Paul White - Navy HC 11

To Whom it may concern.

I was stationed with Chris in HC-11 in the 90’s

Although I heard of his passing shortly after the event, I never felt that my take on him could match up with the wonderful words that others had written about him.

Even now I feel that my words are inadequate .

I knew Chris as an enlisted man, as was I.

He was one of those guys that if you were in a bad mood and ran into him, you mood was lightened after being around him.

Chris was a good aircrewman and I’m sure was a great pilot.

News of his passing caused a shadow to cross my heart but, more importantly……..caused me to reflect on my memories of him and that shadow has been replaced with a smile.

I hope that you and your family are doing well.

V/R

Paul White

Victoria Will

I didn't know Lt. Hescock however; I stumbled across the article while looking up an older article regarding a similar incident. I wanted you all to know my heart hurts for you as my eyes streamed with tears over your loss. I looked at pictures posted in the comments and noticed he once worked at HC-11. Depending on when he was there he may have worked with my husband. I felt compelled to reach out to his widow. I myself was widowed in a similar fashion 9 months ago. I want to send my deepest sympathy and support to her. I know it's strange to have strangers offering condolences but I found that having people who truly understand really helps at times. If you could pass this message along tell her anything she needs anytime she can contact me. Again I'm sorry for your loss and grateful to your brother who gave his life for the love of his country...for everyone of us. A great big Thank You to you all for your sacrifice.

Sincerely,
Victoria Will

Chris & Marci Brunett, US Navy

Hi Shaun,

My name is Marci Brunett. I am so sorry to be emailing you under these circumstances, but I could not pass up the chance to tell you and your family how much I thought of your brother, Christian and his wife, Ruth. First, please accept my heart-felt sympathy and know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers every single day.

I am sure you’ve noticed a common thread in many of the posts – Christian’s selfless devotion to others. In that vein, I would like to share a short story about a time in the recent past that Christian impacted my life in a very real way.

My husband, Chris Brunett, was the Commanding Officer of HSC-25 from May 2006 until early August when we departed Guam for his new duty station in VA. During the last 3+ months of our time in Guam, Chris was deployed with the Air Ambulance detachment in Kuwait. Thus, he was not at home in June and July to help me prepare for our move. Now, after nearly 18 years as a Navy spouse, I have quite a bit of experience with moving, but this was the first move I ever had to do on my own.

In April a few days before Chris departed for Kuwait, the Wardroom got together on a Friday afternoon at the club and gave him a nice little send-off. We had a fun time and the party eventually moved to our house for a few more hours. I remember Christian pulling me aside as he was getting ready to leave that night. He said, “Ma’am, before your movers come to start packing your things I want you to call me. I’ll come over and unhook your computers and your other electronic equipment and pack it all up for you because if you don’t do it right then your stuff is going to get messed up.”

I thanked him and didn’t think much about his offer until a day or so before the movers were scheduled to begin packing. By then, Chris had been gone for about 6 weeks and I was knee-deep in preparing the house for the move, arranging the shipment of our car, coordinating settlement on the new house we were buying in VA and taking care of our two children. At that point and being a fairly non-tech-savvy person, figuring out how to unhook and pack up our two computers, stereo system and three televisions seemed like more than I could handle. So I emailed Christian and asked if his offer was still available, which, of course, it was.

The next afternoon on his way home from work, Christian showed up at my house with zip-lock bags, rubber bands, zip ties, a permanent marker and his usual friendly smile. He proceeded to spend at least three hours carefully unhooking all of our computer components and other electronic equipment. He painstakingly packaged and labeled everything. He also used my digital camera to take pictures of all the model/serial numbers just in case something was damaged in the move and I had to file an insurance claim.

Several weeks later, I had a question about how to back-up some files on another computer before shipping it. The very next day he arrived at my house again. That time he spent several more hours burning CDs of some files I didn’t want to lose if the computer was damaged or lost in the move. I specifically remember that he and Ruth had just returned from their trip back to the States a few days before and that Christian was leaving again the following day for some training in San Diego. I kept trying to kick him out of the house, telling him to go home and spend some time with Ruth before his trip the next day, but he would not leave until all the files were copied and all the CDs were labeled.

I cannot begin to tell you how much he helped me on those two occasions and how much I appreciated it. The computer I am using right now to send you this email was one of the ones he helped me with. It was also the computer I was sitting in front of nearly two weeks ago when I first learned of the mishap at HSC-25 and your brother’s untimely death.

