U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Alumni Association

Lost Shipmates

Samson P. Agpawa
April 4, 2010

Samson Paul Agpawa, 80, passed away April 4, 2010.  He was born on October 26, 1929 and was a LCDR in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the USS TWINING DD540 from 1967 to 1971.  After his service, he worked with the Environmental Protection Agency and served on the State of California Transportation Advisory Board.  After retiring from the EPA, he began teaching in the Environmental Management Graduate program at University of San Francisco.  LCDR Agpawa was buried at Golden Gate National Cemetery.  At his Celebration of Life, Mona Pasquil, Lt. Govenor of the State of California, spoke on behalf of the nation and the state on his contributions to making our country a cleaner place to live.  LCDR Agpawa dedicated his life to the nation, community, and educating our leaders about environmental issues.  He may be gone but he has left his mark on our environment. 

LCDR Agpawa was a former Commanding Officer of TWINING Division.

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Garet A. Baxter
September 17, 2002

Detective Garet A. Baxter, 34, a Lieutenant with the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department; was shot and killed in a domestic dispute at his home in Bowie, Maryland. Detective Baxter joined the police academy in 1989 and is remembered as an outspoken recruit who developed into top-notch officer.  Detective Baxter continued his involvement with and was dedicated to youth.  He coached a boy's football team and in 2000, Detective Baxter organized a basketball league designed to curb youth violence.

Detective Baxter was a former Petty Officer First Class and Leading Petty Officer of DAHLGREN Division, Washington, D.C.

Nicholas Brango
July 14, 2004

Captain Nicholas Brango, USN (Ret), a founding member of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, passed away on July 14, 2004.

Nicholas Brango, 89, a retired Navy captain who chased enemy submarines, penetrated killer hurricanes and banished outdated computer files, died July 14 of cancer at Virginia Hospital Center-Arlington. He was a McLean resident.

Captain Brango was born in Norristown, Pa., and graduated from Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa. In 1940, he enlisted in the Naval Aviation Cadet program of the Naval Reserve. After the start of World War II, he transferred into the regular Navy and flew bombers and anti-submarine aircraft in the Atlantic, Caribbean and eastern Pacific.

After the war, he was an assistant training officer in Pensacola, Fla., and then received a master's degree in tropical meteorology from the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif. Assigned to the Hurricane Reconnaissance Squadron in Miami, he moved up the rank to become its commanding officer. He flew into the eyes of more than 30 hurricanes during his three tours of duty there, and named the 1961 storm that ravaged the Texas coast, Hurricane Carla, for his daughter.

In 1958, Captain Brango became executive officer of the seaplane tender Floyds Bay, which operated in the Formosa Straits and the South China Sea. He then worked as a liaison to Lockheed Corp. in Sunnyvale, Calif., in the Navy office responsible for the production of the Polaris missile. In the early 1960s, Captain Brango moved to the North Atlantic, becoming chief staff officer to the commander of the airborne early warning wing in Newfoundland.

He developed a specialty in 1963 in computerized management information systems for personnel officers. Captain Brango graduated from the Defense Department's Computer Institute and, as director of the manpower information division at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, directed his organization through a huge conversion to a new generation of technology. He also chaired a high-level task force to plan a better computer system for the Navy's personnel managers.

After two years in command of the Naval Air Station in Willow Grove, Pa., Captain Brango joined the Honolulu staff of Admiral John S. McCain, the Commander in Chief Pacific, in 1969. He worked as head of the planning systems and analysis section from 1969 until his retirement from active duty in 1972.

In 1973, he was appointed executive director of the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps in Arlington, a position he held until 1978.

Among his awards were the Legion of Merit and the Navy Distinguished Public Service Medal, the Navy's highest civilian award.

His wife of 51 years, Mary Rose Piacitelli Brango, died in 1993.

Survivors include two daughters, Carla B. Turner of Falls Church and Maryellen Whalen of McLean; a son, Nicholas Brango Jr. of Sterling; two granddaughters; and three great-grandchildren.

(From original obituary: http://www.washingtonpost.com/)

Captain Brango was also a past NSCC National Chairman, National Vice President of the Navy League, former NSCC Executive Director from 1973 to 1978.

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Barton J. Carroll
July 10, 2002

Lance Corporal Barton J. Carroll, USMC, 19, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island; was killed on July 10, 2002. LCPL Barton was murdered on the Fourth of July as he was returning home from his duty station at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. LCPL Carroll was a Petty Officer Third Class when he left the USNSCC in 2001 to join the USMC.

Lance Corporal Carroll was a member of NETC NEWPORT Division, Newport, Rhode Island.

