 Born in Meade, Kansas in 1960 as the youngest of 4, Weldon joined the US Navy IN 1982 and was stationed in San Diego, California where he lived the rest of his life. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Rosario “Chit” Wendt, of almost 40 years, his siblings, and his grandchildren. Weldon enlisted in the United States Navy in 1979 and deferred joining until after he completed his associates degree in 1981. He actively served in the US Navy 21 years in VAW-110, VAW-113 (x2) and VAW-117. He also served as the COMNAVAIRPAC T-56 Class Desk Manager before retiring as an ADCS in 2001. While he was in the service, he also earned his bachelors degree in aviation management and also completed 1210 hours of training (General-456, Airframe-754) in the FFA approved Airframe and Powerplant School No. 3418 Airframe mechanic in February of 1991 from Miramar College. After retirement from the Navy, Weldon began working as an aeronautical logistics manager at KBR from 2001 until his death. Weldon W. Wendt is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Rosario T. Wendt; his siblings: Dee Herrmann (Don), Jana Jantzen (Les), Weylin Wendt (Verna); his stepsons: Ed and Bob; his grandchildren Shayne, Aiden, Nick, and Kaylee; his great grandchildren Allen and Brenn; his many nieces, nephews, and beloved colleagues whom he cared deeply about. Weldon was preceded in death by his mother Dolly Ann Wendt, his father Wesley Wendt, and his grandson, Brendon Whitted Pollard. There wasn’t a person Weldon didn’t welcome into his home, his life, and into his heart. He will be greatly missed. (sourced from Poway-Bernardo Mortuary)
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 William Schouman Kerry, a retired Navy Veteran, husband of 55 years & 363 days, cherished father, grandfather, and friend passed away on October 19, 2023, with his daughter Paige and his wife Jean holding his hands, and friend Bob Rothschild present for that sacred moment.
 Royal William Connell, Jr. died of Compounding Health issues in Pensacola FL, on 18JUN2025. He was 77 years old. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, the former Melinda Anne Rathbun originally of Battle Creek MI; three Eagle Scout sons, Royal III, Alan and David (USNA ‘11), and nine grandchildren. Royal received a Presidential appointment to the Naval Academy from his home state of Texas. As a Midshipman, he was a four year member of the Drum & Bugle Corps, and graduated with the Class in June of 1970 as a member of the 24th Company. Upon graduation, he served in USS VREELAND (DE-1068), before attending flight school in Pensacola and getting his NFO Wings of Gold in 1973 with orders to the Carrier Airborne Early Warning (VAW) community flying the E-2B with the WALLBANGERS of VAW-117 embarked in USS INDEPENDENCE and the SEAHAWKS of VAW-126 embarked in USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) with operational deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean. Ashore, he served two tours at the Naval Academy, first as the Navigation Course Coordinator, during which time he completed a Master’s degree in Personnel Management and authored Naval Ceremonies, Customs, and Traditions for the Naval Institute and on the staff of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Wing TWELVE, the functional wing for East Coast VAW/VRC squadrons. His last active duty tour was as the USNA Personnel and Administrative Officer where he returned to his beloved D&B as the Officer Rep and led them through four straight inter-service championships. After retiring in 1993, he stood up the Navy Junior ROTC unit at Annapolis High School and remained in uniform there for another 18 years. During that time he was able to assist over 30 of his cadets in getting Service Academy appointments, and another 40 or so in getting ROTC Scholarships, the unit achieved the NJROTC Distinguished Unit with Academic Honors Award for 15 straight years and in 2008 was the top NJROTC unit in the Nation. He was also the long-serving historian/Shipmate Editor for his USNA Class of 1970, garnering special recobnition along the way: "A special recognition must also be given to Royal Connell, who has written the class column for many, many years, as well as being the honcho for ferreting out reunion memorabilia for the class. Way to go, Royal!" Subsequently, he served eight more years as the National NJROTC Program Curriculum Director in Pensacola. Finally retiring in 2018, he and his beloved bride rejoined the Alumni Association RV Chapter trying to see as much of the country as they could, one national park at a time. Devoted to his Church and to youth and young