ROBERT G. WILSON, JR., 1LT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

1LT Robert Wilson, Jr. '78, USMC was lost on March 4, 1982 when his AV-8 Harrier crashed at Bogue Field, North Carolina, an outlying field about 25 miles from Cherry Point.

From USNA '78:

Appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of Alabama, he was graduated with the Class of 1978 and commissioned in the Marine Corps. After basic flight training at Whiting Field, Florida, he took jet training at the Naval Air Station in Kingsville, Texas, and was designated a Naval Aviator on 9 January 1981. After reporting to the Marine Corps Air Station at Cherry Point, he began training in the AV-8A Harrier aircraft with VMAT-203, and upon completion of this training was assigned to VMA-542, serving with Marine Aircraft Group 32 where he was assigned as the squadron training officer. He was a life member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association.

He is survived by his widow Christina of Huntsville AL; his mother and stepfather; and two brothers.

Robert had been married for less than six weeks when he was killed.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ROBERT_G._WILSON,_JR.,_1LT,_USMC

ALAN W. HAMMOND, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Alan Hammond '78, USN was lost on June 9, 1986 when his SH-60B anti-submarine helicopter crashed soon after takeoff from USS Underwood (FFG 36) during a routine training mission off the coast of Florida. The other pilot was also killed, but one crew member survived by kicking out a window as the helicopter sunk. They were members of Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 35.

Following several fleet deployments, Alan was selected and then graduated from the Naval Test Pilot School. He was survived by his wife, parents, two brothers, and three sisters.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ALAN_W._HAMMOND,_LT,_USN

LEE E. SUTHERLAND, MIDN, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

MIDN Lee Sutherland '78, USN was lost on December 5, 1977 when the two-seat training plane he was aboard crashed near BWI airport. The civilian instructor pilot aboard was also killed. Lee was participating in a Naval Academy program to "flight training aspirants and determine their suitability as Navy pilots".

From his roommate of 3.5 years, Glen Woods '78:

He had the broadest shoulders I have ever seen and was as strong as an ox. He was a wrestler, and you could tell by just looking at him. But he was as gentle as anyone could be. We used to wrestle in our room, and he could have snapped me like twig, but he always only let it go so far. We teamed up often against a couple of '77 guys that would burst into our room during study hour, and we would spill out into the passageways and get it on. So much fun.

He also was smart as anyone. He was an electrical engineer, and he used to get excited when he solved the toughest problems. He really got into it as he enjoyed the challenge.

He took me up to Deep Creek Lake, and we would go waterskiing in very cold water. That was the first time I ever saw anyone ski barefoot! He was good.

Lee was more of a mentor to our plebes than a hard-ass. He certainly obeyed the regs; he was not an over the wall kind of guy, but he embraced life and tried to make the best of every situation. He never met somebody he couldn't befriend. He was kind and generous, but he would have made a great warrior. His brother, Grant '76, was a Naval Aviator and Lee was very excited about going to flight school and flying jets. He would have been a great aviator.

Lee was survived by his parents, brother, and two sisters.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/LEE_E._SUTHERLAND,_MIDN,_USN

STEVEN D. HERNING, ENS, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

ENS Steven Herning '79, USN was lost on November 21, 1979 when his TA-7C Corsair II had an engine failure at low level and crashed during simulated close air support training for troops in the field at Ft. Irwin. He was a temporary member of Air Development Squadron (VX) 5 and a special crew observer on the flight while awaiting naval aviator training.

Steven was from Las Vegas, Nevada, and is buried in Arlington National Cemetery with his father, who was a Colonel in the US Air Force and who predeceased Steve by a year. He was survived by his mother.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/STEVEN_D._HERNING,_ENS,_USN

DEWAYNE G. COUSIN, ENS, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

ENS Dewayne Cousin '79, USN was lost on January 9, 1980 when the TA-4J Skyhawk he was aboard crashed into the Pacific Ocean southwest of San Diego, California. The other officer aboard, LCDR Gaylord Parrett '65, USN, was also killed.

