Sean Carson

Steven was an incredible friend, husband, father, son, and sailor. He brought people together and he loved them well, always offering the first helping hand to anyone who needed it. Steven came to the U.S. at eight years old and he loved his adopted country. San Diego was his home, and the Chargers were his team through and through. 

Steven joined the Navy right out of high school in 2003 and was a standout sailor at every command. He liked his time with TRADET-1 the most, 'playing with the SEALs' and learning about the expeditionary community, but he loved being stationed in Rota Spain for the unique view on the world and the experiences that came with life abroad. 

Steven left behind his wife Heather, two sons, and a community of people who loved him. 

(SEAL) First Class Tyler S Stimson ( 1980-2010 ) Tyler was a Phi Beta Kappa graduate from the University of New Hampshire. While attending the university, Tyler was also a member of the Marine Corps Reserves earning a special achievement award for attaining the second highest overall score in academics, physical fitness and leadership. Tyler turned down a commission as an officer in the Marine Corps to pursue his true goal of becoming a Navy SEAL.

Tyler reported to the Navy’s Recruit Training Command , Great Lakes, IL. There the Navy Club of the United States awarded him the United States Military Excellence Award for overall top performance.

Tyler attended BUD/S training in Coronado, CA. After graduation with Class 244 he was assigned to SEAL Team FOUR where he was advanced to Second Class Petty Officer. As a member of Team FOUR, he completed SEAL Lead Breacher and Diving Supervisor Courses.

Tyler transferred from SEAL Team FOUR to SEAL Team EIGHT where he was twice selected as the Junior SEAL of the Quarter and was advanced to First Class Petty Officer. With Team EIGHT, he deployed twice to Iraq and conducted 36 direct action raids resulting in the capture of 16 high value enemy leaders and 24 fighters as well as the recovery of hundreds of enemy weapons.

Tyler transferred from SEAL Team EIGHT after successfully completing the demanding  selection and training program at Naval Special Warfare Development Group in Virginia Beach, VA and was assigned to NSWTACDEVRON TWO.

During his tour with NSWTACDEVRON TWO, Tyler deployed to Afghanistan and conducted assault operations resulting in the capture or death of multiple insurgent leaders. His superior work ethic and constant motivation have left an enduring impression on all who knew him.         

Jennifer was born into a military family on July 6, 1984, in Beaufort, South Carolina. She graduated at the top of her class from Sandalwood High School in Jacksonville, Florida in 2002 and went on to attend Florida State University (FSU) in Tallahassee, Florida. Jennifer’s dream was to attend the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland so after a year at FSU and many hours of hard work she applied for and was accepted for an appointment to the Academy.  While at the Academy she excelled academically and athletically playing on the lacrosse club team and was selected for the US Women’s Lacrosse Team in 2005. Jennifer had a strong faith in God, a love of life and touched many lives as student, mentor, teacher, and friend to her classmates. She loved the USNA so it was fitting that her final resting place would be the columbarium on academy grounds in October 2005.

Commander Jeffrey Matthew Silvas (April 24, 1955 - February 25, 2007)

Jeff was born on April 24, 1955 in Fresno California, to Bernard and Helen Silvas, the oldest of three children. Jeff was a Boy Scout, and in May of 1970 became an Eagle Scout with troop 23, representing the Knights of Columbus #840 as their first Eagle Scout. He went on to become an explorer. He attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church where he was an alter boy, and Sacred Heart elementary school from K-8. He went on to graduate from McLane High school, then attended Fresno City Collage for several years, but became bored and decided he wanted to travel. This began his lifelong career in the United States Navy. Jeff joined the Navy in January of 1977. He completed recruit training in San Diego Ca. His career spanned over 30 years. He served on many ships to include, the USS Midway, USS Yellowstone, USS Brunswick, USS America, USS El Paso, USS Duluth, USS Constellation, and the USS Bonhomme Richard. Jeff loved to sail the seas. He also served five shore duty tours, M&S Subase, Pearl Harbor Hi., Fleet Training Center, Norfolk VA., Special Boat Unit Twelve, San Diego Ca., Assault Craft Unit Five, Camp Pendelton, Oceanside Ca, and his last Command Amphibious Group 3, San Diego Ca., which required him to occasionally deploy with their group of ships. Jeff crossed over to God while out on the Bonhomme Richard. This was a fitting place as Jeff loved Navy ships and he loved the sea. Jeff was selected for Chief Petty Officer while on board the USS America and was a member of the Chief's mess until Aug. of 1990, when he received his commission as a Limited Duty Officer, a "Mustang", coming up through the ranks. He advanced to the rank of Commander, which he received in June of 2006. The highlight of his career was as the Chief Engineer, or "Chenge" of the USS Bonhomme Richard from Feb. 2004 to Mar. 2006. His personal awards include the Meritorious Service Metal (two awards), Navy Commendation Metal (six awards), The Navy Marine Corps Achievement Metal and various other unit citations and campaign ribbons. Jeff and I were married on Nov. 13, 1981 and we have one son, Keith. Although the "Navy life" can be hard and lonely, Jeff was a master at being a husband, father and sailor. When at home he never missed any of Keith's events and was very involved in Keith's activities. He was the team "dad" for several of Keith's baseball teams and loved to watch his son play. He took us on many trips "home" to see our extended family, and many more camping and fishing trips where we would fish and catch crabs for hours on end. He loved life and loved to play and laugh. It was hard to catch him without that beautiful smile on his face. To know Jeff was to love him, simply put we were blessed to have such a wonderful person in our lives and will never stop missing him. We wish God could have waited.