Jerel L. Cobbs
February 11, 2003

Former Cadet Jerel L. Cobbs, 15, of Yucaipa, California, was shot and killed February 11, 2003 while running through a field in his home town by a local man who believed he was involved in the attempted theft of his truck.  Cadet Cobbs was born on May 10, 1987 and was a sophomore at Yucaipa High School.  He hope to attend college and become a psychologist.  He was remembered by his fellow cadets and unit staff as someone who always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude.

Cadet Cobbs was a member of Training Ship INDEPENDENCE as a Navy League Cadet, and SAN BERNARDINO Division, San Bernardino, California, as a Naval Sea Cadet from June 1998 through June 2001.

Raymond E. Craine
March 11, 2005

Lieutenant Commander Raymond E. Craine, NSCC, 71, of Riverside, California; passed away March 11, 2005. LCDR Craine retired from the U.S. Navy on April 1, 1977 as a Signalman 1st Class after 23 years of service. LCDR Craine also worked for the K-Mart Distribution Center as a Warehouseman for 17 years.

Lieutenant Commander Craine served with the NSCC for 15 years and was the Commanding Officer of PAUL REVERE Division, Norco, California and the former Regional Director of Pacific Southwest Region 11-5.

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Christopher N. Draper
December 15, 2002

Cadet Christopher N. Draper, NSCC, 19, of Eugene, Oregon; died on December 15, 2002 from injuries he suffered from an automobile accident. Born on December 25, 1983, in Nampa, Idaho, Cadet Draper settled in the Eugene area in 1988 and graduated from Willamette High School. He was married to Andrea Shores in Eugene on July 12, 2002. He is survived by his wife, parents, a brother and a sister.

Cadet Christopher N. Draper was a former member of SEA DRAGON Division, Eugene, Oregon.

John Dilks
July 6, 2005

Lieutenant Commander John Dilks, NSCC, 69, of El Cajon, California; passed away July 6, 2005 in San Diego, California. He was a dedicated and loyal officer in the NSCC for over 35 years, held nearly every position possible and was ultimately awarded the Chairman's Medal in 2004 for his outstanding service to the youth of this country.

Lieutenant Commander Dilks was the Former Commanding Officer of SANTA MONICA BAY Division, Regional Director of Pacific Southwest Region 11-4, and Executive Officer of FORT FISHER Division, San Diego, California. He had recently served on the Staff of CHALLENGER Division, San Diego, California and Training Ship COLUMBIA, San Diego, California.

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Joseph Ehrhardt
May 15, 2007

Lieutenant Junior Grade Joseph Ehrhardt, NSCC, 49 passed away on on May 15, 2007 in Phoenix, Arizona from a brain anuerism brought on from complication of a stroke.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Ehrhardt has been with the Sea Cadets serving in several positions since January 2004 and became the Commanding Officer of the PHOENIX Division, Phoeniz, Arizona in May 2006.

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Ryan Farhand
March 11, 2010

Lieutenant Ryan Farhand, NSCC, passed away March 11, 2010 from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.  LT Farhand was a Property Officer with the Los Angeles Police Department and served with District 11SR - Division 3
San Pedro Flotilla 3-5 of the US Coast Guard Auxilary.  LT Farhand joined the NSCC in June of 2003.

Lieutenant Farhand was the Commanding Officer of Training Ship HAMILTON and an Associate Regional Director for the Pacific Southwest Region 11-6.

Charles "Chuck" J. Finnegan
April 27, 2000

Lieutenant Commander Charles "Chuck" J. Finnegan, NSCC, 70, passed away April 27, 2000.  LCDR Finnegan was posthumously inducted into the NSCC Hall of Fame, only the second member to be named to the Hall of Fame after NSCC Founder Morgan L. Fitch.  LCDR Finnegan was very dedicated to the training of the Navy League Cadets and worked for many years, along with his wife Rose, with NLCC units.

Lieutenant Commander Finnegan served as the Commanding Officer of Training Ship VAMMEN and was the long-time Regional Director of Pacific Southwest Region 11-6, when it previously encompassed all NLCC Training Ships in Pacific Southwest Region 11, the only Region in NSCC history to be exclusivley comprised of NLCC Training Ships.

Timothy M. Flanigan
January 1, 2004

Cadet Timothy M. Flanigan, NSCC, 17, of Green Bay, Wisconsin; died on January 1, 2004 from injuries he suffered from an automobile accident. Born in 1987 at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, Cadet Flanigan settled in the Green Bay and is a student at Bay Port High School.  His mother recalled his shyness but also his radiating enthusiasm, from his shaking shoulders as a toddler waiting for Daddy as the garage door opened, to his love for making sushi and working at Figaro’s Pizza, to target practice with his dad or little brother, to his days in the Sea Cadets and aspirations to join the Coast Guard and become a father.

Cadet Timothy M. Flanigan was a member of  VADM JAMES H. FLATLEY, JR. Division, Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Jerry Frank
November 11, 2006

Lieutenant Jerry Frank, NSCC, passed away on November 11, 2006. A long time member of the NSCC serving until March 1992.