From the Lucky Bag:

Cuz came all the way from OK just to be part of the gang at Hassle Castle. Finding existence here relatively unstimulating he opted for jumping out of anything he could get above 10,000 ft. Upon his arrival at sea level frequently he would find it a “top down day” and roar off in his blue “B,” his only true love. Being one of the “Phi Sci Qper High” crowd, Cuz had plenty of free time to perfect his skateboarding techniques – much of his practice taking place during study hour, when he terrorized plebe mates endlessly (sometimes leaving indelible track marks on their stricken bodies). A “summertime sailor and sunshine patriot” Cuz decided to cut his 1st class cruise to only 12 days (enough is enough!). If Cuz decides he has enough time between babes and brews he might go to Navy Air for grins but the corner room is such a nice spot and Timmy’s so close we might stay here forever. Right Cuz?

Dewayne was a native of Lawton, Oklahoma and was survived by his mother, four brothers, and eight sisters.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DEWAYNE_G._COUSIN,_ENS,_USN

JOHN C. KENNEDY, III, ENS, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

ENS John Kennedy III '79, USN was lost on January 16, 1981 when the T-2C jet trainer aircraft he was piloting crashed in the Gulf of Mexico during carrier qualifications with USS Lexington.

John had enlisted in the Navy in 1972 after graduating high school in Norwalk, California. He served for several years as a communications technician before earning an appointment to the Naval Academy via the preparatory school.

From the Lucky Bag:

John is one of a rare breed of people who a very few will be lucky enough to meet at some time in their lives. His very lifestyle and attitude gives deeper meaning to the word “friend.” Coming to us from duty in Japan and affectionately known to a few as “Skipper John,” he has spent the majority of his sojourn at the Annapolis Health Spa out on the waters with his yachts. Deciding he needed more strenuous activity to pass those increasingly difficult struggles, he has spent his first class year in the ring with the computers. Known for his famous war cry of “I’ll beat that computer someday!,” John has grappled with the digital, analog, and even the hybrid computers. Having managed to complete his four years as a Systems major, John is set to head for Pensacola and one of those glistening silver birds, after the “Great Day.”

John was survived by his parents and sister, Jan. (Jan is a board member of Run To Honor.)

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JOHN_C._KENNEDY,_III,_ENS,_USN

ANTONIO A. ORTEGA, JR., ENS, PN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

ENS Antonio Ortega, Jr. '79, Philippine Navy was lost when the destroyer BRP Datu Kalantiaw (PS-76) of the Philippine Navy grounded during Typhoon Clara on September 21, 1981. He was one of 79 men who lost their lives; only 18 survived.

From the Lucky Bag:

Tony came to USNA from Pila, Philippines not knowing what to expect from his new way of life. Ortz however adapted to Academy life rapidly acquiring the ability to consume large amounts of food and drink. Indoctrination continued for Tony as he learned new and often used phrases from his inquisitive readings of various “educational publications.” Although two of his former roommates have gone civilian line, Tony has never been AC board bait surviving some of the toughest profs USNA has to offer. When the week was over, Ortz would commute to his favorite hideout (other than Guzman’s room), Oxon Hill terrorizing the female population there. Tony has decided not to choose McDonalds for his service selection although he had been considering it. Instead, he will return to his homeland to serve his country in the Philippine Navy. Tony will find success in whatever he chooses to do. We will all miss him.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ANTONIO_A._ORTEGA,_JR.,_ENS,_PN

CAREY A. ARTHUR, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg Carey Arthur '79, USN was lost on November 17, 1981 when his S-3A Viking crashed short of USS Nimitz (CVN 68) approximately 70 miles northwest of Sicily. He was a member of Air Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 24.

From the March 1982 issue of Shipmate:

Carey was a lifelong resident of Wayne, New Jersey. At Wayne Hills High School he was co-captain of the wrestling team and president of the Ecology Club. He was an Eagle Scout and was active in scouting programs wherever he was stationed.

Appointed to the Naval Academy after graduation from high school, Carey was assigned to the 22nd Company. At graduation he was awarded the Frederick L. Sawyer Prize for outstanding achievement in the study of economics. He was active with the sailing team and helped return the Academy's sailboat ALLIANCE across the Atlantic after the Fastnet Races.

Carey was designated a naval flight officer in 1980 and reported for duty with Air Anti- Submarine Squadron 41 at North Island Naval Air Station in San Diego, California. Last August he was assigned to the Air Wing VS-24 at Cecil Field, Jacksonville, Florida, and joined the crew of NIMITZ.