adult mentoring, he spent over 40 years as a Scouter, 25 years involved with NJROTC training both adults and youth, and decades involved with leadership and youth programs for the Church, not to mention his over 25 years mentoring and sponsoring Midshipmen. A Viewing Service will be held at Oak Lawn Funeral Home 619 N Warrington Rd Pensacola FL 32506 Wednesday 25 June 2025 @ 5pm-7pm if you wish to say good bye before cremation. Memorial services will be conducted at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel located at 12030 Lillian Hwy Pensacola FL 32506, with inurnment to follow at Barrancas National Cemetery at NAS Pensacola - Date and Time TBD. (Sources: USNA Alumni Association, Dignity Memorial, U. S. Navy memorial)  (Sourced from Legacy.com and Campbellfuneral.com) It is with a heavy heart that the family of John Morgan Prendergast announces his passing, which occurred on Divine Mercy Sunday, April 27, 2025, at eleven that morning. John entered this world on Friday, October 13, 1939, at the tender weight of under four pounds. His survival was feared. But he survived in an exceptional manner. Son of the late Edmund and Catherine (Morgan) Prendergast, John was born in Manhattan and raised in the Bronx where he graduated from High School. He served his country honorably from 1965 to 1969 in the US Navy, where he was a pilot and pilot training officer, achieving the rank of Lieutenant. John served aboard the USS Forrestal (CV 59) as a co-pilot assigned to VAW-123, supporting combat operations in Vietnam. On July 29, 1967, an accidental rocket discharge caused a large fire and cascading explosions, seriously damaging the vessel and taking the lives of 134 service members. John was lucky to survive, as a copilot in an E-2A on the catapult preparing to launch when the fire began - the intensity of the tragedy impacted him deeply. John met and began dating Joan Pileski while still serving his country. They wed on July 17, 1971, and began their life together in New York. After an honorable discharge, John attended and graduated from Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. John and Joan later moved to Virginia, where John worked for various construction companies, including Turner Construction, Clarke Construction and many others. He built a home for his family in Sterling, Virginia. A prolific creator, John was not satisfied with just construction; he also built and flew an experimental aircraft as well as a Cessna. He was a proud member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. John is survived by: His wife Joan of Sterling, VA; his son James Prendergast of Philadelphia, PA; his daughter Carol (Prendergast) McMahon and her husband Paul of S. Hamilton, MA; his son Michael Prendergast and his wife Shannon of VA; his grandchildren Justin and Dylan Prendergast; his sisters Virginia Prendergast and Barbara Kiernan; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his siblings Mary and Teddy Prendergast. His graveside funeral service was held at the Massachusetts National Cemetery, Connery Ave. Bourne, MA 02532 on Friday May 9, 2025. Contributions may be made to the Experimental Aircraft Association, c/o EAA Aviation Center, 3000 Poberezny Rd., Oshkosh, WI, 54903.   (Source: Coronado Eagle & Journal 28 Apr 2025) Beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and longtime Coronado resident CDR Edward Stanley Pietrzak, Jr., USN, Ret. has entered into rest. He was 90. CDR Pietrzak was born Jan. 28, 1935, in rural Pine Island, NY, and graduated from nearby Warwick High School in 1952, lettering in football, basketball, baseball, and track. He was predeceased by his parents Edward Stanley Pietrzak, Sr. of Brooklyn, NY, and Stella Marcella Pietrzak nee Matuszewski of Pine Island, NY; by his wife of 56 years Marilyn Pietrzak nee Murray (no middle name) of New Brighton, PA; by his brother Robert Pietrzak of Pine Island, NY; and by his dear partner Sharon Jansa nee McDougall of Houston, TX. Ed and his future wife Marilyn met in college at Drexel Institute of Technology (now Drexel University) in Philadelphia, PA, where both graduated in 1956 with Bachelor of Science degrees in Business Administration. Big Ed played offensive tackle for the undefeated 1955 Drexel Dragons football team, and as a starting pitcher for the baseball team was granted a full scholarship. Dad was a member of Theta Chi fraternity while wife-to-be Marilyn pledged to Sigma Sigma Sigma sorority. She was a cheerleader, valedictorian, and graduated at the top of Drexel’s School of Business. Mom was both beautiful and brilliant! Immediately following graduation, Ed entered Officer Candidate