So, I just wanted you to know that I am one more person whose life was touched by Christian’s kindness. Although I didn’t know him particularly well, I will always remember his thoughtfulness and generosity during my last few weeks in Guam. Many thanks to you and Ruth and the rest of your family for sharing Christian with all of us. My hope is that you will all take great comfort in the knowledge that your brother, husband and son touched so many lives in such wonderful and caring ways. I pray that the love he has shown to so many will come back to you and give you peace.

Warmly,
Marci Brunett

PO3 Jordan Schuster, US Navy 2515th NAAD

Shaun,
I'm yet another member of Det 2, and by now I'm sure you are beginning to see just how big of an impact he had on that detatchment. I remember him for the numerous sit downs he and I had about my career and the path I should take. He has influenced my life both professionally and personally, and his advice will continue to contribute to the decisions I make over the next couple years. I'm sure there are dozens of other people who can make such a statement, and wish we could repay the favor.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you, your family and the hundreds of friends your brother had.
V/R,
Jordan Schuster

ps. I'd like to thank LCDR Nolan for posting the pictures of us in Simeulue. That was one of the most rewarding experiences I could ever hope for.

LT. David Landeros, HM-15 Pilot, US Navy, USD

Shaun,

My family and I offer our deepest condolences.
I met your awesome brother Christian seven years ago while attending school at USD. We went through the pains of flight school together, but all the while I could always count on him to make the tough times fade away with laughter. I remember him and Ruth living in their first apartment with nothing but themselves, their love and their happiness, and I was glad for them. I was glad that my wife and kids were able to meet Christian and see a perfect example of a true friend.
The day I heard the news, I did not know what to do. I kept saying to myself that it wasn’t true. I didn’t have the group of friends around me that knew you, so I couldn’t share the pain that was tearing deep inside of me. I couldn’t imagine how your family was taking your loss, and what could I say to make to make the pain go away and bring you back.
You were such a good friend, I wish that you were still here. One day I’ll see you in Heaven buddy.

LT Dave Landeros

AN Charles Beatty, Guam, HSC-25 US Navy

Shaun,
Hi, my name is AN Beatty. I would like to say how sorry I feel for your significant loss and your family is in my prayers. I deployed with LT Hescock on the Shasta, Mercy, and the Flint. There are no words to express how I feel right now. Your brother was an admirable individual on and off duty and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. As our division officer he put his people first and always made it his priority to cater to their problems. Also, his sense of humor was priceless. Mr. Hescock was by far the most knowledgeable person I have ever met. I was proud to call him sir, and I did on a daily basis.
I would like to share a story with you that showed how courteous and important your brother was to me. Just about a month ago I got in some trouble and was going to get separated from the military. LT. Hescock was there for me and guided me through this rough time in my career. He advised me that I should write a letter with my deepest apologies and ask for forgiveness. I agreed and had three days to draft up this letter. After finishing the letter, I showed him, and he said it could use a little bit of work. He then proceeded to take it home on his off time and add some of his past experiences with me to this letter. I got the revised letter back from him and was just ecstatic. Mr. Hescock spent hours upon hours on his liberty time to help me and I could not thank him enough. I thanked him over and over again. Then I asked him how I could repay him, and he said; "Beatty, you know I work for cigarettes". This says how LT. Hescock was an above-and-beyond type of person and will be tremendously missed to say the least.
I also have some pictures I will send later from the deployments your family may enjoy.

Sincerely,
Charles Beatty, HSC-25, USN

CWO3 T.J. Holland and Family, HSC-25, US Navy

Shaun,
I was between duty stations (HSC-25 and Meridian, MS) when I recieved word that HSC-25 had lost a helo and one of their pilots. I was shocked to learn it was your brother. The following days and nights the same thought kept leaping to my mind, Christian was gone. It is still hard to accept that such a good man and dedicated officer has passed.Christian was, without a doubt, one the best men I have ever served with in my 28 years of Naval Service. He was a great guy, always ready to help anyone with anything, always full of good cheer and often-needed mirth. My family and I wish to say that out hearts go out to you, your family and friends, and especially to Ruth. May God smile on you all and comfort you.