He is survived by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. E. Foster Arthur of Wayne, New Jersey; a brother, Raymond Lawrence Arthur of Wayne; and his maternal grandmother, Evelyn Fleming, of Raleigh, North Carolina. His paternal uncle is Capt. Charles Snowden Arthur USN (Ret.) '38.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CAREY_A._ARTHUR,_LTJG,_USN

ROBERT D. GREER, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Robert Greer '79, USN was lost in a SH-2F helicopter mishap on May 1, 1983 while serving in Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 36. While landing aboard USS Trippe (FF-1075) the right landing gear collapsed, sending the aircraft into the Red Sea.

He was valedictorian of his high school, the Lynchburg Christian Academy in Virginia. He "was president of his senior class and a member of the honor society, soccer team and swim team. He became an Eagle Scout at age 14 and participated in many literary, forensic and science competitions during his high school career."

Robert was survived by his wife Rebecca Lynn, his parents Robert and Betsy, a sister Suzanne Byers, and brothers Andrew and Alan.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/ROBERT_D._GREER,_LT,_USN

MICHAEL E. GALLAGHER, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Michael Gallagher '79, USN, was lost on June 16, 1983 when the P-3 Orion he was aboard crashed on Kauai, Hawaii. All fourteen men aboard were killed; they were members of Patrol Squadron (VP) 1.

From the Lucky Bag:

The night before I-day 1975 Mike had a choice between Georgia Tech and Navy. He flipped a coin and has resided in Bancroft since. He has seen many parts of the world from Midway to Adak but calls Pensacola home. On the pistol range plebe summer he quickly discovered he shot better without his glasses, and shoot he did. He’s been an N-star on the varsity team ever since and it’s rumored he can knock a hair off a tick’s butt at 50 yards. He’s also proven money can buy love. In the fall of segundo year he became the proud owner of a 280-Z and the roads around Annapolis have never been the same. He has set several land speed records and once was even ‘officially’ clocked. His roommates shared his love for weekend rides on windy backroads and proved adequate ramblin’ partners. Mike took physics as his guiding light in preparation for Nuke Power but found out neither was in his future. He’s earned the respect of his classmates and is sure to go far.

From the September 1983 issue of Shipmate:

Appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of Florida, he was a member of a Navy family, his father being a career supply corps officer now retired in Pensacola. As a midshipman, Lt. Gallagher was a member of the Academy varsity pistol team which attained national status during his membership, and upon graduation with the Class of 1979 he was assigned to temporary duty with the Navy Pistol Team to take part in the 1980 Olympic Trials. During his first class year he was the 29th Company commander.

After his assignment for the pistol team qualification, he transferred to the Naval Aviations Schools Command and VT-10, later being ordered to the Naval Air Training Unit at Mather Air Force Base in Sacramento, California, for advanced navigation training.

Upon being awarded his NFO wings in 1981, he joined VP-31 at Moffett Field in California, then was assigned to VP-1 at Barbers Point, Hawaii. While attached to this squadron he qualified as navigator and as an ASW tactical coordinator, completing two deployments and several detachments to the Pacific and Indian Oceans.

He is survived by his widow Gretchen of Pensacola; his parents, Capt. (SC USN Ret.) and Mrs. Eugene M. Gallagher of Pensacola, FL; and two sisters.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MICHAEL_E._GALLAGHER,_LT,_USN

DAVID K. MCCULLOUGH, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT David McCullough '79, USN was lost on September 30, 1983 in a A-6E Intruder performing an instrument training flight over the Black Mountains of Arizona. He was a pilot with Attack Squadron (VA) 34.

From the December 1983 issue of "Shipmate:"

Appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of Georgia, he was a native of Illinois. Upon graduation with the Class of 1979, he eventually took flight training. At the time of his death he was assigned to Attack Squadron 34, stationed at the Oceana Naval Air Station and flying the A6E Intruder aircraft.

He is survived by his widow Connie; a son, Paul; his parents, Cdr. and Mrs. Raymond McCullough, and two sisters and a brother, all of Cropsey, Illinois.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DAVID_K._MCCULLOUGH,_LT,_USN

MARK A. LANGE, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Mark Lange '79, USN was killed in action on December 4, 1983 when the A-6E Intruder he was piloting was shot down by Syrian air defense forces in Lebanon. He was able to eject but was badly injured and died shortly afterwards. His bombardier/navigator survived and was captured.