Ty was an avid outdoorsman and loved to spend time with his daughter, Myra.  One of their favorite things to do together was to mow the lawn. He would put her up on the riding  lawnmower and she would be so excited to help dad.

Ty did two tours to Antarctica in support of operation Deep Freeze and enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow sailors.

He is missed and loved so very much!

Darin was born in Arlington Heights, Illinois and moved to Columbia, Maryland, in 1985. He was a Midshipman at the Naval Academy in Annapolis, graduating with honors in 1998.   After graduation, he became a Naval Intelligence Officer with his first tour with Carrier Air Wing 7, deploying aboard the USS Eisenhower in 2000.  In March of 2001, Darin married Devora and began working in the Chief of Naval Operations Intelligence Plot in the Pentagon.  He was killed during his shift in the Pentagon on September 11, 2001.  Darin was kind, caring, and generous, always the life of the party.  His smile would light up a room.  He was a sports fan and loved music.  Darin lived his life according to the motto, “live as though you will die tomorrow, but learn as though you will live forever.” 

Joe, since he was a little boy, always wanted to be in the Navy Seal. In his bedroom, he would write, I am going to be in the Navy Seal on the walls. After high school, he joined the Navy at 18 years old. He signed up to be trained in the Navy Seal. He finally had his dream to come true, and he was training in the Navy Seal at San Diego, California. The training was very hard and he didn’t make it, but he got the papers to go in again just before he died. I truly believe in heaven, he became a Navy Seal. I am so proud of Joe’s dedication and persistence to go after his dream. Mom xoxo

Our daughter Karli was a beautiful, caring, smart and funny young woman. She had a smile that could light up world. She loved her family and friends beyond measure. She looked up to her older siblings Samantha, Jaime and James. They inspired her to be her best self. Her little brother Jacob and sister Bella were the light of her life. She would go out of her way to cheer you up if you were down. Karli was the “social butterfly” of our family. She was the last one to finish eating dinner because she loved to talk about what she did that day or what was going on at the moment. Karli was a diehard Green Bay Packers fan and loved NASCAR. She was very spontaneous and could put some miles on her car. She lived life to the fullest and was not afraid of a challenge.

Karli’s life was really just beginning. She had fallen in love and was about to become a mommy for the first time. She loved her job in the Honor Guard and all those she worked with. Everything was coming together for her the way she had dreamed. 

Karli is loved and missed by so many. She made us all so very proud. Karli Mae James you will never be forgotten.

I’ll love you forever,

Mom

In Honor of our True life Hero Erik Jr.

Thank you for being part of all of our lives 

For showing us the definition of determination and of never giving up! You are so missed Everyday..

You will forever live in all of our hearts. We love you beyond words. mom.dad.keith..nicole.sadierose and all ur family and friends..Fly  High Baby E. Thank u for ur service to the United States Navy

Born in Boston, MA, Gerald W. Turner, Jr, grew up in Maryland, the youngest and only brother of five.  In 2018 following Bootcamp, he was assigned to the USS Peralta, in San Diego where he displayed amazing work ethics. Recognized out of 350 sailors as Lava Dog of the Month, December 2019, cited for "outstanding performance…a motivated, positive, and promising young sailor...a bright soul in the room, first to volunteer for the toughest jobs.", his Commander wrote.  He enjoyed the camaraderie of his shipmates he fondly referred to as his “brothers” and spent many of those days being a protective and supportive big brother as he was all of 21.  Deployed in January 2020, he was later promoted to Gunner's Mate, 3rd Class, training with the Weapon's Department, responsible for operating and performing maintenance on all weapons onboard.  While "Gerry" manned the ship's helm, navigating the East China Sea, his Commander asked how deployment was going, he could’ve said anything, he impressed his Commander by simply saying, “It is fine. We’re all going to be just fine”.

Gerry, aka JJ, was a fun-loving, prankster who laughed A LOT.  He loved music, gaming, but mostly eating.  He wasn’t a complainer; he lived life.  He was supportive, encouraging, and would do anything for you without needing to be asked.  He was a strong, level-headed young man with character and conviction who lovingly helped his mother and his sisters a much as he could.  He was an amazing son, brother, uncle, and friend!

My son, Ensign Samuel S. Cleghorn, was taken from us way too soon. On October 3, 2020, a drunk driver ended his physical life. This person spent 10  years in the Air Force. My son was commissioned May 1, 2020 and had been at his assigned base for 6 weeks.  All his life, he dreamed of serving the United States of America in the Navy. He was dedicated, loyal and proud to serve this nation, if only for a short time.

