Michael Phipps

Our son Michael (EMFA -Electricians Mate Fireman Apprentice), affectionately known as Jamel was a proud member of the United States Navy. He enjoyed the camaraderie of his shipmates (onboard the USS Kitty Hawk) and worked on his qualifications with fervor. He was known as one who was eager to learn and serve His country, which prompted one of his commanding officers to remark, "That man was raised right." He was appreciated by his division, and performed his duties with talent and enthusiasm.

Jamel will best be remembered as a fun-loving, quick-witted young man who enjoyed seeing the lighter side of life. He was a leader among his peers and was looked up to by family and friends alike. He especially loved and adored his sisters.

His loss at the outset of Operation Enduring Freedom (being the 6^th casualty) was a devasting blow, yet we are and have been comforted with divine strength and are encouraged with the knowledge that his life touched so many. To us, as it is inscribed on his headstone, he was ‘outstanding’.

John A. Reiners was born in Haines City, FL on 12/23/1985. His first duty station was at the 1st Battalion, 87th Infantry Division, 10th Mountain Division (Light fighters) at Fort Drum, NY. During his time at Fort Drum, he was able to serve two different tours, honorably, as a United States army Infantryman, in Iraq once during the “Surge” in 2005 and then again in 2007 during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His second duty station took him 1st Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division (Ivy Division) at Fort Carson, CO.  He was afforded the chance to become squad leader and lead Soldiers into Combat action in Afghanistan during Operation Enduring Freedom. On February 13, 2010, Staff Sergeant Reiners was killed in action, as a hero, in Zhari Province. His wounds were sustained when enemy forces attacked his unit with improvised explosives devices (IED).

Born: Winchester, MA Hometown: Wilmington, MA. Ken completed boot camp at Recruit Training Command Great Lakes, IL in November 1995. Following boot camp, he com-pleted Seaman “ATD” School in Great Lakes, IL December, 1995. His first duty assignment was onboard the USS Os-prey MHC-51 in Ingleside, TX, where he completed three deployments, and advanced to Petty Officer Third Class. After a successful tour onboard the USS Osprey, he trans-ferred to Navy Cargo Handling and Port Group in Williamsburg, VA. During this tour, he attended Instructor train-ing School and facilitated the Command and Control and Cargo Handling Supervisors courses. In 2003, he trans-ferred to Commander Naval Surface Force Atlantic Fleet for staff duty, where he served as the Admiral's Barge Coxswain. After a successful three year tour, he was assigned to Inshore Boat Unit 24 in Fort Dix, NJ. While in IBU-24 MESRON2 Boat Det B he deployed numerous times in support of OIF/OEF. There, he earned his Expeditionary Warfare Specialist device. Once his tour with MESRON 2 ended, he was happy to transfer to Navy Operational Support Center Manchester in Londonderry, NH where he could cheer on his beloved New England Patriots, as the Leading Petty Officer and Training Officer, and selected for advancement to Chief Petty Officer. After taking over as the Command Leading Chief Petty Officer, he took orders to Coastal Riverine Squadron Eight as the Sen-ior Enlisted Leader of HVU Detachment in Groton, CT and selected to Senior Chief. At the completion of that tour, he served as the Senior Enlisted Leader at Navy Operational Support Center New London in Groton, CT, and selected to Master Chief during his tenure there. Master Chief MacDonald’s personal awards include the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal two awards, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal nine awards, Meritorious Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal and the Antarctic Service Medal.

Spouse: Meaghan MacDonald Children: Lorelai MacDonald and Jason MacDonald Siblings: Amy MacDonald, Crys-tal Sullivan and Gail Belcher.

A Lewes, Delaware native, Joseph also held an Associate in Applied Science - Turf Management Degree from Delaware Technical and Community College. Prior to joining the Navy, Joseph used his education with work on golf courses and in pest control. But he had the most fun spending many summers in the concession stand at a local waterpark.? He was a talented athlete who enjoyed analyzing and watching sports as much as playing them. He loved the Philadelphia Eagles and Phillies, and Wawa, but hated that he couldn’t get a good hoagie or a Yuengling in Southern California. When he wasn’t on duty, Joseph enjoyed playing golf and finding new ways to experiment in the kitchen.