Lieutenant Frank formerly served as the commanding officer of NEVADA Division, Reno, Nevada

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Joseph E. Grigas
November 19, 2005

Former Cadet Joseph E. Grigas, 22, of Manchester, New Hampshire, passed away on November 19, 2005 at Concord Hospital. Cadet Grigas was a student at the New Hampshire Vocational Technical College in Manchester. Prior to enrolling in college, Cadet Grigas served in the U.S. Navy as a medical corpsman. Cadet Grigas enjoyed spending time with his two brothers, as well as, scuba diving, skiing, playing hockey and riding snowmobiles and motorcycles.

Cadet Joseph E. Grigas was a member of NEW PORT NEWS Division, Concord, New Hampshire.

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Craig Hannah
April 8, 2007

Lieutenant Craig Hannah, NSCC, passed away on April 8, 2007. A long time member of the NSCC serving until October 1985.

Lieutenant Hannah formerly served as the executive officer of NEVADA Division, Reno, Nevada

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Brian Jackson
November 13, 2005

Police Officer Brian Jackson, 28, of Dallas, Texas; was shot and killed in the line of duty early on Sunday morning, November 13, 2005. Officer Jackson of the Dallas Police Department was killed in a gunfight early in the morning as he chased a suspect through a residential neighborhood. Officer Jackson was a member of Hunley Division from 1991-1992. 

Officer Jackson was a member of HUNLEY Division, Charleston, South Carolina.

Samuel Jepson
March 5, 2004

Lieutenant Commander Sam Jepson, NSCC, passed away on March 5, 2004. A long time member of the NSCC serving until October 1985.

Lieutenant Commander Jepson formerly served as the commanding officer of NEVADA Division, Reno, Nevada

Donald "Don" Johnson
June 28, 2004

Warrant Officer Donald "Don" Johnson, NSCC, 66, of West Wareham, Massachusetts; passed away on June 28, 2004 after a long illness. Warrant Officer Johnson, a decorated Vietnam veteran, was a retired Chief Aviation Machinists Mate who served as the officer in charge of PBR's with the U.S. Navy. His decorations included the Bronze Star w/ Combat V, Purple Heart and Combat Action Ribbon.

During his tenure with Marathon Division, Warrant Officer Johnson demonstrated many talents but was most famous for his ability with a sewing machine. He was a master at tailoring adult uniforms for the smallest of cadets. Warrant Officer Johnson did not easily tolerate people who did not put the interests of the cadets first, but beneath his gruff exterior there was a heart of gold and he is sorely missed every day.

Warrant Officer Johnson was a member of MARATHON Division, Buzzard's Bay, Massachusetts.

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James H. Kinnaird
August 19, 2003

Warrant Officer James H. Kinnaird, NSCC, 56, of Windsor, Wisconsin; passed away on August 19, 2003. Warrant Officer Kinnaird served in the U.S. Marine Corps for eight years and spent two years in Vietnam. He was also an engineer in the Seabees.

Warrant Officer Kinnaird was a former member of BATTLESHIP WISCONSIN Division, Madison, Wisconsin.

Donald "Don" W. Kessler
November 6, 2009

Lieutenant Commander Donald "Don" W. Kessler, NSCC, 71, of Norwalk, California, passed away November 6, 2009.  LCDR Kessler joined the NSCC in January of 2001.

Lieutenant Commander Kessler was the former Commanding Officer of LONG BEACH Division, PASADENA Divison, Training Ship CONIFER, and the Regional Director of Pacific Southwest Region 11-6.

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Jesse E. Lawson
November 15, 2003

Lieutenant Commander Jesse E. Lawson, NSCC, 52, of Smyrna, Georgia; passed away November, 15, 2003 of a heart attack. LCDR Lawson was an Architectural Draftsman with Facility Group in Smyrna and a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving during the VietNam era. LCDR Lawson suffered a heart attack upon returning home from driving cadets back from a field trip. He passed away 30 minutes from leaving the base. LCDR Lawson was a lifetime member of the United States Naval Institute and the American Legion Post 160 in Smyrna.

Lieutenant Commander Lawson was the former Commanding Officer of NARS B-1 Squadron, Atlanta, Georgia and an Associate Regional Director.

Christopher Lee
September 10, 2001

Cadet Christopher Allan Lee, 12, of Toledo (Lincoln Co.) died as the result of an automobile accident on Highway 20 on Sept. 10, 2001.

He was born in Turlock, Calif. on April 29, 1989, to Frank and Donna Lee. He was a student at Toledo Middle School and was a member of the Navy League Cadet Corps.