Sam was the glue that held his friends and military colleagues together. He always reached out to study or enjoy leisure time with friends and built strong relationships among everyone.  His smile was always the same; big, bright and often! His eyes twinkled every time he smiled. His love for family was deep.  Sam experienced life to its fullest by sailing, scuba diving, target shooting, and playing video games. As a child he experienced every sport. It's as if he knew somehow, he needed to enjoy each and every day as if it were his last.

He graduated from the University of North Florida with a degree in Criminology, a minor in History and at the same time, completed his Naval studies at Jacksonville University.  He fought hard to become a Commissioned Navy Officer. Our hearts are heavy as we navigate our days without him. At the same time, I'm grateful for his time on earth and proud to have been his mom.

You're Always in our hearts. Love Mother.

Mac was born in Oklahoma. One of four children. He joined the Navy as soon as he could. Like many young men and women, the service changed his life for the good. He was a crew chief for the P2V Neptune, a maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft. He died in a midair collision with a Crusader jet that had been practicing touch and goes off an aircraft carrier in the inter coastal waterway in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Jeremy was one of the most loyal, protective, generous, and fun people I’ve ever known. His dedication to serving his country and always making others feel welcomed and supported was not lost on anyone. Jeremy was always thinking of others, and it was no surprise that he joined the service. He was just as dedicated to his military family as he was to his own. Jeremy served on many submarines, receiving several awards for his service. He married Torrey on November 18th, 2016, and they welcomed a beautiful baby girl, Hayden Olivia, on December 26th, 2022; Hayden and Torrey were Jeremy’s whole world, and he was a devoted and loving father and husband. In his spare time, Jeremy loved spending time with his family, composing and recording music, working out, and reading. Jeremy was laid to rest with full military honors at Middle Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery.

Matthew was stationed in Guam . He enlisted in the Navy on May 14, 2002. Matthew had the most beautiful smile... and was considered very quiet... Growing up he played soccer, basketball, and baseball. He loved playing sports. He is still missed by his parents, friends and family every day. The world is a much sadder place without Matthew in it. We love you so much Son....

Daniel Austin Sander was raised in Butler, KY; he came into the world full of energy and quickly became the brightest light in every room he entered, with the most infectious smile and contagious laugh. He enjoyed anything outdoors, loved to play baseball and football. He played softball with the Navy for the FRCNW A Team in Oak Harbor.

When he was a senior in high school, he enlisted to serve our country. He was stationed in Oak Harbor, WA where he met his wife, Maribel. They transferred to Bremerton, WA and welcomed their son, Dallas, in March of 2020.

Daniel was deployed on the U.S.S. Nimitz from April 2020 to March 2021. After deployment transferred back to Oak Harbor. In July of 2022 they welcomed another son, Theo.

Daniel valued time spent with friends and his family. He is deeply loved and dearly missed by all who knew him.

Osiel Hipolito was a loving father, husband, son, brother, and fellow sailor. Who devoted his life to his family. He wanted to make a difference in this world. He is survived by his 2 children Osiel Jr and Lynette and his wife.

PO1 Christopher Eckman was a Steelworker with the US Navy Seabees. He loved Halloween, Waffle House chocolate cream pie, Disney and spending time with his Family. He was a wonderful Husband, Father, Son, Friend and Brother in arms.

Wyatt Austin Cypert, age 30 passed away August 31, 2024, in Chania, Greece while on deployment with the U.S. Navy’s Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron SEVEN NINE serving as an Aviation Electrician’s Mate Third Class. He was stationed at Naval Station Rota, since May 2022. Prior to that he was stationed at Naval Base Coronado in San Diego, California. Wyatt was a 2013 graduate of Har-Ber High School in Springdale, Arkansas where he competed on the track and swim teams. Wyatt had a big heart and a deep love for his family and friends, and he loved to make people happy, and he loved to make them laugh. He enjoyed traveling, running, biking, and had become an accomplished scuba diver while being stationed and living on the beach in Rota, Spain. We cannot forget his moustache, impeccable, A1 grade, meticulously groomed, and kept to the highest of Naval Sailor moustache standards!

John Ellsworth Hasselbrink died while stationed at Pearl Harbor Naval Base and serving aboard the fast attack submarine USS Illinois (SSN 786). John E had served in the US Navy for over 21 years, the majority of time aboard fast-attack submarines, and was approaching retirement as Chief.

He was on the swim team in high school and won several medals during inter-high school competitions. He had also competed in the Hawaiian Marathon several times. He was awarded the Navy & Marine Corp Commendation Medal by the Navy, among other citations.

Other commands that he had served on were;

USS Topeka (SSN 754) deployed to the International Date Line at the millennium,

USS Columbus (SSN 762) Order of Shellbacks

USS Santa Fe (SSN 763)

COMSUBRON ONE

Seth was an amazing young man who saw good in everyone and everything.  He was a loving dad to his beautiful daughter, Naomi, as well as a loving brother and son.  Seth had a great sense of humor and an infectious laugh.  He loved what he did and chose to make the Navy his career.  A health issue sidelined his career as a submariner but he rebounded and joined the EDO Community and excelled there.  He excelled at anything he put his mind to.  Seth's passing blindsided us and we are still reeling from it.  It's something you never get used to but we will forever be grateful for our time with him.