Sincerely,
T. J., Diana, Kris and Cody Holland

AZ1 Antonio Diaz, HSC-25 US Navy

Shaun,

I am sorry for the loss your family has suffered.
I worked with your brother at HSC-25, but we interacted more while volunteering for
various squadron projects around the island. We were tutors at our adopted middle school in the village of Yigo. He would joke with us junior personnel and give us hints on how to get a bunch of children to learn from us.
We all thought it was crazy of us to wake up early in the morning and teach a bunch of rowdy kids after a long week of working, but he encouraged us when our paths crossed at the hangar and school and said it would be worth it. He was right, it was and I am thankful I had the chance to volunteer with him. He was a kind man, and I am sure you do not need a stranger to tell you one of the many things he did for his country and the HSC-25 family. Peace be with you and all your family.

God Bless,
Antonio Diaz

OS2(AW) Bruce Golden, Guam, HSC-25, US Navy

I am OS2 Bruce Golden and I had the privilege of work for LT at HSC-25 for about 4 months. I consider myself to be self motivated, however, I can truly say that I have never in my 9+ years in the Navy been motivated, inspired, and encouraged like I've been for the past 4 months.
I have a story I would like to share. Recently I had the opportunity to travel with LT. I had to attend a Security Manager's Course in San Diego and he had some budget issues to iron out with the big wigs in San Diego. The trip Started out pretty funny when he and his wife Ruth picked me up from my apartment on the way to the Guam Airport. LT was running a few minutes behind and he told me that Ruth was pretty convinced that I had decided to head on to the airport thinking that he had forgotten to pick me up. I thought that was pretty funny because he said that she continuously reminded him of how late he was and then saying he should slow down. During our flight to S.D. I had a chance to get to know L.T. more than someone my rank would normally get to know their Division Officer. We discussed politics more than anything and he was so knowledgeable about the subject I almost felt like he was going to take a stab at the Governors position. He talked about his wife a lot and I can remember saying to myself " he really loves his wife". On the flight back to Guam is when I can't remember laughing so much. LT was in the isle seat on the left side of the plane and I had the aisle set to the right of him but I was in the middle row of seats. To the left of LT was a 7/8 year old kid named George whom had the window. There was a movie playing at the beginning so we didn't talk much but I noticed LT and the kid were talking a little. He was telling LT how he was flying alone and his Mom was going to pick him up once we arrived in Hawaii. Well, directly behind LT was a middle age woman and to the left of her was her 6/7 year old daughter. Apparently, the little girl had been kicking the back of Georges chair since take off and he had grown pretty tired of it. About 2 hours into the flight I heard George tell LT "excuse me for 1 minute Sir". George turned around very calmly, looked directly at the Mother while pointing at the little girl and said "If she doesn't stop kicking my chair I'm going to pull her hair". LT and I almost fell out our seats laughing. The Mom then looked around LT's seat and gave him a mean look as to assume she thought little George was LT's son. He noticed and didn't hesitate to notify the lady that George was traveling alone. The lady and her daughter changed seats and about 20 minutes later the little girl started kicking LT's seat. Little George noticed, looked at LT out the corner of his eyes and said in a very mature voice "would you like me to take care of it". LT smiled told him no thanks.
Shaun, your brother will missed by everyone who had the chance to know him and my thoughts and prayers go out to your entire family.

OS2(AW) Bruce Golden

Shawn & Kelli Pearcy, CW02, 2515TH NAAD, HSC-25, US Navy

Shaun,
Please accept mine and my wife Kelli's condolences for such a tragic loss. I cannot imagine the pain you and your family are feeling from such a sudden loss of a brother, son, and husband. I did not know Christian for very long, but from the first minute of talking to him I could tell he was a stand up guy. With both of us deployed a lot while at the command, our wives are left to hold down the fort, and during that time Kelli and Ruth became good friends. It was through our wives that I had the honor of getting to know Christian outside of work or Wardroom events, and in a very short time came to know him as a friend.
Christian was one of the rare people in this world that truly placed the needs of others before himself. Maybe it was because he was a little older and wiser then the average lieutenant, or that he had several years of enlisted experience under his belt, but he was the kind of guy that would set aside his work or stay late in a heart beat to help a younger Sailor or fellow Officer in need. I can think of several times that Christian showed up quite tardy to free beer at the club or a get together because he was helping someone else out at work. He did this even though as the command's computer guru he had plenty on his plate, and he always did it with a smile. I really can't think of any time I heard Christian complain about anything.
Just before the accident Kelli had given Christian a round of golf for his birthday. My son loves golf, and with me being deployed Christian had no problems letting him play along. How many grown men would want or even think of letting another man's 13 year old son tag along on the course? Christian was that type of man, and he did it just because it made my son's day, even though for most people it would've been so much easier to just say "not this time kid." A day or two before he was lost Christian was at our house fixing the home computer for my wife, and for part of the time I was on the phone with him from Kuwait. I knew he had a lot to do at work already and was putting in some long hours, with both his ground job as well as flying in preparation to join us out here, but when I thanked him his only response was "no problem bro, your wife needs to be able to talk to you." This was just Christian, always putting others before himself.
To Ruth, words cannot express how sorry Kelli and I are for your loss. Our only hope is that somehow the solace in knowing how much he loved and cared for you will somehow ease the pain over time. Like that day we were diving and you got sea sick on the surface, rather than tell you to get on the boat and wait while he dove Christian instead took your hand and descended with you. Just as he stayed with you that day and many others he will always be with you. You were his world, and I do not believe love like that can be lost by physical separation here on earth.
Words can never fill the void left by Christian, he was one of a kind. A dedicated sailor, an outstanding Naval Officer, a loving son and brother, a devoted husband, and lucky for me a friend. I will truly miss the simple things we take for granted, the banter over email, giving him a hard time about his five o'clock shadow at 0900, or just kicking back for a beer and some laughs on someone's back porch. Christian always gave 110%, his drive enabled him to achieve his dream of becoming a Naval Aviator, and even after that 110% he always had more to spare for those around him.
Take care bro, we are all better people for knowing you and you will never be forgotten.
Shawn & Kelli Pearcy

CWO2 Shawn M. Pearcy, USN,
7341 Maintenance Material Control Officer
2515th Navy Air Ambulance Detachment
Camp Buehring, Kuwait

AZ3 Angelica "Angel" Wood, Guam, VAW-116, US Navy

Shaun,
I didn't really get a chance to know Mr. Hescock very well, but I do remember him. He was positive influence on those he worked with and an inspiration even to those he didn't. May you and the rest of his family and friends have God's guidance in this time of pain and sorrow.

~AZ3 Angelica "Angel" Wood

Kirk & Kathryn Allen, HC-11, San Diego, US Navy

Shaun,
My wife Kathryn and I would like to commend and thank you for building such a tribute for your brother. Both of us served with your brother at HC-11 during the mid-1990's; my wife Kathryn served topside in Aircrew/NATOPS - both of them bummed more than their fair share of smokes off of each other… ...in the "Pit"…
I on the other hand had the pleasure to turn wrenches alongside your brother, to fly with your brother, to party - get stupid - and pass out at the Fletcher's - with your brother, and at times argue with your brother as only true shipmates (or brothers) can argue with one another……
One of my most fondest memories with your brother was not flying and doing brave and sometimes droll or dull helicopter stuff - but dancing to the Village Peoples "YMCA" alongside him at one of Jonathan & Lisa's many disco parties….
Chris will always be a young H-46 CrewChief/Rescue Swimmer on a typically nice San Diego day to us….

Kirk & Kathryn Allen Busti NY
Respectfully, Kirk Allen,
QAS ASQ-CQIA, WSO-CGSO/CGEO DCMA Buffalo
Falconer Field Office

IT2 Nicholas Devorak, Guam, HSC-25, US Navy

Shaun,
Having never been in your situation I can not even begin to image what you and your family are going through. I only ask that you and the entire Hescock family accept my deepest condolences. I am certain all of you are honored to have known LT Hescock better than any of us were given the opportunity to. While I did not fly with him I did have the privilege of sharing an office with your brother for the past 9 months. During this time I was blessed to get to know him as a friend and mentor as well as a boss. I will never enter the office again without thinking of him at his desk calling out, whatever crazy name he decided to call me that day, checking the status of the many projects we had going. No matter the work load he always took time to joke and humor us with his quick wit. He helped me not only in the advancement of my career, but as a person. He will be missed but never forgotten and we are all better for having had the chance to know him.

IT2 Nick Devorak

I collected all of the pictures I could find in our archives and passed them on to LCDR Orlosky. He should being sending them to your family. If there is anything you or your family need from us please contact me and let me know.

I would be more than happy to send any photos from the command that you may want. Once again thank you for your time and for sharing your brother with all of us.

PR2 Kittrina Bartlett, US Navy

My name is PR2 Kittrina Bartlett. I only got to work with your brother briefly before I transferred in December. I remember your brother very well. I built up his flight gear, so I got to know him a little. He really made an impression on me. From the moment you met him, you knew he would do anything to help you, and he truly cared. As an enlisted, I really looked up to him. He will never be forgotten. My sincerest condolences.

AWC(AW/NAC) John J. "SARDOGG" Molloy, HSC-21 US Navy

Shaun,

My name is John Molloy. I had the great privilege to serve with your brother during his first tour as an enlisted aircrewman at HC-11 from 1996-1999. I first met your brother through our good friend Jonathan Fletcher while the three of us were going through (FRAC) Fleet Replacement Aircrew School at HC-3 in January of 1996. Your brother was in the senior class and a few months ahead of me upon my arrival. Everything that you know, hear and are reading about your brother is so very true! I also am a personal witness to his good heart and friendship. Though your brother had his own studies to prepare himself for his own flights, he went out of his way to not only help me, but other prepare for theirs. Though I was not as close to your brother as Jonathan for those two were tied at the hip, I considered your brother a good friend and a true shipmate! Christian took a different career path than Jonathan and I but he didn't change. I last saw your brother roughly three weeks ago when he was here in San Diego for training. He stopped by to see some old friends around our command that he had previously served with. Jonathan and I were up in our office taking care of business when Christian arrived, Jonathan was hard at work and brainstorming over a paper he was writing and here come Christian. He sat down between us and started sharing his knowledge and way with words once again, helping Jonathan complete his task at hand so they could go out and have some fun while he was in town. YEP! That is the Christian I remember and always will, that is why I have no doubt he is in heaven with wings of gold on his back! He always gave of himself to help others! Jonathan and I were in those same seats, when we received the news of the mishap Monday morning San Diego time. My prayers go out to you, your family, Ruth and my friend Jonathan for he lost the closest thing to a brother he ever had. FLY HIGH FOR ETERNITY MY FRIEND! YOU WILL SURELY BE MISSED!

God Bless,
AWC(AW/NAC) JOHN J. "SARDOGG" MOLLOY
(HSC-21)

LT Tara Collins, Ships Nurse, US Navy

Shaun,

I just learned this morning of Christian’s accident. I was stationed on the USNS Mercy last year on the humanitarian assistance mission with the HS-25 crew. I was a nurse on board and there were multiple times that they were needed on a professional basis. The entire crew is truly like a band of brothers. In reading LCDR Nolan’s story about Simuleue it brought back a lot of memories and every word was absolutely true. I remember hearing that story from Christian and the boys and it was truly a highlight for a lot of us there.

Christian to me is definitely a true patriot and hero. He was always professional and talked very highly of everyone in his family. I can think of a few stories now that we swapped regarding brothers and childhood that bring a smile to my face. A real friend…I joked with him when the boys were flying off that I would see him again on a medevac in the middle of the desert from out of nowhere. My heart is with your family and with his wife Ruth. He was ever the professional and a really good person with a huge heart. I can’t forget that he was also a card shark when it came to spades. I will miss him and pray for everyone in their Det…Bruce, Tommy and Andre…my prayers are with you guys.

Tara

LT Collins, Tara
SHIPS NURSE
USS NIMITZ (CVN- 68)

Shane Baker, US Navy 2515th NAAD

Shaun,
first of all I would just like to express how deeply sorry I am for you and your family's loss. My name is Shane Baker. My job is to take care of flight gear for Pilots and Aircrew. I never got to actually sit down and talk to your brother, but I did have the pleasure of seeing him pass in and out of my shop to grab his flight gear on the way to the Aircraft. He always had a smile on his face and was always willing to help anyone in need. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your family, and his wife Ruth. He will be truly missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Respectfully,
PRAN Shane Baker

PO1 Christopher Snow, US Navy 2515th NAAD

Shaun,

First of all, I am truly sorry for your loss. I will continue to keep your family in my thoughts and prayers. I served with your brother on Detachment Two. I have so many fond memories cruising with him. Mr. Hescock was the ultimate Sailor. He taught me so much about the Navy but more importantly he taught me more about life He loved his job. He told me once that his ultimate thrill wasn't flying it was helping young sailors. I owe a lot of my success to your brother. Shaun, your brother was a once in a lifetime officer, he will be missed dearly…….
Respectfully,
Chris Snow

LCDR Bruce Nolan, HSC-25 US Navy

Christian remembered:

Shaun,

I've been sitting here staring at this message now for a while. I keep writing, then deleting, the opening lines. I don't know what to say. I don't know words enough to say. I've been trying to do everything I can for Ruth. I also want to be able to do anything I can for you and the rest of your family. I do this because I know that Christian would have done the same for any of us.

Today was the memorial service. I heard your letter read and thank you for mentioning me. But you have to know, that I did this not because anyone told me to. I asked to be there when Ruth was notified. I wanted it to come from someone who knew him well. When I talked to your mother on the phone, it was so hard to tell her. I wanted to look you and your mother in the eye and tell you both that Christian was in an accident. I hated that I had to do it over the phone like that. But, unfortunately 7,000 miles of ocean separate us. I sincerely hope that one day, I can shake your hand and tell you what a great brother you had. I want to tell your mother I am so sorry. I want to tell your father how much Christian respected him. Christian used to tell me stories of sitting in coffee shops on his webcam and helping your father out with his computer problems. I know you all miss him, but you also have to know what a great man he was and how many people he moved.

It will be your choice whether to post the above message to you on the site. Please post the below story though:

There are a lot of great pictures of Christian on the site. However, the one that seems to be everyone's favorite is the close up of Christian holding the small boy in front of the helicopter. It was one of the first one's posted on your memorial blog. It appeared on every website with the news. We had it framed for the memorial service. I thought you should know the story behind it and see some other pictures of the same time.

We were on DET 2 on the USNS MERCY mission. It was a humanitarian mission to bring free medical care, medical education, and training to the Philippines, Indonesia, Bangladesh, and East Timor. The picture was taken during a mission in Simeulue, Indonesia off the coast of Sumatra near Banda Ache. It was hit by the Tsunami a couple of years before and we were trying to do what we could to help the area improve conditions. We had a difficult flight schedule and could not really work it out. So we decided to bring the helicopter into the landing zone and shut down to let the other helicopter continue with the other operations. Someone told me that it might be fun because we were going to a school and the children could get to see a helicopter and meet the people that fly it. Christian immediately volunteered. When we got to the zone and shut down, the children were hesitant to come over. Christian and the other aircrewmen stood next to the helicopter and invited a couple of the kids over. Then more came over. Then more, and more, and more. Pretty soon we were all laughing and showing the kids around. They were shaking our hand and putting our hand to their forehead, which I was told was a great sign of respect. They loved to get their pictures taken and then look at them on the digital cameras, even though we were could not print out any pictures for them. The adults showed appreciation with a lunch and coconut milk drinks. (One of the other pictures that I sent earlier with Christian sitting outside with a coconut drink in front of him.) That was one of my best experiences from the deployment and Christian was there. He connected with the kids, made them feel comfortable, made them laugh... It was like he was their best friend. And not one of them spoke English. That was the kind of person Christian was. It didn't matter what he said. It was his spirit that made him who he was. But I am sure that you know that. There are so many posts from people that were inspired by Christian. I said it before, he was a good man. He was respected by his superiors, his peers, those that worked for him, and those that he just knew. I could tell all kinds of stories of his selflessness, his unending devotion, and his work ethic. But you have read all those already.

Christian, we are going to miss you. But you touched our hearts, our spirits, and our minds. I salute your life. I won't forget. "Det 2 remembers... Always!"

Bruce Nolan

PS. A special thanks to PH1 Latham who took the original picture. I am not sure he knows how much it will be remembered.

Lt. Andre Gomez, HSC-25 US Navy, Pilot

HSC-25:

Shaun,

My name is LT Andre Gomez. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing your brother since flight school in Pensacola. We deployed together on the USNS MERCY and were set to deploy together again next month. We had been flying together quite a bit recently preparing for our upcoming deployment. He was an outstanding pilot and an even better friend and I will miss him immensely. He was always there when you needed him. I remember on Sunday LT Dehner and I were preparing an extensive brief for our flight the next night. Christian was flying with us but not required to help with the brief. He came in anyway to help for several hours AFTER helping LT Kiffer fix his car, then left work to support a beach clean up with Ruth. This is the type of person he was.

Christian had a great sense of humor and kept everyone on their toes. He took over the room when he entered it and was everyone’s best friend. I will miss his smile and witty comments as we passed each other in the hallways at work. I am deeply sorry for your family’s loss. You, Ruth and your family will be in my prayers. I will never forget him.

I have included a picture of Det 2 pilots and taxi drivers in Subic Bay, Philippines.

God Bless,

Andre