School at NAS Pensacola, FL, earning his Wings of Gold as a Naval aviator. On Nov. 17, 1956, Ed and Marilyn were wed at the home of her parents in Beaver Falls, PA, thereupon embarking on their lives together as a Navy couple. Their two children, Edward and Michael, were both born at Pensacola Naval Hospital in 1957 and 1961, respectively. Tours of duty took the young Navy family to St. Simon’s Island, GA; Toms River, NJ; Pensacola again; Upper Montclair, NJ; and North Kingstown, RI before finally landing in Coronado in the spring of 1967, where Dad and Mom bought a modest “Palmer” home. Their boys, Eddie and Mike, each graduated from THE mighty Coronado High. Dad retired from the Navy in 1977, and, alas, Mom passed away in 2013 on her 79th birthday. CDR Pietrzak’s distinguished career as a Naval aviator began as one of the last of the blimp pilots, large and in charge of a behemoth ZPG-3W airship as an eager Lieutenant, junior grade, having joined Airship Airborne Early Warning Squadron ZP-1 at NAS Lakehurst, NJ. When the Navy’s “gas-bag” squadrons were disestablished in 1960, Dad served a four-year tour of duty as an instructor at the Navy Pre-Flight School at NAS Pensacola, after which then-LT Pietrzak transitioned into the twin-prop S-2F Tracker (“Stoof”), joining Anti-Submarine Squadron VS-28 at NAS Quonset Point, RI, busy patrolling the North Atlantic aboard the aircraft carrier USS Wasp (CVS-18), searching for Soviet subs and overseeing Gemini space-capsule recoveries circa 1965, as NASA missions to the final frontier ramped up in earnest, ever upward and onward en route to infinity and beyond! Right, Buzz? CDR Pietrzak’s next duty station was NAS North Island where Dad flew the distinctive-looking radome-topped E-1B Tracer (aka “Willy Fudd” or “Stoof with a Roof”), joining All-Weather Squadron VAW-111 for a combat deployment to Vietnam aboard the attack aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga (CVA-14), which left North Island on Dec. 28, 1967 bound for the Tonkin Gulf, sailing into harm’s way. Well, Merry Christmas, indeed! After finally coming home to Coronado, CDR Pietrzak served a tour of duty at NAS Miramar on the staff of the Adversary Squadron, helping plan missions against which our carrier battle groups on maneuvers offshore would defend. The Vietnam War was far away but far from over, so a second combat deployment was in the offing for Dad, this time aboard the USS Hancock (CVA-19) as Officer-in-Charge of his detachment of Willy Fudds, at sea for the better part of 1972. Upon returning home yet again, CDR Pietrzak’s final billet was as Executive Officer (second-in-command) of Fleet Area Control Surveillance Facility (FACSFAC) at NAS North Island, after which CDR Pietrzak retired from the Navy. We honor Dad’s 21 years of sacrifice and service to our nation. Huzzah! CDR Pietrzak’s military decorations include the Bronze Star, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V” device for Valor, Air Medal (6), Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Gold Palm Leaf, and several other service and campaign medals. Between deployments while still on active duty, CDR Pietrzak furthered his education, earning an M.B.A. from National University and a J.D. (Juris Doctor) from California Western School of Law, demonstrating a tireless diligence which served him well in his post-Navy career as a successful commercial real estate broker with Cotton Ritchie Corporation, where he worked for 25 years at their downtown San Diego office, before finally retiring in 2002. Big Ed was a member of the Optimist Club of Coronado, the Tailhook Association, and the Naval Airship Association and once served as a deacon at Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church. He was an avid golfer and past-president of Coronado Men’s Golf Club, where he enjoyed time spent on the course and in the clubhouse with his cronies, perhaps spinning yarns about their latest aces! CDR Pietrzak prided himself on keeping up with current events, enjoyed following all sorts of sports, and was keen on gardening in the back forty, tending to his prized rose bushes and prolific tomato plants. He had a green thumb, to be sure! Dad was well-informed, opinionated, patriotic, courageous, and generous to a tee. He greatly cherished time spent with family and friends, all of whom will miss his wonderful sense of humor. Moreover, Dad shall most certainly be missed by those who sought out his sage advice, including yours truly, of course. CDR Pietrzak is survived by his sons Edward Murray Pietrzak of Coronado and Michael Jon Pietrzak (Judy) of San Diego; brother Richard Pietrzak (Linda) of