From the March 1984 issue of "Shipmate:"

Lt. Lange was appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of Michigan and was graduated with the Class of 1979, whereupon he entered flight training and was designated naval aviator in 1981, serving with VA-85. During his Academy years he was an active member of the Masqueraders and he had been a member of the Glee Club for four years. He was also a member of the Glee Club at Pensacola.

After having made a six-month deployment in FORRESTAL, he was flying off KENNEDY at the time that he was shot down.

He is survived by his widow Cheryle; a daughter, Jamie Christina; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter H. Lange; three brothers and a sister; his maternal grandparents and his paternal grandmother.

To Honor! ⚓

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

MICHAEL F. KING, CAPT, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

Capt Michael King '79, USMC, was lost on October 31, 1988 when the CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter he was piloting collided with another near Okinawa, Japan. The other helicopter was able to land safely, but all four Marines aboard Michael's aircraft were killed (including Major Richard Eisloeffel '76, USMC).

From the March 1989 issue of "Shipmate:"

A foreign service brat, Michael lived with his parents in many places around the world as a youth. He attended Bullis Preparatory School in Washington, D.C, graduating as Salutatorian in 1975. Michael was appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of Oregon, was a member of the 11th company and graduated with merit in 1979.

Commissioned a Second Lieutenant, he graduated from the Basic School with honors, attended flight training in Pensacola and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1981.

While deployed with HMM-162 homeported in New River, North Carolina, Michael was assigned to the Multi-National Peacekeeping Force in Beirut, Lebanon. He piloted the first helicopter to arrive at the Marine Barracks after the terrorist bombing, and participated in evacuation of the wounded. For his actions he was awarded two Air Medals, two Navy Unit Citations, the Marine Corps Expeditionary Medal and a Combat Action Ribbon.

Following his return from Beirut, Michael served in a variety of Marine Corps Aviation billets, made a 1985 Mediterranean cruise with HMM-162 aboard USS SAIPAN, and in 1987 graduated from Amphibious Warfare School tops in his class.

Assigned to Hawaii in 1987, he resumed flying duties with HMM-262. With the squadron's deployment to Okinawa in July of this year, Michael assumed the duties of Aviation Liaison Officer to the Marine Corps Special Operations Training Group.

Michael was a life member of the Naval Academy Alumni Association and a member of the United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his wife Constance Pruett King of Kaneohe Bay Hawaii, twins born 9 May 1988, Kathryn Elizabeth and William Michael King, his parents Mr. and Mrs. Robert E. Ferris of Bend, Oregon, and a sister Mrs. Jay Jones of Los Angeles, California.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MICHAEL_F._KING,_CAPT,_USMC

EDWARD G. ABEL, JR., LCDR, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LCDR Edward Abel, Jr., USN '79 was lost on September 10, 1989 when the helicopter he was piloting crashed into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Del Mar, California. He was stationed aboard USS Peleliu (LHA 5).

From the December 1989 issue of "Shipmate:"

Born in Little Rock, Arkansas, he was appointed to the Naval Academy from that state, graduating with the Class of 1979. While at the Academy, Ed was a avid sailor with four sailing commands to his credit. Following graduation he attended flight school, earning his wings in January 1981.

Lieutenant Commander Abel began his operational career as an H-46 pilot in HC-16 and HC-6. He made three deployments in detachments to the Indian Ocean, North Atlantic and Caribbean. Following his first sea duty tour, he served for two years as the Aide and Flag Lieutenant to ComSerGru Two. He next attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, graduating in March 1987. At the time of his death, he was the Aviation Safety Officer on board USS PELELIU (LHA-5) homeported in Long Beach, California.

His awards include the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Battle Efficiency Ribbon (with two E'S) and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (with three stars).

He was survived by his wife, Elisabeth Abel, daughters Ryan and Ashley, sons Clayton and Andrew, parents Edward and Wilma Abel of Hot Springs, Ak., brothers Dennis Abel of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. and Shawn Abel of Memphis, Tenn.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/EDWARD_G._ABEL,_JR.,_LCDR,_USN

MICHAEL F. BRADLEY, MAJ, USMC

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

MAJ Michael Bradley, USMCR '79 was lost on September 8, 1993 when the helicopter rotor assembly of the Cobra gunship he was piloting failed in flight, causing him to crash at Montgomery Airfield, San Diego, California. A Lieutenant Commander aboard, a flight surgeon, was also killed. Michael was a member of Marine Air Group 46 at the time.