His goal was to one day become a Navy Seal. He was an Honor Cadet, part of an honor company with the Sea Cadets. When he first became Lead Petty Officer with the group, they were awarded second place in the nation at Livermore, Calif. He was recognized as a great leader by older cadets.

Survivors include his parents, Frank and Donna Lee; a brother, Aaron Lee; sisters, Ashli Lee and Nicole Miller, all of Toledo; grandparents, Pat and Jerry Paradee of Billings, Montana, Teresa Cowie of Marina, Calif., and Don and Shelley Lee of Modesto California; and great-grandmothers, Bessie Sprague and Virginia Harris, both of Modesto.

Cadet Lee was a member of Traning Ship CROW'S LANDING, Modesto, Califronia from February 1999 to February 2001.

Thomas A. LoRusso
January, 13, 2005

Lieutenant Commander Thomas A. LoRusso, NSCC, 57, of East Alton, Illinois; passed away January, 13, 2005. LCDR LoRusso was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving from August 1964 to August 1966. He received an electrical engineering degree from Manhattan College in New York and a master’s degree in electrical engineering and business management from Fairleigh Dickinson University in New York. LCDR LoRusso was a member of the Navy League, St. Louis Council and vice president of youth programs.

Lieutenant Commander LoRusso was the former Commanding Officer of INAUGURAL Division, now BATTLESHIP MISSOURI Division, Bridgeton, Missouri.

Edmundo Lugo
February 20, 2005

Lieutenant Commander Edmundo Lugo, NSCC, 72, of San Juan, Puerto Rico; passed away February 20, 2005 of renal failure. LCDR Lugo was a long time supporter of the NSCC in Puerto Rico. His energy and enthusiasm will be missed.

Lieutenant Commander Lugo was the former Commanding Officer of MAHAN Division, Aguadilla, Puerto Rico and former Associate Regional Director and Regional Director for Region 10-1.

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Dean A. McLeod
November 14, 2005

Petty Officer Second Class Dean A. McLeod, NSCC, 16, of Cooksville, Illinois; was killed in an automobile accident on November 14, 2005.  He was a junior at Ridgeview High School.  He worked at McDonalds and was on the power lifting team at school.  He was also involved in the school play.  Dean joined the Pimiteoui Division as a League Cadet in 2002.  He had planned on a Naval career in aviation.  All of the cadets of his unit admired him for his leadership abilities, knowledge, enthusiasm and care for his shipmates.  He had received the NLUS Cadet of the Year award as a League Cadet and as a Sea Cadet.  His NSCC awards include the NSCC Citation Ribbon, honor cadet at two trainings and the Sons of the American Revolution medal.

Petty Officer Second Class Dean A. McLeod was a member of  PIMITEOUI Division, Peoria, Illinois.

John R. Mills
August 2, 2008

Instructor John R. Mills, NSCC, 61, of Highland, California, passed away on August 3, 2008.  INST Mills was an active Air Force Reserve member who served at March ARB in Moreno Valley, California.  He is survived by his daughter Calla, who served as a Cadet of SAN BERNARDINO Division, and her daughter Dorothy.  INST Mills was a supportive father and a loving grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter.

Instructor Mills was a member of SAN BERNARDINO Division, San Bernardino, California, from September 1996 to September 2000.

Frank L. Molinaro
March 13, 2010

Commander Frank L. Molinaro, USN (Ret.), 87, formerly of Watsontown and Lewisburg, passed away Saturday, March 13, 2010, in Orangeville Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

He was born November 24, 1922, in Canonsburg, a son of the late Louis and Anna Leber Molinaro.

Mr. Molinaro and his wife of 16 years, Patricia Sones Molinaro, were married on May 29, 1993.

Following his 1941 graduation from Canonsburg High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he attained the rank of commander while serving in World War II. He served in the underwater demolition team No. 21, a forerunner of the Navy SEALs. During his military career, he earned a bachelor's degree at Bloomsburg University, obtained a master's degree from the University of Notre Dame and completed officers training school at Columbia University. He was also instrumental in advancing the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps.

After honorably serving his country, he became a math teacher. He taught at various area schools, including Williamsport High School, Williamsport Area Community College and Lewisburg Middle and High schools. He is remembered by his students as a teacher who was always willing to go the extra mile. After retirement in 1989, he continued his love of teaching and giving back to the community by working with the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit.

Mr. Molinaro was an expert Italian cook, and his delicious meals will be missed by family and former customers of the Ploughman Restaurant in Bloomsburg, which he previously owned. Frank also possessed a passion for painting and created many fine watercolor prints for friends and family to enjoy. In addition to his other pastimes, he enjoyed collecting coins and antiques and refinishing furniture and was renowned for his great storytelling.