Charlottesville, VA; sister-in-law Jeanne Pietrzak nee Langdon of Savannah, GA; nieces Pam Peters (Jeff) of Westport, CT and Erika Pierce nee Pietrzak (James) of Charlottesville, VA; grand-nieces Elaina Pierce and Juliana Pierce, both of Charlottesville, VA; daughters-in-law Gilby Lynn Steele of El Cajon and Ann Marie-Therese “Mianne” Legaspi of San Diego; granddaughters Sydney Ellen Pietrzak of New York City, Katherine Glasgow Bass nee Pietrzak (Greg) of El Cajon, Alana Michele Pietrzak of San Diego, Sharon Elizabeth Stephanie Onggo (Scott) of Baltimore, MD, and Saskia Jacintha Onggo of New York City; grandson Stevyndennis Jameson Onggo of Elk Grove, CA; and great-grandson Alexander Kenneth Bass of El Cajon. CDR Pietrzak’s ashes were interred alongside those of his beloved wife Marilyn in their shared columbarium niche at Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery, high atop Point Loma, together forever overlooking North Island and Coronado. We wish Ed and Marilyn fair winds and following seas. “May flights of Angels sing thee to thy rest.” VOL. 115, NO. 17 - April 23, 2025 Note: CDR Pietrzak is included in Project Home Front - an effort by the Coronado Historical Association to help identify the importance of Naval Aviation to Coronado by recognizing the homes where a naval aviator once lived (or lives now):   Retired Captain W. Paul (Paul) Courtney, USN Ret., was born on July 7, 1933, in Fort Worth, Texas, and passed away on December 22, 2024, in St. Johns, Florida. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery on April 24, 2025. Paul spent most of his childhood in the Houston area, except for the summers he spent in Tulsa, OK, with his cousins on his grandparents’ farm and in the oil fields. He met the love of his life, his beautiful wife Shirley Jean Tyson (deceased), at the University of Houston. After attending Officer Candidate School and Flight School, he was given orders to Honolulu, Hawaii, where Shirley eventually joined him, and they were married. He is survived by his two daughters, Karen Courtney and Lynn Courtney Hegedus (Pete), and his six grandchildren. Karen’s children are Vanessa, Ashlyn, and Marcus, and Lynn’s children are Andrew, Kat, and Paul. Captain Courtney also left behind his beloved teacup Yorkie, Gigi. Captain Courtney loved serving in the US Navy and especially as an aviator. He was qualified for carrier landings flying the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft and eventually served as the Commanding Officer (CO) of VAW-125 (1970-71) and RVAW-120 (1972-73). After a stint at the Pentagon, Captain Courtney was then assigned as Commander, Carrier Airborne Early Wing TWELVE (1976-78). He retired after 26 years serving his country and went on to work in the private sector until retiring to Florida in 1998. (Source: Family provided)   Wing Commander Peter "Cowboy" Krieg joined the Royal Australian Air Force in 1981 as an Air Defence Controller (ADC). In 1989, Cowboy (then a Flight Lieutenant) was the first RAAF officer to be selected for the United States Navy's exchange program for the E-2 Hawkeye to develop Airborne Early Warning Command and Control operational experience with a mandate to stand up the project for the RAAF's potential AEW&C aircraft on return. While driving back from RAAF Woomera, he pondered the news of his assignment and thought of the new aircraft's names. Rounding a bend on the Stuart Highway, he spotted a Wedgetail eagle picking at a dead kangaroo on the side of the road. As he got closer, the eagle took flight, just missing his windscreen; at that moment, the Wedgetail aircraft received its name. Cowboy became the first ADC to be awarded the US Navy's Wings of Gold as a qualified E-2 Hawkeye Naval Flight Officer and subsequently accumulated close to 420 flight hours in the E-2C. Upon return to Australia, he spent five years in Canberra, assuming a critical role in gaining government approval for the Wedgetail AIR 5077 Project, for which he earned a Conspicuous Service Cross and took command of No. 2 ASQN on its re-purposing in 2000. In 2001, Cowboy joined Boeing so he could continue work on the Wedgetail program, playing a leading role in the delivery of the final aircraft to the RAAF in 2012. In total, he contributed close to 32 years to the Wedgetail project. A memorial service was held for Cowboy on November 8. About 300 family and friends travelled from around the globe to gather in the 2 Squadron hangar at RAAF Base Williamtown to honor Cowboy. Commanding Officer of 2 Squadron Wing Commander Samuel Thorpe, a long-term colleague and friend of Wing Commander Krieg, remembers his legacy. “Without Cowboy’s