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Navy Gold Star Program Information & Resource Site

Navy Gold Star is the Navy’s official program for providing long-term support to surviving families of Sailors who pass while on Active Duty. If you are visiting this page because you are a surviving family member of a deceased service member, please accept our most heartfelt sympathy and gratitude for your loved one’s service and sacrifice in defending our nation . . .

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Navy Gold Star Coordinator Support

Navy Gold Star Coordinators provide support to families around the world. Find a coordinator near you.

Navy Gold Star Tributes


U.S. Navy
AA
Djiba Keita
11 Oct 2015

We love and miss you to the moon and back. Rest in peace-Mom, Dad, Brothers and Sister

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U.S. Navy
PO2
James Ray Dyer
06 Oct 2019

James was a very caring person. He volunteered at the USO in Guam before he passed away. He broke his wrist when he was in high school and we were driving 30 miles from home one day and blew a tire. He would not let me change the tire. He told me his casts were so hard it did not hurt to change the tire. I and his brother miss him so much. We love you James Dyer!!!

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U.S. Navy
AO3
Peter T. Smith-Padilla
09 Aug 2020

#Peter the 3rd borne child of 5 & 1st of 3 sons that has enlisted into the United States Military. Both of his two older brothers joined the service ranks of the United States Army Rangers & United States National Guards men.  A Lover of the ocean. Peter was motivated by his grandmother to enlist in the United States Navy & served 6 years. He sailed the seas on three different Nimitz-class aircraft carriers. Following the 3 Nimitz-class Peter was stationed and worked the HSG-3 at NAS North Island, in San Diego, CA and lastely the Wasp Amphibious assault ship of the USS Makin Island LHD-8~IYASOYAS He has traveled many voyages to distant lands. To setting sails asea humbled by nature , a Kind Soul. Peter had Heart! A big Heart at that A rare breed of his time A lover in his own right . He expected nothing less than that of the same Love & Kindness in return.. Just an all around kinda guy. He was a world traveler, a reason to smile ,and an inspiration to be a better. Peter’s legacy will be honored as we celebrate his life & live everyday as he did. Thank you, Peter for your Service to our country and for your Sacrifices for our freedom. May the seas lie smooth before you. May a gentle breeze forever fill your sails. May sunshine warm your face, And kindness warm your soul. # FOREVERPETER♥  ♥mom ~Fair winds and Following seas, shipmate, we have the watch.

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U.S. Navy
PO1
Brian Richard Stead
12 Apr 2024

Petty Officer 1st Class Brian Richard Stead was born on the Northshore of Boston on January 17, 1990. He grew up amongst a large and loving family and group of friends.

After college Brian enlisted in the Navy, wanting to be part of the world’s greatest team. He served proudly from 2013 until 2024. In the course of those 11 years, he achieved the rank of Petty Officer 1st Class and earned several medals and accommodations. In November of 2021 Brian married Reiko Suzuki and in June of 2023 welcomed a beautiful daughter, Emi Stead. Sadly in April of 2024 we lost Brian as he was serving in the Navy. He is missed by all that knew him, we have all lost a fine man. He will forever be in our hearts. It is with pride that Brian served our nation.

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U.S. Navy
PO3
Nathan Watford
21 Dec 2010
Nathan Lee Watford was born in Saint Joseph, Michigan. He joined the Navy in 2008 where he excelled as an Engineering Laboratory Technician on a nuclear submarine, according to his was father, Trent. “Nathan was a bright young man with a very inquisitive mind,” he said. “He loved animals and at different times had a pet bird, a dog and cat.” He enjoyed playing video games and riding the family’s jet ski. He is remembered by his parents, Trent and Lynelle and his brother, Air Force Major Jonathan Watford.
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U.S. Navy
PO1
Brandon Slatton
10 Jun 2017
Brandon Slatton loved to laugh, said his wife, Jenny. “He was definitely a people person.” Brandon was born in Pocatella, ID, but grew up in Pevely, MO where he attend-ed Herculaneum High School. He joined the Navy in 2004 and be-came a Damage Controlman where he managed fire systems aboard ships, taught firefighting at Boot Camp, and recruited young Sailors.A handy guy, Brandon was always working on something – be-tween building things for his two children or tinkering with his motorcycle or pick-up truck, his hands were rarely idle. According to Jenny, Brandon’s dream was to retire at 20 years and become a fire marshal as his second career, “or a mailman,” he would joke to his wife. He always had a smile on his face, “unless the Cardi-nals or Packers were losing,” says Jenny. He is remembered by his wife Jenny, his children, Gene and Emmie, his mother and father, Paula and Vern, and his siblings Nathan, Anna, and Danielle.
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Navy Gold Star Testimonials