He was a member of Clyde F. Mowrer American Legion Post 323 in Watsontown and Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1665 in Milton.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two sons and daughters-in-law, Dave and Sue Molinaro of Orangeville and Bruce and Barb Molinaro of McClure; a daughter and son-in-law, Virginia and William Halpern of Newtown; two stepdaughters, Traci Burns of Annapolis, Md., and Dana (Kevin) Shrawder of Watsontown; two brothers, Robert and Joe, and two sisters, Anna Martha and Carol, all of California; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Deceased, in addition to his parents, are two brothers, two sisters and a nephew.

(From original obituary: http://www.observer-reporter.com/)

Commander Molinaro served as the second Executive Director of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps fron 1965 to 1969.

Henry E. Mooberry
December 6, 2005

Lieutenant Commander Henry E. Mooberry, NSCC, 78, of Washington, D.C.; passed away on December 6, 2005. LCDR Mooberry, a World War II veteran, started his participation with the Naval Sea Cadet Corps in 1972. He was commissioned as an Ensign in 1976 and later became the Commanding Officer of the DAHLGREN Division in September 1978.

Over the years, LCDR Mooberry has helped more than 5000 young people, many of which have moved on to military careers and many other outstanding civilian jobs.

For his over 30 years of service to the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, LCDR Henry E. Mooberry was honored when DAHLGREN Division was renamed the HENRY E. MOOBERRY Division on 4 October 2005.  At the unit renaming ceremony at the Russell Senate Office Building in attendance and in testament to LCDR Mooberry's years of dedicated service to the NSCC, were RADM Patrick M. Stillman, USCG, representing the Commandant of the Coast Guard; ADM Michael G. Mullen, USN, Chief of Naval Operations; GEN Michael W. Hagee, USMC Commandant; SEN John Warner of Virginia and Secretary of the Navy the Honorable Gordon R. England. 

In a message to NSCC personnel, CAPT Michael Ford, USNR (Ret.), Executive Director of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps had these words to say, "Hank will be sorely missed by all who came into contact with him. He made a major contribution in this world and will always be remembered by all who served with him. There was none finer! Hank we miss you!!"

Lieutenant Commander Mooberry was the Commanding Officer of DAHLGREN Division renamed in his honor to HENRY E. MOOBERRY Division, Washington, D.C. and Training Ship ADMIRAL J.S. MCCAIN, JR., Washington, D.C., and was the former Regional Director for Mid-Atlantic Region 5.

Bryan D. Myers
November 8, 2004

Seaman Bryan D. Myers, USN, 19, of Lake Worth, Florida; died on November 8, 2004 while on active duty with the U.S. Navy. Bryan was stationed aboard the USS SPRUANCE home ported in Mayport, FL. He graduated from Santaluces High School in Lantana. He enjoyed his friends, surfing, and working with computers.

Seaman Bryan D. Myers was a member of PALM BEACH Division, West Palm Beach, Florida.

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Gary W. Neisz
March 1, 2004

Captain Gary W. Neisz, USMC (Ret.), 54, of Douglas, Massachusetts; passed away at his home on March 1, 2004. CAPT Neisz, a decorated Vietnam War combat veteran, devoted his life to the service of his country and its citizens. CAPT Neisz was highly active in the Marine Corps Toys for Tot program and served as the Director of the Family Support Advocacy Program at Naval and Marine Corps Reserve Center Worcester, Massachusetts.  As one unit cadet said about him, "He was made of bullets and steel.  One Marine returns home...one last OORAH and SEMPER FI !!!!"

Captain Neisz was the Commanding Officer of WORCESTER (CL 144) Division, Worcester, Massachusetts.

Courtney T. Noll
May 25, 2005

Cadet Courtney T. Noll, 16, of Gower, Missouri, passed away suddenly at her home on May 25, 2005. Cadet Noll attended East Buchanan High School, where she had just completed her junior year.  Cadet Noll received a double letter for her participation in the high school band, where she played first chair trumpet and had received numerous Excellence Awards, and also was the vice-president of the forensics team.   As a member of O L Crandall Division, Cadet Noll earned an Academic Achievement Ribbon, Meritorious Recognition Ribbon, Battalion Honor Cadet Award, Marksman Award, Unit Commendation and the First Year Ribbon.

Cadet Courtney T. Noll was a member of  O L CRANDALL Division, Ruth Huston Learning Center, Saint Joseph, Missouri. She joined the NSCC in May, 2004.

Nora Louise Gray-Noyce
March 14, 2004

Former Cadet Nora Louise Gray-Noyce, 36, of Cut Bank, Wyoming, a paramedic and EMT for Glacier County, died of injuries received in a motor vehicle accident on March 14, 2004.  Nora attended public schools in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While in high school, she became a Naval Sea Cadet.  While part of the NSCC, she completed numerous TWT's at several stations around the country. Her favorite assignments involved working with the Coast Guard at the shores in New Jersey and Maryland. She studied communications and cartography at Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Cadet Nora Louise Gray-Noyce was a member of PHILADELPHIA Division, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania from March 1983 to July 1987.