determination, dedication and vision, Wedgetail would have remained just a dream,” Wing Commander Thorpe said. “Through his strong leadership and advocacy, the RAAF now has a sovereign AEW&C capability for the defence of our nation. “In his own words, while I was visiting him in hospital: ‘2 Squadron and the E-7 has exceeded all my expectations; from a capability that our government and our own service didn’t want, to the capability that no one can live without’.” Cowboy took his last flight during the memorial, as his ashes were piped to the E-7A Wedgetail, with a playlist of his choosing as the aircraft prepared for departure. “His legacy is now etched in history, with a perpetual award in his honour: a painting detailing ‘the moment a dream was born’ that will grace the halls of 2 Squadron for as long as the 2 Squadron colours fly; and his Fighter Controller brevet proudly hanging in number one position as an honorary E-7A aircrew member in the 2 Squadron bar Fort Courage,” Wing Commander Thorpe said. (More about Cowboy) Sourced from:   (Sourced from: Friedrich Jones & Everman Jones Funeral Homes & Cremation Services)
James Guy "Jim" Beier, age 62, U.S. Navy veteran 1981-1989, a resident of Aurora, IL since 2012, formerly of Mattoon, IL, Nashua, NH and Florence, SC, passed away on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at his home after a 7 ½ year battle with cancer. He was born on March 17, 1963, in Laredo, TX. Beloved husband of Lisa R. Beier (nee Wyse), whom he married on November 16, 1996, loving father of Jessica and Alex Beier, devoted son of Sandra (nee Eaton) and the late Arthur J. Beier, dear brother of Kimberly (the late Allen) Cline of Columbus Junction, IA, son-in-law of Douglas and Patricia Wyse of The Villages, FL, brother-in-law of Dr. David (Natalie) Wyse of Bloomington, IL, proud uncle of Ryan, Jack and Isabella Wyse, fond nephew, cousin and friend of many. James (Jim) Guy Beier, age 62, passed away peacefully in his home in Aurora, IL on Sunday, May 4th, 2025. Jim was born on Sunday, March 17th, 1963, in Laredo, TX. He and his family lived in several places throughout his youth, including Washington state, Turkey, before settling in Mattoon, IL at the age of 7. Jim graduated from Mattoon High School in 1981 and enrolled in the US Navy for 8 years. In the Navy, Jim repaired communication, navigation, radar, and other advanced electronic equipment on various aircraft. He was stationed on the aircraft carrier USS Midway for 3 years, forward deployed in Japan. He was recruited for instructor duty to teach component level repair of aviation systems for F-14 aircraft at NAS Miramar, San Diego. He taught there for 3 ½ years and trained over 130 technicians. He was awarded Master Training Specialist, and his last rank achieved was AT1 (E6). Jim then moved home to Mattoon, IL to begin his education to become a Mechanical Engineer. He began his education at Lake Land College two years before transferring to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. He graduated with his bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in December of 1995. Jim was very hardworking and knowledgeable in the cryogenics industry. He started his work as a mechanical engineer at Bruker in Lisle. He then moved to Florence, SC to work at GE for 7 years. After that, moved to Aurora, IL to work as the VP of Sumitomo Cryogenics of America for the last 13 years of his career. He was well respected by coworkers and peers in the industry. Jim enjoyed travelling to Tokyo, Japan several times per year to visit his coworkers, who he regarded as his dear friends. Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed travelling the world. He had opportunities to travel through the Navy and for his work. His favorite cities in the world were Hong Kong, China, Prague, The Czech Republic, and Tokyo, Japan. He also enjoyed traveling to the Bahamas with his family. Jim had many talents and hobbies, but primarily he enjoyed fixing and building things. There was no car problem too difficult for him to fix, and he loved to come up with “projects” around the house to keep him and his mind busy. He also enjoyed building wooden model airplanes. Jim enjoyed spending time outdoors by walking around lakes and forest preserves with his family, going on runs, golfing, and fishing with his daughter Jessica. He enjoyed tennis and softball. He also enjoyed shooting guns and was a certified pistol instructor. He enjoyed going to baseball and hockey games with his family, he was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals but enjoyed seeing games for many local teams. Jim’s family and many friends can attest to the quality of his character. Jim was a kind, honest, funny, talented, and loyal man. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, May 24, 2025, 1:00-4:00 PM at Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville, IL 60540. A celebration of Jim’s life and military honors will follow Saturday, at 4:00 PM in the funeral home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory of James Beier to support the Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Chicago Medicine. Checks may be made payable to the “University of Chicago Medicine” and sent to the following address:
