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:

• Contact magazine
• Defence Australia​

 (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:

• University of Chicago Gift Administration and Business Data, James Beier Memorial, 5235 S. Harper Court, 4th Floor, Chicago, IL 60615.

Or, you can donate online at: giving.uchicago.edu/james-beier
For more information, please call (630) 355-0213 or visit www.friedrich-jones.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.

David was born on May 17, 1949 in Lansing Michigan, the son of Henry and Dorothy Guebert.  As a child his family relocated often due to his father’s employment.  David was accepted into the Naval Reserve Officer’s Training Corps (NROTC) at the University of Nebraska.  Upon graduation with a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering and commission as an Ensign in the US Navy, he selected Naval Aviation as his career path.  Upon receiving his Naval Flight Officer (NFO) wings onboard NAS Glynco, GA he was transferred to the E-2B Hawkeye advanced training squadron, the RVAW-110 "Firebirds" onboard NAS North  Island,  San Diego, CA.  He was subsequently assigned to the "Golden Hawks" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron ONE HUNDRED TWELVE (VAW-112), deploying to the Western Pacific twice aboard aircraft carrier, USS RANGER (CV-61) from 1974-76. 

Upon release from active duty he immediately affiliated with Navy Reserves and was assigned as a Lieutenant assigned to the VAW-88 "Cottonpickers" stationed onboard NAS Miramar flying E-2B aircraft.  While serving as a “weekend warrior” David first worked for General Dynamics Convair Division in facility maintenance and subsequently was employed by San Diego Gas and Electric.

Continuing his Naval Reserve career David became Commanding Officer of VAW-88 from 1988-1990, which included a squadron deployment to Bahia Blanca, Argentina and two weeks of carrier operations aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN-68).  After VAW-88, Commander Guebert served in Tactical Training Group Pacific Reserve Unit, Commander Seventh Fleet Reserve Unit, and as a Captain was in command of the Reserve Battle Group Staff 5 supporting Commander Cruiser/Destroyer Group 5 (COMCRUDESGRU FIVE) assigned to CVN-68.  Captain Guebert’s final reserve duty was in the Navy Emergency Preparedness Liaison Office (NEPLO) Navy Region Southwest, where he served as an Army/Navy Liaison Officer in emergency preparedness functions dealing with potential earthquake, fire, and flood crises that necessitated US Navy and Army support of civilian organizations.  This final military post was a perfect fit for him as he had become the Director of Federal Accounts for Sempra Energy Utilities in San Diego, dealing with all Federal and Military installation energy requirements in the San Diego region.  After nearly 40 years with San Diego Gas & Electric/Sempra Utilities, David retired in December 2018.

David was a student extraordinaire achieving a Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering  from the University of Nebraska, a Master’s Degree in System Management from the University of Southern California and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Finance from the University of San Diego. 

During his career he was always involved in extracurricular activities, including fire tower watch in the San Bernardino mountains, multiple animal rescue agencies and several more associated with civic support.  Most notable was his participation in and contributions to his church, Community Lutheran Church of Escondido. 

David passed on November 10, 2024, the eve of Veterans Day, and leaves behind his wife Cheryl of nearly 41 years, Cheryl’s family, his sister Janet Bucher, his brother Jeffery Guebert, his many Navy “Cottonpicker” wingmen, and countless civilian colleagues and friends.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, 11:00am at the Community Lutheran Church, 3575 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido CA 91222.  A reception at the church will follow the service.

Internment at the Miramar National Cemetery was Monday, March 17, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in David’s name to the Community Lutheran Church, 3575 E. Valley Parkway, Escondido CA 91222.

