Lieut Randy A Mikal
Lieut William D Blanton
AW-3 James C Mentink
On November 2, 1978, while on duty
in the Philippines, LCDR Kelly and three
other airmen (Lt. William D. Blanton, 28; Lt. Randy A. Mikal, 26; and Aviation Anti-Submarine Warfare Operator Third Class (AW-3) James C. Mentink, 22, all of San Diego) aboard a S-3A Viking took off on a routine training mission from the Subic Bay Naval Base northwest of Manila. Moments after takeoff the 36-year-old native San Diegan and resident of Coronado, along with the rest of the crew, was killed in a crash.
Lt. Cmdr. Kelly is a native of San Diego and is a 1965 graduate of San Diego State.
He enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1964 and after graduation entered the Reserve Officer Candidate Programe.
He was commissioned an ensign in January 1965. He was later designated a naval flight officer (NFO) on December 13, 1965, and subsequently assigned to VP-31 for tactical coordinator training.
Further assignments included a tour with VP-42; assignment to commander, Fleet Air Wing Six, and aid and flag lieutenant for Anti-Submarine Warfare Group Three.
He entered VS-41 in August 1973 and was among those initially trained by Lockheed for the S-3A during its introduction to the fleet.
Assigned to VS-37 IN February 1977, Lt. Cmdr. Kelly has held the billets of both operations and maintainance officer, and had become the first NFO to accumulate over 1,000 flight hours in the S-3A.
His list of decorations include the Air Medal (3), Navy Commendation Medal, and Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Lieut Randy A Mikal
Lieut William D Blanton
AW-3 James C Mentink
On November 2, 1978, while on duty
in the Philippines, LCDR Kelly and three
other airmen (Lt. William D. Blanton, 28; Lt. Randy A. Mikal, 26; and Aviation Anti-Submarine Warfare Operator Third Class (AW-3) James C. Mentink, 22, all of San Diego) aboard a S-3A Viking took off on a routine training mission from the Subic Bay Naval Base northwest of Manila. Moments after takeoff the 36-year-old native San Diegan and resident of Coronado, along with the rest of the crew, was killed in a crash.
Lt. Cmdr. Kelly is a native of San Diego and is a 1965 graduate of San Diego State.
He enlisted in the Naval Reserve in 1964 and after graduation entered the Reserve Officer Candidate Programe.
He was commissioned an ensign in January 1965. He was later designated a naval flight officer (NFO) on December 13, 1965, and subsequently assigned to VP-31 for tactical coordinator training.
Further assignments included a tour with VP-42; assignment to commander, Fleet Air Wing Six, and aid and flag lieutenant for Anti-Submarine Warfare Group Three.
He entered VS-41 in August 1973 and was among those initially trained by Lockheed for the S-3A during its introduction to the fleet.
Assigned to VS-37 IN February 1977, Lt. Cmdr. Kelly has held the billets of both operations and maintainance officer, and had become the first NFO to accumulate over 1,000 flight hours in the S-3A.
His list of decorations include the Air Medal (3), Navy Commendation Medal, and Meritorious Unit Commendation.
Inscription
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GEORGE W
KELLY
LCDR
US NAVY
VIETNAM
JUN 30 1942
NOV 2 1978
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