For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.com  (Originally published on Legacy.com by Dale Woodward Funeral Homes and Cremation Services - Daytona Beach on Aug. 22, 2024 ) Commander Foltzer, my dad, left us peacefully early in the morning August 17, 2024. He had a long and frustrating battle with Parkinson's and Alzheimer's and we're glad he's no longer suffering. Although he's terribly missed already, he left his mark on each of us in his own way and with regard to us as individuals. Commander Foltzer was fascinated with electronics at a young age and would take things apart to see how they worked; sometimes fixing a problem, or even creating something new from the parts. We always knew where to turn if a device broke; he invariably knew the fix. He even built us a train village to go under our Christmas tree with working street lights, whistles, alarms and smoke. I fondly recall watching him put it together. He was interested in aviation and any and all flying vehicles which led him to serve his country in the United States Navy. Commander Foltzer served as the commanding officer of the VAW-125 Tigertails E2 squadron with tours of duty aboard the USS JOHN F> KENNEDY (CV 67) and USS FORRESTAL (CV 59). After retiring from the Navy Commander Foltzer went to work for Lockheed Martin and then later for Westinghouse in their airships division. Airships intrigued him and he decided to design his own lightweight airship to be used for cargo transport and surveillance. He was a very religious man and Christmas was his favorite holiday. He insisted on decorating the house like something from the cover of Better Homes and Gardens every year. He took great pride in creating the perfect Christmas for friends and family. Commander Foltzer is preceded in death by his wife Doris Lane (2005) and his brother Larry Foltzer (2024). He leaves behind his spouse Ralph H. Wilkinson, a son Lenny Foltzer, a daughter Angel Foltzer, several grand children and great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. "Fair Winds and Following Seas" (To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Louis, please visit the Tree Store at Legacy.com)   Captain William Charles Liebe, USN (Ret) went to be with his Lord and Master on April 1st, 2025.
Born in Hollis Oklahoma on August 4, 1946, to Betty and William Liebe, "Bill" was raised in Mission, Texas. He passed away peacefully at Rancho Liebe, his home in Waco, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents and leaves behind Robin Liebe, his beloved wife of over 35 years, and a legacy of love, laughter, and devotion to family. He is also survived by his sisters, Carol Dickson and Vicki Liebe, sons George and Michael Liebe, and his grandsons Lucas Liebe and Jacob Rodriguez. CAPT Liebe graduated from the University of Houston in 1968 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration. He entered the Navy in July 1968 via the Aviation Officer Candidate (AOC) Program and was commissioned an Ensign at NAS Pensacola on 21 March 1969. Following initial training, he reported to the Combat Information Center Course at Glynco, GA where he was designated a Naval Flight Officer in December 1969. His first operational assignment was a split tour that began Jan 1970 with Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE (VW-1) and Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1) onboard NAS Agana, Guam. Upon completion of this duty, he next reported to Commander, Fleet Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) in Norfolk, VA where he served as a project Officer for Surface Radar Systems. Following that, CAPT Liebe reported onboard USS FORRESTAL (CV-59) in January 1975 as Electronics Warfare Officer where he completed two Mediterranean deployments. While there, he qualified as Tactical Action Officer (TAO), OOD (Underway), and served as the Sea and Anchor Detail OOD, earning qualification as a Surface Warfare officer on 7 March 1977. Leaving FORRESTAL, CAPT Liebe reported to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Training