'Dusty Dogs' pay respects to fallen

As the NAS Jax Honor Support Team marched solemnly past aisle after aisle to present the colors, guests proudly stood at attention as Navy Band Southeast presented the national anthem. After a short scripture reading and prayer by Navy Chaplain Lt. Cmdr. Maurice Buford, ATAN Kara Bates sang "Amazing Grace."

First to take the podium to offer some heartfelt words of encouragement to those in attendance was Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing U.S. Atlantic Fleet Capt. John Smith.

Members of the NAS Jax Honor Support Team present the colors as the beginning of the memorial service. Photo by Kaylee LaRocque

"These shipmates knew the associated risk, yet they continued to train so when the time came they were ready for the call. They trained hard and they trained well. They were manned, trained, fully equipped and they were professional in what they did. The Dusty Dogs do an outstanding job and this crew is a testament to that," said Smith. "To the families, shipmates and friends of these five Dusty Dogs, we offer no trite expression, rather we stand with you in sincere sympathy. Our hope is that your memories of these loved ones and colleagues are proud ones. President Ronald Reagan said once, 'America holds a special place for those who are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for their country.' These individuals did that. He also said, 'We must honor them and respect them not just when they are in battle, but everyday they were their proud uniform.'" "Unfortunately, I do not have the words to help you move on from your tragedy. I would ask that you continue to help each other, support each other and rely on each other. Time will help some, but the pain will remain. With God's grace, we will find the strength to go on," continued Smith.

Members of the NAS Jax Honor Support Team perform the 21-gun salute in remembrance of the HS-7 crew during the service. Photo by Kaylee LaRocque

Next to give his remarks was HS-7 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Mark Huber, who recognized each of his five squadron members. "We've gathered here today to acknowledge the commitment, sacrifice and lasting legacy of the five crewmembers of Dusty Dog 612. Those of us who knew these five men, those of us who had the honor to serve with them would do well to remember what each of them has taught us. By reflecting on their qualities, we learn from them. By learning from them, they endure in us throughout our lives as our teachers," stated Huber.

"I met Cmdr. Michael Sheahan for the first time when he checked into HS-7 as the executive officer in September 2005. Although I had not known him before, I was familiar with his reputation. He was widely known for his intelligence and for being outspoken," said Huber. "He earned his call sign 'Flush' because early mentors feared his personality and willingness to speak his mind would ruin his career. I soon discovered his outspoken nature was simply a larger manifestation of his uniquely cheerful enthusiasm and confidence which made him a compelling and charismatic leader."

HS-5 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Paul Esposito offers some personal reflections of his shipmate and fellow aviator, Cmdr. Michael Sheahan, during a memorial ceremony May 31. Photo by MC2 Brian Smarr

"I'll always remember Lt. Richard Andersen for his humility and dedication. He was one of the hardest working officers in the squadron. It was commonplace for me to discover at the end of the day that Lt. Andersen was the last man working. As legal officer, he took it upon himself to be an advocate for troubled Sailors. He routinely vested off duty hours to minister to the needs of HS-7 who were on restriction or in the brig," continued Huber.

"One word comes to mind when I remember Petty Officer Weatherford and that is devotion. He had great love for his family," continued Huber. "Whenever I saw a flight schedule and saw him assigned as my crew chief, I knew I could look forward to a lively update on the Weatherford family. He loved to talk about his wife and sons. His devotion to his family clearly inspired his outstanding performance at work. Petty Officer Weatherford taught me the strength of devotion."

Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing U.S. Atlantic Fleet Capt. John Smith delivers his heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen aviators of HS-7 during the memorial ceremony. Photo by MC2 Brian Smarr

Huber also went on to recognize the two youngest members of the crew. "I routinely crossed paths with Petty Officer Rossetto at the base fitness center. This was not surprising. He was after all, one of the strongest, most fit rescue swimmers at HS-7. He took seriously his duty to be physically fit. He embodied the Navy's core value of commitment," expressed Huber. "But I was even more impressed by the commitment he extended beyond himself. For example, I once observed him instructing another Sailor on how to lift weights. This particular Sailor was one of the last people I ever expected to see in the weight room. He took the aspirations of other Sailors, however enlightening those aspirations might have been, seriously. He had the faith and insight to see potential even where it was most difficult. Petty Officer Rossetto taught me the power of commitment to others."

Lt. Dana Chapin of HS-7, sings the Navy Hymn as Navy Band Southeast provides the music. Photo by MC2 Brian Smarr

"To some Petty Officer Bibbo barely looked old enough to be in the Navy, much less be a rescue swimmer. But under his youthful appearance, was maturity and self-assurance. He may have looked young, but he seemed to be intimidated by no one, not even the commanding officer," Huber said. "I discovered this the hard way when we had a flight together and I tried to explain to him why it was better to cheer for the Yankees instead of the Red Sox. He was not easily intimidated. Because of his gentle spirit he made friends quickly. His peers admired him because he was one of the most sincere, approachable Sailors in the squadron. He was a respected, trustworthy and confident. Petty Officer Bibbo taught me the importance of being genuine."

"Each of the crewmembers of Dusty Dog 612 had something powerful to teach us. These are their enduring legacies; they were and always will be teachers," concluded Huber.

Navy Band Southeast bugler MU1 Trevor Spaulding, plays taps to honor the five fallen shipmates of HS-7. Photo by MC2 Brian Smarr

A family member or friend then specifically recognized each crewmember. HS-5 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Paul Esposito began by remembering his friend, Sheahan. "It's never easy to say goodbye to a fellow naval aviator. It's especially hard today to speak on behalf of my fellow CO and my friend, Cmdr. Mike Sheahan. Since the early 90's when Mike and I became good friends and working partners, I gained some insight of who he was and what he was all about. Behind his smile and ability to speak 20,000 words a minute, he was a true patriot and eternal optimist. His optimism was infectious and did not easily deter. There is no denying that he loved the Navy and the nation it defends. It was his dedication, desire, hard work and heartfelt patriotism that drove him to the top of his profession," said Esposito. "Being appointed CO of HS-7 was one of the happiest day of his life. That day provided him the opportunity to do what he did best - to lead aviators and Sailors and to instill in them the same desires and sense of duty and professionalism that drove him. There is no denying that he was a true and natural leader and outstanding instructor. He was the right man for the job and we were all proud to call him skipper."

Lt. Wesley Barnes took the podium next to pay tribute to Andersen. "I met Richard when he checked into HS-7 in 2005. While getting to know him, I quickly admired the way he carried himself and the way he treated other people. He was a true professional at work and he cared deeply for his fellow Dusty Dogs. He was always extremely polite and courteous. He was never rattled by stress and was always there to help a friend. He never complained when things seemed unfair," said Barnes, tearfully. "We all know life is not fair, otherwise men like Richard would still be with us today. We might feel that we have lost the love of a son, brother or a friend, but that is not the case. We will always have his love as long as we carry his memories with us."

AW1 Michael Iwicki then remembered his best friend. "Wally Weatherford was not only a great father to his sons, but also a mentor to his young aircrewmen. I even remember a couple times when he would put them in time out. He was someone I looked up to for guidance at work and in life because he always seemed to have great answers or at least a more reasonable one than I could come up with," said Iwicki. "My memories of Wally span half the world from taking a Morale, Welfare and Recreation trip in Japan, standing beside him when he said 'I do' to his wife, Amy and playing board games on Friday nights. Wally will be missed by everyone he touched, but he'll forever live in our memories and our hearts."

In remembrance of his son, Jared, Jerry Rossetto offered some words about the love he had for his son. "The passion for my son showed by his performance. He really loved to fly. For those who were not fortunate enough to have met Jared, one way to picture him was to think of your best friend. He held many desirable qualities one looks for in a best friend. He has touched more lives in his 24 years than some do in a lifetime. He was my best friend," said Rossetto.

HS-7 Commanding Officer Cmdr. Mark Huber, offers some heartfelt remarks about his crewmembers during the service. Photo by MC2 Brian Smarr

Last to take the podium was Joseph Bibbo, who tearfully talked about the bond between him and his brother, Andrew. "Andrew and I had a bond and a love for each other that was strong and beautiful, a bond that I am still learning about every day. It's the bond that is holding me together today. Drew was like a well-oiled machine. He was perfect in the art of life; he encompassed everything that is good about humanity. He was strong and devoted his life to helping other people," said Bibbo.

After several more songs by AZAN Tramaine Johnson and Lt. Dana Chapin and some words of hope and the benediction by Buford, the crowd stood as Taps was played and the NAS Jax Honor Support Team presented a 21-gun salute. The service concluded with a special fly-by by SH-60 helicopters.

A SH-60 fly-by in remembrance of the HS-7 crewmembers concluded the service. Photo by MC2 Brian Smarr