This past year we left behind the 75th anniversary and the memory of the single largest Naval disaster in American history! But Pearl Harbor was followed by others as well; The USS Oriskany CV-34, 26OCT66, USS Forrestal CV-59, 29July67 and the USS Enterprise CVAN-65, 14JAN69 where the loss of life at any number was too many.
But we also mark the 43rd anniversary of another naval disaster, one that maybe many do not know about except those who served Her hallowed decks. The tragic fire in the #1MMR aboard the USS Kitty Hawk on 11DEC73 at 17:58 ZULU, when the lives of six young sailors, sons, friends and shipmates were taken before they could be realized or lived.
We remember:
FA Michael R. Deverich, 19 of Romulus, MI
FA Samuel J. Cardenas, 20 of Pueblo, CO
FA Alan J. Champine, 18 of Mount Clemens, MI
FR Kevin W. Johnson, 17 of Yakima, WA
FR Linn C. Schambers, 19 of Van Nuys, CA
FA Joseph P. Tulipana, 19 of Dover, MO.
Although at times a sad memory for all those who were serving aboard at the time, it is painful for those who knew and worked beside these six men personally. And although tragic, it is a part of the Kitty Hawks history that should never be forgotten and noted annually that these six men served valiantly and should be memorialized as should their families be remembered as well.
It was my honor to have served and known one such life, Mike Deverich. Though short in acquaintances, we shared a commonality, a comradery, interest and time spent discussing the next chapter in our lives or at least the expectation. One we all shared as part of life aboard the Kitty Hawk, not just a great carrier or floating city, but our home.
Please uncover, bow your heads and join me in prayer today and every Dec. 11th when colors are raised and bells toll for all those lost in the service of our county. And remember those who are following, may God bless and bring them all home safely.
I apologize for the missing photos of two shipmates; Alan J. Champine and Joseph P. Tulipana that were not available at the time of this posting but will be added if they are located.
"This site is dedicated to the memory of the six men who paid the ultimate price and to the other 38 men who survived the call! To their families and all the men and women who have served or are serving our great nation here and abroad. To the many young lives that ended tragically before their dreams could be realized, to the many families, friends and lives that were touched by that loss and for all who went ......
“Beyond The Call of Duty"
11DEC73 Fire Abord Kitty Hawk®
By Edward Thomas Rieth
But we also mark the 43rd anniversary of another naval disaster, one that maybe many do not know about except those who served Her hallowed decks. The tragic fire in the #1MMR aboard the USS Kitty Hawk on 11DEC73 at 17:58 ZULU, when the lives of six young sailors, sons, friends and shipmates were taken before they could be realized or lived.
We remember:
FA Michael R. Deverich, 19 of Romulus, MI
FA Samuel J. Cardenas, 20 of Pueblo, CO
FA Alan J. Champine, 18 of Mount Clemens, MI
FR Kevin W. Johnson, 17 of Yakima, WA
FR Linn C. Schambers, 19 of Van Nuys, CA
FA Joseph P. Tulipana, 19 of Dover, MO.
Although at times a sad memory for all those who were serving aboard at the time, it is painful for those who knew and worked beside these six men personally. And although tragic, it is a part of the Kitty Hawks history that should never be forgotten and noted annually that these six men served valiantly and should be memorialized as should their families be remembered as well.
It was my honor to have served and known one such life, Mike Deverich. Though short in acquaintances, we shared a commonality, a comradery, interest and time spent discussing the next chapter in our lives or at least the expectation. One we all shared as part of life aboard the Kitty Hawk, not just a great carrier or floating city, but our home.
Please uncover, bow your heads and join me in prayer today and every Dec. 11th when colors are raised and bells toll for all those lost in the service of our county. And remember those who are following, may God bless and bring them all home safely.
I apologize for the missing photos of two shipmates; Alan J. Champine and Joseph P. Tulipana that were not available at the time of this posting but will be added if they are located.
"This site is dedicated to the memory of the six men who paid the ultimate price and to the other 38 men who survived the call! To their families and all the men and women who have served or are serving our great nation here and abroad. To the many young lives that ended tragically before their dreams could be realized, to the many families, friends and lives that were touched by that loss and for all who went ......
“Beyond The Call of Duty"
11DEC73 Fire Abord Kitty Hawk®
By Edward Thomas Rieth
About the Author
Edward Thomas Rieth (Rusty) served in P-1 & P-2 Diviions aboard the USS Kitty Hawk in 1973 when a tragic fire broke out in the #1 Main Machinery Room that took the life of a good friend (Michael Deverich) and the lives five other shipmates on DEC 11, 1973.
For over a decade now Ed has been conducting research, interviews and compiling documentation so that night in Kitty Hawk history could be told and so that everyone could hear the story. Difficult for many to recall and painful for those who do.
For over a decade now Ed has been conducting research, interviews and compiling documentation so that night in Kitty Hawk history could be told and so that everyone could hear the story. Difficult for many to recall and painful for those who do.
Kitty Hawk Photo Gallery and History