Captain Tom Porter McClenahan, USN (Ret), was born in Quinton, Oklahoma on June 23, 1930. He was the son of Alberta and Benjamin McClenahan. A Golden Gloves boxer, he graduated from McAlester High School in McAlester, Oklahoma in 1948.
After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and spent 4 years stationed in Germany. Tom entered the U.S. Navy in 1954 and was commissioned an Ensign and Naval Aviator in 1956. He was involved in 8 operational deployments to the Western Pacific, Southeast Asia, and Mediterranean areas. He served as Commanding Officer of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadrons 120 and 125 and Commander Airborne Early Warning Wing 12. In 2014 he was among the first 7 individuals inducted to the E-2 Air Wing’s Hall of Honor. He earned a BS from the Naval Postgraduate School and an MS in International Affairs from George Washington University. He was also a graduate of the Naval War College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He retired from the Navy at NAS Norfolk, VA in 1980.
While Tom had a distinguished military career, he was an even better husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Tom’s charismatic personality, engaging sense of humor, and natural charm attracted people from all walks of life. He was a friend that could be counted on in good times and bad. Tom loved to read, and fish and enjoyed great restaurants and traveling the world, but most enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was enormously proud of his grandkids, never missing a graduation, sporting event, or key moment in their lives, no matter the distance.
He is survived by his 2 sons, James (Susan) McClenahan of Dallas, TX, and Benjamin (Lori Teeter) McClenahan of Virginia Beach, VA, and 4 grandchildren, Andrew (Jaye) McClenahan and Madison (Jett Reed) McClenahan both of Virginia Beach, VA, Benjamin McClenahan of Dallas, TX and Alexa Teeter of Virginia Beach, VA. Tom was preceded in death by his loving wife of 51 years the former Zahra Razook, grandson Thomas McClenahan of Dallas, TX, and close companion, Pat Lewis of Virginia Beach, VA. Tom passed away as he lived, on his terms, at his home in Virginia Beach, VA on December 29, 2024. He was 94.
A memorial service will be held at Bayside Presbyterian Church, 1400 Ewell Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23455 on February 7, 2025 at 1:00 PM, followed by a reception at the Cavalier Golf and Yacht Club, 1052 Cardinal Rd, Virginia Beach, VA 23451. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to The Alzheimer’s Association or your favorite charity.
(Source: Legacy) 

Harry Eugene LaVigne of Cumming, Georgia, passed away on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the age of 85. He was born on February 27, 1939, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Harry Eugene LaVigne Sr and Janet Campbell LaVigne. Harry, known as Brud, lived in Connecticut until 1948, when his folks relocated to St. Augustine, Florida.
Brud graduated from Ketterlinus High School in May 1956 and moved to Tallahassee, Florida, to attend Florida State University. He was a member of the SAE (Sigma Alpha Epsilon) fraternity and graduated from FSU in 1960.  Next, he joined the US Navy in 1961 after asking the naval recruiting officer if he could fly jets. After flight training, he was assigned to VAW-11 in Coronado, California, and in August 1963, he deployed to Vietnam for 7 months aboard the USS ORISKANY, flying the E-1B. In September 1965, he deployed once more to Vietnam aboard the USS KITTY HAWK for 9 months, flying the E-2A, which was the first for this aircraft. Returning to the US in 1966, he was assigned to RVAW-110, training new co-pilots for 3 years, and retired from the Navy in 1969.
In September of that year, he moved his family to Winter Park, Florida, where he started working for Delta Airlines as a commercial pilot. He moved his family to Miami, Florida, and in 1980 transferred to Dunwoody, Ga, to finish out his career. Harry flew the DC9, DC8, 727, and L1011, and in 1999, he retired as Captain on the 767.

Harry met his wife, Phyllis Jacobitz, in San Diego, California, in 1963 and married in July 1965. They had a son, Bryan, and a daughter, Karyn. He loved playing tennis and bowling with his Delta family. He loved to travel and camp in his Motorhome with his wife, children, and friends. A couple of years before retiring, Harry and Phyllis moved to The Great Outdoors (TGO) in Titusville, Florida, where he took up golf.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Harry Eugene LaVigne & Janet Frances Campbell LaVigne, sister Janice LaVigne Johnson, and Brother-in-law, Charles Leroy Johnson.  He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Phyllis Marie Jacobitz LaVigne of Cumming, Georgia; son Bryan LaVigne (wife Sherry) of Dallas, Georgia, daughter Karyn LaVigne Brown (husband Jody) of Cumming, Georgia and six grandchildren, Morgan LaVigne Hill (Daulton), Cody LaVigne (Breanna), Josephine Brown, Kayleigh Brown, Liberty Brown, and Mia Brown.
(Please share a memory or condolence with the LaVigne Family at www.nationalcremation.com.)

Mike was born 3 January 1983 and is a 2003 graduate of the University of North Dakota with a BS in Aeronautics (Magna Cum Laude).  After serving as an Aircrew Survival Equipmentman (PR) at NAS Lemoore (2003-2006) he was commissioned and earned his Naval Aviator wings, serving as an Instructor Pilot in T-6B Primary Flight, Whiting FL and as a C-2 Plane Commander and IP in San Diego, CA.  While continuing in the Naval Reserve, Mike was a Delta Airlines Captain, joining Delta in 2021, and a civilian instructor in the T-45 with CNATRA.
Mike was on military leave flying the T-45 at NAS Kingsville when he was killed in a head-on auto accident. He leaves behind a wife and two teenage daughters - both daughters were in the car with him, one was severely injured.