Squadron 120 (RVAW-120) on board NAS Norfolk to transition to the new E-2C Hawkeye. Subsequently, he served for two years as an NFO Instructor. In July 1979 he reported to the Seahawks of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 126, making deployments to the Mediterranean Sea and Indian Ocean on board USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67). While assigned to the Seahawks, CAPT Liebe served as the Administrative Officer, Maintenance Officer and Operations Officer. Following his tour with VAW-126 and a tour at the Armed Forces Staff College, CAPT Liebe reported to the “World Famous” Screwtops of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123 (VAW-123) as Executive Officer on 14 May 1983 and became the 16th Screwtop Commanding officer on 21 November 1984. Subsequent tours included Carrier Airborne Early Warning Wing TWELVE (CCAEWW-12) as Commodore and OPNAV 942, the office within CNO who was the sponsor for and implementer of the Joint Interoperability of Tactical Command and Control Systems (JINTACCS). It was in this office that he met Robin. CAPT Liebe retired from the Navy on 1 February 1997 in El Cajon, California. CAPT Liebe was on the leading edge of “second generation pioneers,” clearly envisioning the E-2C Hawkeye’s potential to become the “Centerpiece of the Battlegroup”. He led at a critical juncture when the development of the Group II aircraft was in doubt. While others fought the battle inside the Beltway, Commodore Liebe was instrumental in influencing Fleet leadership to acknowledge the E-2’s critical role while urging them to demand further system improvement. He specifically focused his squadrons on working collaboratively with the burgeoning AEGIS community to produce a single coherent battle management picture. This continued to pay long-term dividends as battle group commanders have become strong advocates for the community and the Surface Warfare community has integrated training by the AEW Weapons School into the course of instruction for future Surface Warfare IAMD Warfare Training Instructors (WTIs). Commodore Liebe focused staff efforts on combat readiness. This was most evident when VAW-126 flew aboard JFK with FIVE FMC aircraft enroute to Operation Desert Storm. Similarly equipped, VAW-123 and VAW-125 followed close behind. Throughout Desert Shield/Storm, he went to extraordinary lengths to ensure 100% FMC squadrons at the tip of the spear. Following VAW-126’s loss of AG-602 and five crewmembers in July 1992, Commodore Liebe identified the best replacement aircraft on the waterfront, as well as replacement aircrew. Thanks to his efforts, the Seahawks reported Full Combat Readiness when they deployed less than six weeks later. When the investigation identified Kapton wiring as the cause of the accident, he directed wing-wide inspections which helped NAVAIR identify the scope of the problem. He then provided the guidance/assets required to assist Grumman in re-wiring the entire east coast fleet of aircraft — an enormous balancing act, matching repaired aircraft with squadrons as operations demanded. Among the many other hurdles encountered as wing commander, Commodore Liebe managed the difficult task of replacing exhausted outer wing panels, without degrading squadron readiness or aircrew proficiency. He also directed Counter-Drug Operations, while adhering to PERSTEMPO requirements. In doing so he was also able to forestall to VAW-122’s decommissioning (part of the FORRESTAL/CVW-6 decommissioning) – doing so would have meant the end of any reasonable expectation of PERSTEMPO compliance, or the creation of gaps in counter-drug surveillance. CAPT Liebe’s leadership and exceptional efforts in growing and sustaining the VAW community were recognized with his induction into the VAW VRC VUQ Hall of Fame in 2019. Outside of his professional life, Bill was an avid fisherman and hunter, and loved Rancho Liebe where he and Robin settled. These simple, yet profound moments brought him much happiness, and he loved nothing more than spending time outdoors with his family. Bill was known for his warm smile and his unwavering love for his family. His legacy as a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend will live on, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Fuzzy Friends Rescue. Bill’s family finds comfort in knowing that he is now at peace, reunited with his loved ones, and forever remembered with love and fondness. UPDATE: Memorial Service will be held on April 25 at 1100 at Timbercrest Baptist Church, Waco Texas 76705. |
VAW/VRC/VUQ Foundation is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization.