORESTAL. He was then assigned to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA where he earned an MS in operations analysis. Mark then reported back to Cecil Field where he made one deployment with VS-31 aboard GEORGE WASHINGTON and finally to VS-22 where he was serving as the squadron Administrative Officer.

Mark brought everything he did an energy and a love of life that was unsurpassed. There was nothing false or hidden about Mark Ehlers. It was these qualities that bonded him to everyone he came in contact with. Whenever Mark moved on, he left behind a cadre of best friends. By his example he has permanently changed the lives of those who knew him. His unquenchable desire to always do just a little more or a little better was contagious and will be his legacy. Many people talk of making a difference; Mark made a difference. He not only made this world a better place, but he provided promise for our future with the time, love and guidance he gave our children. Whether it was coaching softball, teaching his own kids or lovingly holding a friends child in his arms, Mark was an inspirational role model.

Mark is survived by his loving wife Sue; his three children: Katie, Ryan and Elizabeth; his parents: Mell and Sally Ehlers of Banning, CA; his brother and sister-in-law: Kurt and Helen Ehlers of Rio de Janeiro; and countless best friends.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MARK_A._EHLERS,_LCDR,_USN

PETER G. OSWALD, CDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

CDR Peter Oswald, USN '84 was lost on August 27, 2002 during a "fast rope" exercise from an Army helicopter in El Salvador. He was a SEAL and commanding officer of Naval Special Warfare Unit FOUR based at Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico.

He grew up in Bellingham, graduating from Sehome High School. A star student and athlete, he played football for the Naval Academy, and was a center on the NCAA, Division 1A All East Football team in 1983. He graduated in 1984 with a degree in ocean engineering. In 1988, he graduated from Basic Underwater Demolition School to become a SEAL.

His classmate remembers: "Pete was a quiet gentleman or even a modern-day Renaissance Man off of the [football] field. On the field, he was a skilled technician. He was always prepared. He embraced a life that we all idolize: top physical condition, genius-level IQ, tenacious competitor, humble victor, dependable friend, loving husband and completely-captured father of three beautiful little girls. You can take any one segment of his life and reflect on ways to emulate and improve your own. He was truly special."

Pete was survived by his wife, Jennifer, and three daughters, Sarah, Alicia and Margaret; his parents, Harold and Dorothy; and brothers, Stephen and Michael.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/PETER_G._OSWALD,_CDR,_USN