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Walter Riter
November 25, 2004

Lieutenant Commander Walter Riter, USN, 84, of Long Beach, California; passed away on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 2004. LCDR Riter, a Pearl Harbor survivor, was a longtime volunteer with Naval Recruiting District Los Angeles. LCDR Riter was well known in the Long Beach area for restoring the battleship model USS Nevada used in the the 1970 motion picture “Tora! Tora! Tora!”.

Lieutenant Commander Riter was the former Commanding Officer of LONG BEACH Division, Long Beach, California.

Hector J. Rosso
May 1, 2006

Lieutenant Commander Hector Rosso, NSCC, 86, of Highland, California; passed away on May 1, 2006. A 1944 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and a long time member of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps from May 1973 until May 1980. He is interned at Mountain View Cemetery in San Bernardino, California.

Lieutenant Commander Rosso served in HOOPER Division, now SAN BERNARDINO Division, San Bernardino, California.

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Edward F. Speed
August 30, 2007

Former Cadet Edward Frey Speed, 22, died unexpectedly on Thursday, August 30.

The beloved son of Martha and Lincoln Speed of Edgecomb, he was born July 19, 1985 in Brunswick. He attended the Edgecomb Eddy School and graduated from Wiscasset High School in 2003.

Mr. Speed earned numerous awards during his school years, including Honor Cadet for the U. S. Naval Sea Cadets, Orion Squadron, 8th grade State spelling Bee Runner-Up, the sophomore Abbott Fletcher High School Science Award, participating in many Honor and District Choruses, the National School Choral Award, Excellence in Photography Award, Excellence in Technology Awards and Varsity Letter for Track and Field.

He was proud to be a Boy Scout and earned his Eagle Badge at age 16. His Eagle project was refurbishing the historic benches at the Edgecomb Town Hall.

A hard and diligent worker, he earned his private pilot's license at 18. He attended Daniel Webster College for aviation and instead found a new passion, baking. He attended Southern Maine Community College in the Culinary Program.

During his school years, he worked at Bowdoin College's ACE Computer Camp, Huber's Market in Wiscasset, Hannaford in Boothbay Harbor, Daniel Webster College's cafeteria and Bintliff's Ocean Grille in Edgecomb. In August of 2006, Ed began work at Atlantic Baking Company located in Rockland. He enjoyed his work and co-workers. Ed was a hard worker, arriving before his co-workers and staying late into the afternoon to complete his job.

Mr. Speed had recently earned his Red belt in art of Tae Kwon Do. He was a perfectionist and practiced his katas daily.

Cadet Speed was a member of ORION Squadron, Brunswick Maine from February 1999 to February 2000 as a Navy League cadet.

Francis "Don" Starr
December 27, 2004

Lieutenant Junior Grade Francis "Don" Starr, NSCC, 48, of Dover Township, New Jersey; a deckhand with the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 25 in Millstone, New Jersey was killed on December 27, 2004 by falling off a slippery barge into the bitterly cold waters of the Delaware River. LTJG Starr was part of a three-man crew taking a barge filled with stones to Pea Patch Island, off the coast of Delaware City, as part of a bulkhead project.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Starr was the former Commanding Officer of KITTY HAWK Division, Fort Dix, New Jersey.

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Charles W. Vinson, Sr.
August 7, 2005

Lieutenant Commander Charles Vinson, NSCC, 65, of Rio Rancho, New Mexico; passed away on August 7, 2005 of a massive heart attack. LCDR Vinson was returning from NSCC foreign exchange duty in England.  He’d got all of his cadets off to their respective flights and was waiting in Dallas to connect with his flight to return home to Albuquerque. 

LCDR Vinson retired from the U.S. Navy in October, 1978 as a Chief Warrant Officer W2 and became a part of the Naval Sea Cadet Corps program in February 1983 enrolling in TUCSON Squadron, Tucson, Arizona.

Lieutenant Commander Vinson was the Regional Director for Rocky Mountain Region 15-2, Commanding Officer for both TUCSON Division and Training Ship DESERT PRIDE, Tucson, Arizona, the former Regional Director for Pacific Southwest Region 11 and the former Commanding Officer of FITZGERALD Division, Albuquerque, New Mexico.

James A. Vyskocil
October 2, 2009

Lieutenant Commander James A. Vyskocil, USN (Ret), 88, of Burlington, an exceptional individual, passed away on October 2, 2009. James, known to many as “Mr. V”, was a 33-year Navy veteran and survivor of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.  Mr. Vyskocil fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, enduring five sea battles and three aircraft crashes.  He was also one of the founders of the Navy’s Retried Activities Program, and, in collaboration with Mr. Wally Funk of the Oak Harbor Navy League, founded the Women’s Sea Cadet Program in 1972.  The son of James and Minnie Vyskocil, he was born in 1921 in Havelock, Nebraska, now part of Lincoln.  At the age of 16, Jim joined the Citizens’ Military Training Corps, an offshoot of the Depression-era Civilian Conservation Corps.  He spent two years with that organization, training and working in this home state. Having acquired a taste for military life, upon graduation from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy.  As a young Signalman, he was on duty at the Pearl harbor Naval Shipyard signal tower on Dec. 7, 1941.  He watched in horror as enemy aircraft bombed Ford Island and ship after ship exploded into flames.  He and his shipmates gave the first alert of the attack and remained on duty on the open platform, 90-foot tower until the next day, when they descended to recover bodies from the smoldering wreckage.  He went on to see heavy combat in the Pacific Theater, surviving five sea battles.  In 1943, he attended flight school and joined the U.S. Navy’s lighter-than-air fleet.  After the war, he was selected to be a member of Admiral Byrd’s 4th Antarctic Expedition to the South Pole.  In 1952, he became an Air Traffic Controller, and three years later, as a Chief Petty Officer, was commissioned to the rank of Ensign.  He attended the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA, and in 1961 took command of the Naval Air Intercept School there.  In 1972, while serving at NAS Whidbey Island AIMD, Mr. Vyskocil retired from the Navy with the rank of Lieutenant Commander.  His major sea assignments included the battleships USS NEW MEXICO, MARYLAND and PENNSYLVANIA; the cruisers USS SAN FRANCISO and BOISE; destroyers USS VESOLE and BORRIE; auxiliaries USS RIGEL, DALTON VICTORY and ARGONNE; and seaplane tender USS CURRITUCK, on which he sailed to Antarctica.  Aviation duty included ZP 31, 32 and 33, VR-8, VAAW-13, Barrie Pacific, and Search and Rescue Pacific, Pearl Harbor.  In the early 1970’s, Mr. Vyskocil was the first Commanding Officer of the Sea Cadet's GOLDEN INTRUDER Squadron, and as such, successfully petitioned the last Senators Jason and Magnuson to change the federal law that prohibited young women from joining the Naval Sea Cadet program.  That accomplished, he commanded the first female Sea Cadet squadron in the U.S., based at NAS Whidbey Island, WA.  In 1981, he established the Navy’s first Retired Affairs Office (now called Retied Activities Office) at NAS Whidbey Island. S taffed by volunteers, the office continues to help military retirees, their spouses and widows with benefits and services issues.  He loved to hunt, and made many trips to Canada for elk and deer; he also loved to fish especially on the Snake River.  Mr. Vyskocil was a life member of the Whidbey Island Masonic Lodge 15, Fidalgo 77, and Garfield 41; Scottish Rite of Freemasonry Patron, Eastern Star, Lei Lehua Chapter #6, Hawaii; Pearl Harbor Survivors Association North Cascades Chapter 5; the Elks; and Military Officers Association of America (MOAA).  He was a beloved friend of Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church and “mascot” of the church choir.  A warm smile, congenial nature, enough stories to fill a book, and sincere concern for his fellow man – this was Jim Vyskocil, Mr. V., Uncle James A.  He will be sorely missed.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Sally Anne Vyskocil, who made 22 moves with him during his naval career.

Lieutenant Commander James A. Vyskocil was the former Commanding Officer of GOLDEN INTRUDER Squadron NAS Whidbey Island, Washington.

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Keith T. Weaver
April 18, 2000

Captain Keith T. Weaver, USN (Ret), 75, passed away on April 18, 2000. Upon retirement from active Naval Service, Captain Weaver joined the U. S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps as Deputy Director in October 1975 and assumed the position of Executive Director in January 1978. He served in this capacity until April 1993. In June 1993 he assumed the duties as National President of the Board of Directors U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps and from June 1995 through July 1998 served as National Chairman NSCC and Vice President for Youth of the Navy League of the United States. He has served as Chairman of the NSCC Advisory Committee from July 1998 until his death. Captain Weaver was awarded both the Secretary of the Navy's Distinguished Service Ribbon, as well as the Commandant U.S. Coast Guard's Distinguished Service Ribbon for his more than 20 years of service to youth through his work in the Sea Cadet Corps program.

Under Captain Weaver's leadership such notable changes to the Naval Sea Cadet Corps included; the creation of the Chief Petty Officer Rank, uniformed Instructors, Officer Professional Development, and many other contributions that affect the members of the NSCC to this day.

To review CAPT Weaver's military accomplishments, please see http://resources.seacadets.org/weaver.html.

Elizabeth Webb
February 15, 2007

Former Petty Officer Second Class Elizabeth Webb, NSCC, 22, was killed on Febraury 15, 2007 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Petty Officer Webb joined the Sea Cadets at the age of 13 in hopes of follwing her father's foot steps in joining the Navy. She dreamed of being the first female in the submarine force. Upon graduation from high school Elizabeth held several jobs and attended college part time. "Bits", as she was known to her family and friends, was killed as a result of an automobile accident not two weeks after her younger brother Johnathan was killed in an auto accident. "The world is a little darker now because the light of these two young people has been snuffed out", were the words spoken from Robert Smith, the Commanding Officer of NAUTILUS SSN-571 Division where Bits was a cadet. She will be missed. "The entire world needs to know that Bits and Johnathan were here."

Petty Officer Second Class Webb was a cadet with GROTON Division and NAUTILUS SSN-571 Divison, Naval Submarine Base, New London, Groton, Connecticut from 1996 to 2000.

Johnathan Webb
February 1, 2007

Former Cadet Johnathan Webb, 20, was killed on Febraury 1, 2007 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.

Cadet Webb was a cadet with GROTON Division and NAUTILUS SSN-571 Divison, Naval Submarine Base, New London, Groton, Connecticut.

Gustaf Wetterling
June 1988

Lieutenant Commaner Gustaf Wetterling, NSCC, passed away in June 1988. He was a long time member of the NSCC.

Lieutenant Commander Westerling was the officer in charge of the NSCC Uniform Depot, Oakland, California

Robert Steven "Steve" White
June 25, 2004

Former Cadet Robert Steven "Steve" White, 32, of Sierra Valley, Nevada, was a 1990 graduate of Loyalton High School and 1991 graduate of Universal Technical Institute of Phoenix.  Cadet White worked as a diesel mechanic, logger, equipment operator and chef.

Cadet Robert Steven "Steve" White was a Navy League Cadet of BON HOMME RICHARD Division, Reno, Nevada in the late 1980's.

Raymond J. Williams
December 1, 2007

Boatswain's Mate Third Class Raymond J. Williams, USCG, 20, of North Brunswick, New Jersey, passed away on Decemeber 1, 2007. BM3 Williams was born in Salem County, New Jersey and was raised in North Brunswick. He was a 2005 graduate of North Brunswick Township High School. His love for the outdoors and the ocean were nurtured during family vacations to Chincoteague, Va.

Raymond entered the Coast Guard on July 5, 2005 and graduated from Boatswain's Mate "A" School in Yorktown, Va. on Dec. 9, 2005. He reported aboard the Maritime Safety and Security Team in December 2005. Initially attached to the Water-Side Division, he quickly excelled and was transferred over to the Maritime Law Enforcement/Force Protection Team. He was certified MSST Tactical Boat Crewman on March 17, 2006. On April 19, 2006, he received the Coast Guard Pistol and Coast Guard Rifleman awards. Raymond attended the Special Missions Training Center at the Marine Corps Base in Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he participated in their Tactical Training Course, an intensive program focused on marksmanship, assault team coordination, team leader communications, close-quarter combat techniques, multi-team assault techniques and large-scale dynamic assault planning and execution. He was certified a Boarding Team Member on Jan. 12, 2007. He graduated from the program on June 8, 2007. 

Boatswain's Mate Third Class Williams is a former cader of N.W.S. EARLE Division, Leonardo, New Jersey.

Daniel Wisner, Sr.
March 7, 2002

Lieutenant Commander Daniel Wisner, NSCC, 62, of Nampa, Idaho, passed away on March 7, 2002. LCDR Wisner, after graduating from Adna High School in 1960, he entered the U.S. Navy and served aboard the USS DeHaven (DD727) in the Pacific for two years. LCDR Wisner then served in the Navy Reserves from 1962-68. LCDR Wisner and his family moved to Meridian in 1970, where he operated a farm until 1975. In 1977, he moved to Nampa, and again joined the Naval Reserve, becoming active in the Navy Seabees. In 1984, the Governor of Idaho selected Dan as an "Outstanding Citizen" for his dedicated service to local veterans.

Lieutenant Commander Wisner was the first Commanding Officer of BERT COLWELL Battalion , Boise, Idaho from November 1980 to May 1982 and then again served as Commanding Officer from November 1982 to September 1984.

Karl E. Woods
October 15, 2002

Lieutenant Commander Karl E. Woods, NSCC, 57, of Paonia, Colorado; passed away on October 15, 2002.  LCDR Woods, after attended Cornell University, served with the U.S. Navy in Vietnam. LCDR Woods earned a Silver Star, two Purple Hearts and other numerous honors, and sang in the Blue Jackets Choir. After working at Procter and Gamble 25 years, he moved to western Colorado and became a real estate agent.

Lieutenant Commander Woods was the former Commanding Officer of VADM JAMES B. STOCKDALE Division, Syracuse, New York and former Regional Director for Rocky Mountain Region 15-1.