From a newspaper report:

His “passions for lacrosse and naval aviation, combined with a wonderful sense of humor, transcended all aspects of his life,” [a family statement said]. "His dedication to family and friends was his driving force."

He coached the San Dieguito High School lacrosse team and played as a goalie with the Moon-doggies, a San Diego lacrosse club.

Born in Camden. N.J., Bradley grew up in Huntington, Long Island, with his two brothers and three sisters. He graduated from the U S. Naval Academy and was commissioned in the Marine Corps in 1979, than attended Navy Flight School in Pensacola, Fla.

As a pilot, he flew helicopters on Western Pacific deployments with HMLA 367 and later with HMLA 369, both based at Pendleton. He joined the reserves in 1991 to fly a Super Cobra with HMLA 775, serving as the squadron’s operations officer.

During Operation Desert Storm, when HMLA 369 was deployed to Saudi Arabia. Bradley stayed at Camp Pendleton and served as the squadron's liaison with its key-wives, a support group for spouses of deployed Marines.

"He went above and beyond his assigned duty to make sure the wives had information and support," said Pam Lewis, one of the women in the group. He had access to the squadron and was always available by telephone.

Bradley also served as the squadron's casualty-assistance officer and was responsible for notifying the families of two Marine aviators killed during the operation, she said. …

Bradley is survived by his wife, Jean (Schaum) Bradley, formerly of Montgomery, Ala.; his parents, Frank and Betty Bradley of Melbourne, Fla.; sisters, Keats, Su and Trish; and brothers, Jim and Paul.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/MICHAEL_F._BRADLEY,_MAJ,_USMCR

DARYL L. CHEN, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg Daryl Chen, USN '80 was lost when his T-2C Buckeye jet trainer crashed in Meridian, Mississippi on July 9, 1982. He was on a solo flight and stalled the aircraft.

A native of San Gabriel, California, "Daryl's style is a fast car, a steep slope, or a good scrum. The 150# team missed out on a great athlete, but their loss was the Rugby Club's gain. Also among his favorite pastimes are hang-gliding, skydiving, expensive stereos, chesty women, and toys."

Daryl is buried at the Riverside National Cemetery in California.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/DARYL_L._CHEN,_LTJG,_USN

PATRICK K. INGLIS, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg Patrick Inglis, USN, '80 was lost on May 22, 1983 when the A-6E Intruder he was piloting stalled at a low altitude and crashed near a Soviet aircraft carrier in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. He was attached to VA-65 operating from USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). His bombardier/navigator, LCDR John Austin, was also killed.

From his brother, Chris (USAFA '76):

* Raised in Linthicum, MD as the 4th child of 6. His father (Robert) was a foot soldier in the 3rd Army and earned the Silver Star in Europe. Pat's Dad and Mom (Kathleen) are buried at Arlington about 50 yards from Pat's memorial stone (Pat's remains were never recovered)

* Pat described himself as a late bloomer ... good at sports but late to his academics. When he caught fire in his senior year of high school he did extremely well but found the prep school as the right path to the Academy where he never looked back

* Pat attended the USNA Prep School (1975-1976) and played varsity Lacrosse at USNA for his first two years. He was very outgoing and typically took a carload of his classmates home to Linthicum for home cooking and laundry every weekend that liberty was granted throughout his time on the Yard.

* He was in 3rd Company all 4 years and served as the winter Company Commander in 1979-1980. He dated his HS sweetheart, Valerie Milewski, all through USNA and they married in the chapel in January 1981

* Pat went to pilot training straight out of USNA and was selected for A6's

* He reported aboard the Ike (VA65) in March 1983 and immediately deployed for the Med

* While on a 2-ship reconn of a Soviet taskforce on 22 May 1983, his aircraft went down alongside a Soviet aircraft carrier ... no remains were ever recovered from the site.

* Pat is remembered each spring through an award to the Midshipman graduating first in the Class, "The LTJG Patrick K Inglis, USN Memorial Award"

Pat was survived by his widow, parents, two brothers, three sisters, and maternal grandparents.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/PATRICK_K._INGLIS,_LTJG,_USN

NICHOLAS C. HARMAN, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT Nicholas Harman, USN '80 was lost on September 30, 1983 when his A-6E Intruder crashed while performing an instrument training flight over the Black Mountains of Arizona. He was a bombardier/navigator with Attack Squadron (VA) 34. He and the pilot were enroute to Yuma, Arizona from their permanent station at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia.

The Lucky Bag reported in part: "Nick was a dedicated gymnast who followed a rigorous diet that included hot chocolate (without the water), and crackers and diet Pepsi for dinner. Nick will always be remembered as a guy who never quits."

Nick was born in Illinois but grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, graduating from East High School in 1976.

He was survived by his wife Ann Hallie Harman (Adkins), parents Ronald and Evelyn, sister Gretchen, and three brothers Anthony, Gregory and Vincent.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/NICHOLAS_C._HARMAN,_LT,_USN

CYNTHIA S. GRUBBS, LTJG, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LTjg Cynthia Grubbs, USN '80 was lost on November 26, 1983 when the C-1A she was piloting likely collided with another C-1A and crashed into the Mediterranean Sea near Sardinia, Italy. The two aircraft were flying to Sigonella from Palma, Spain. Six others were also killed, including her fiancé, LT Michael G. Veringa. They were members of Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 24.

From Shipmate:

Appointed to the Naval Academy from the State of Texas, Lt. (jg) Grubbs had attended the University of Texas studying aero engineering for a year prior to reporting to the Academy, where she was graduated with the Class of 1980. An extremely versatile and talented Midshipman, she had her private pilot's license, was a sky diver, a scuba enthusiast, and an accomplished artist when she reported to the Academy.

From the Austin-American Statesman:

"The Blue Angels was Suzanne's dream," said her mother, Barbara Grubbs of Austin. "Instead, she died with her sweetheart. He was a pilot, too, and they always flew together." ....

HER AUSTIN FRIENDS remembered Grubbs as always dynamic, always setting high goals and usually attaining them.

"She stood head and shoulders above her class at Austin High," said Adam Lopez, Grubbs' counselor when she graduated from Austin High School in 1973.

Lopez especially remembered helping her get a part-time job selling sporting goods at an Austin department store. It stuck in his mind, he said, because the store manager first Insisted that he had had enough of teen-age employees.

"He only had to meet her to change his mind," Lopez said.

By then, Grubbs was a scuba diver who enjoyed treasure hunting off the coast of Mexico. Later, she earned a private pilot's license, made 26 parachute jumps and majored in mathematics at UT for two years before transferring to the academy when the Navy began accepting women.

AS A CHILD, Grubbs had decorated her bedroom with model rockets and spacecraft and said Chuck Yeager, the test pilot who broke the sound barrier, was her special hero.

Cynthia was survived by her parents.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/CYNTHIA_S._GRUBBS,_LTJG,_USN

JAMES M. MERRILL, LT, USN

★★★ Memorial Monday ★★★

LT James Merrill, USN '80 was lost on February 15, 1984 when his TA-4J aircraft crashed between Vieques Island and St. Croix, in the U.S. Virgin Islands. A member of Composite Squadron (VC) 10 at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, he was returning from training operations with the aircraft carriers USS America and USS Saratoga.

James was a native of Kettering, Ohio.

From the Dayton Daily News on February 17, 1984:

Frank Spolrich, assistant principal at Kettering Fairmont High School and an assistant principal at Fairmont West in 1976, the year Merrill graduated, remembered him as "an all-around top-flight, number one-type of kid."

"As you would imagine as a student who had gone to Annapolis, Jim was an outstanding student here for us, placing in the top 10 percent of his class," Spolrich said.

He said Merrill was "very active in sports, particularly football, and did captain the football team during his senior year. In addition, he had been an all-league baseball player and was involved in student government and Fellowship of Christian Athletes at the time."

"I'm really saddened," Spolrich said. "It hurts a lot."

James was survived by his parents and his brother and sister.

To Honor! ⚓

https://usnamemorialhall.org/index.php/JAMES_M._MERRILL,_LT,_USN