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| LT Charles Z. Walker VFA-151 United States Navy |
Naval aviation is a small community, each loss hurts.Story Number: NNS190802-15Release Date: 8/2/2019 3:47:00 PMFrom Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific Public AffairsLemoore, California (NNS) -- The pilot of the F/A-18E Super Hornet that crashed approximately 40 miles north of Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, California, on July 31 has been identified.The Super Hornet, assigned to the "Vigilantes" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 151 based at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore, California, was flown by Lt. Charles Z. Walker, 33."The NAS Lemoore aviation family is grieving the loss of one of our own," said Capt. James Bates, Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Pacific. "Lt. Walker was an incredible naval aviator, husband and son. He was an integral member of the Vigilante family, and his absence will be keenly felt on this flight line."Our aviators understand the risk associated with this profession, and they knowingly accept it in service to our nation. The untimely loss of a fellow aviator and shipmate pains us all. Our heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends.”The pilot was on a routine training mission in the area at the time of the crash. The cause of the crash is under investigation.The Navy mourns the loss of one of our own, and our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this tragedy. (Source)
Fare winds and following seas, LT Walker.
High Flight
John Gillespie Magee, Jr.
Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth,
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I've climbed and joined the tumbling mirth of sun-split clouds -
and done a hundred things You have not dreamed of -
wheeled and soared and swung high in the sunlit silence.
Hovering there I've chased the shouting wind along
and flung my eager craft through footless halls of air.
Up, up the long delirious burning blue
I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,
where never lark, or even eagle, flew;
and, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod
the high untrespassed sanctity of space,
put out my hand and touched the face of God.
Aviation is challenging and well loved avocation, but it can also be a demanding mistress. We have probably all faced the loss of friends or loved ones who died in accidents. I have too many memories of standing and fighting to control my emotions as the haunting notes of Taps echo across the hills of Arlington or cemeteries across the globe. Some were close friends, some were men, and women, who were just serving their country. All were my brothers and sisters. Fare thee well, Lieutenant.
ReplyDeleteThis is just heartbreaking. I've buried more than one friend, lost in an aviation accident. You don't have time to say goodbye, you don't have time to share some last memories, they are here, then one day they are only the echo of taps being played. My condolences to his wife and loved ones. - Brigid
ReplyDeleteRest in peace, sir.
ReplyDeleteWhen these happen, and they will continue to do so since Mil-Air is a inherently dangerous varsity sport, I always hope they didn't have a family. While an aviator's parents will suffer the loss, leaving a wife and children is so much more tragic. I always remember my time as a DH after having kids, and I understood fear and the risk so much more than I did as a Fleet LT.
ReplyDeleteThou who dost keep with tender might
The balanced birds in all their flight,
Thou of the tempered winds, be near,
That, having thee, they know no fear.
Praise the Lord, O ye servants, praise ye the name of the Lord. Blessed be the name of the Lord from henceforth and for evermore. From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same, the name of the Lord is to be praised. High above all the nations is the Lord, above the heavens is His glory. Who is like unto the Lord our God? Who dwelleth on high and looketh down on things that are lowly, in heaven and on the earth, Who raiseth up the poor man from the earth, and from the dunghill lifteth up the pauper, That He may seat him with princes, with the princes of His people, Who maketh the barren woman to dwell in a house and be a mother rejoicing over children.
ReplyDeleteO God of spirits and of all flesh, Who hast trampled down death and overthrown the Devil, and given life to Thy world, do Thou, the same Lord, give rest to the soul of Thy departed servant in a place of brightness, a place of refreshment, a place of repose, where all sickness, sighing, and sorrow have fled away. Pardon every transgression which he has committed, whether by word or deed or thought. For Thou art a good God and lovest mankind; because there is no man who lives yet does not sin, for Thou only art without sin, Thy righteousness is to all eternity, and Thy word is truth.
For Thou are the Resurrection, the Life, and the Repose of Thy servants who have fallen asleep, O Christ our God, and unto Thee we ascribe glory, together with Thy Father, who is from everlasting, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-creating Spirit, now and ever unto ages of ages. Amen
May He Who arose from the dead, Christ our true God, through the prayers of His all-pure Mother; of the holy, glorious and all laudable Apostles; of our holy and God-bearing Fathers; and of all the saints; establish the soul of His servant who has been taken from us, in the mansion of the righteous; give him rest in Abraham’s bosom, and number him among the just; and have mercy on us, forasmuch as He is good and loves mankind.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-FdhLoFgkc
Some background courtesy of Blancolirio--
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EaKSDDaYfPE