David was the consummate Naval Officer, husband and father. He left behind 3 children and myself. We all miss him and wish we had more time with him. David loved his main hobby, woodworking, and we have pieces of his work in our home that remind us of him and his many talents. Our friends still reach out to tell us they miss him, his friendship, and his smile. This lets us know that he is not forgotten, which is important to all of us. We hope that he is never forgotten and will live on through future generations.

Nicholas Brown was 1 of 3 kids from Minnesota. His dad was a Vietnam Veteran; thus, he came from a military family.On February 22, 2001, he enlisted in the US Navy. From the very beginning, he knew it would be a long term career and he wanted to become a Chief. Some of the many places the Navy brought him to was Pensacola FL, LeMoore CA, Fallon NV, and finally Oak Harbor WA, where he was able to finally get pinned as a Navy Chief. We met while he was stationed in Fallon. We soon got married and had 3 wonderfully amazing kids. We loved to cook together, experience new adventures, and learn new things together. Here in Oak Harbor, we would go to the drive-in and enjoy some family time. Nicholas loved the Packers and you would find him watching the games with his kids, relaxing on the couch. He was such a great dad. Today, Sept 2018, my kids are 9, 7, and 3 years old, and I still speak to them about him. Although, Nicholas was a ‘Ford guy’ he was in the middle of restoring a 56’ Chevy Luv; he never finished.The Navy was a huge part of what encompassed Nicholas’ life. He loved to deploy with expeditionary units. Those deployments took him to Iraq and Libya. He strived for perfection when it came to his duties. Being the meticulous guy that he was, he was always concerned about work and how to make things more efficient and effective. He was a great Sailor, a great Chief.The stress of work and home became too much for him and after 16 years of faithful Naval Service and almost 10 years of marriage, on January 18th, 2017, he took his own life. He is missed every day by his family and friends.

-Christine Gold Star Spouse

Juan Pablo was a Navy LT Surface Warfare Officer. He was our first son, a twin soul for his father, always happy & optimistic with his mother, adored his two daughters, close friend to his brother and loving husband. He saw only the good part of Life, always doing his duties as a Navy Officer, having fun & being always playful with the family, always with a big smile and goodwill to everybody. He got everything in Life, Good Health, Good Job, Lovely Wife & 2 Beautiful little Girls, he loved the Navy & enjoyed riding his motorbike to his job until an accident cut his time in this world. We will miss his presence forever, his jokes, his navy's songs, his high intelligence, mature opinions & full support during every hard situation, and his unconditional love for his Country, Family and friends. He was the Son of the Light & Happiness

I Love You and Miss You To The Highest Extreme Son

Love Always Your Loving Mom and Big Sister Mia.

PO3 Scott "Skee" Belonsky was born Oct 21, 1975 and passed away on Dec 19, 2001.

Scott graduated from Wheeling High School in Wheeling Illinois. After high school he worked in the air conditioning field. Scott would join the Navy June 18, 1998 to learn a trade, to make a career. After boot camp he was assigned to the USS Cushing which would then take him to Japan.

Those who served along-side Scott, said he was a very well liked person and a hard worker. He was a good sailor and a "good friend," "a great person," "a truly beautiful person with a heart of gold who would have given you the shirt off his back." He will always be remembered for his kindness and his sense of humor. Scott had a great heart, a positive outlook on life, and cheerful attitude. He was a lot like his father.

Sylvester was born in Morristown, NJ, and graduated from Weequahic High School. He loved his dog, Budda, and always wanted to be a pilot when he grew up. He enlisted in the Navy in 1979 where he worked his way up through the ranks to become a Master Chief Aviation Supervisor. In his free time, Sylvester enjoyed fishing and bowling. He was very committed to his military career and served for 20 years. His son, Jamel, spoke of working with his dad at a part-time job at a limousine service. Jamel cleaned the vehicles and his father would drive them. “It was the simple memories I miss about my father,” Jamel said. “I am super proud of him and his accomplishments.” Sylvester is remembered by his wife, Andriana, two sons, Jamel and DeSean, and a daughter, Nekia.

I would like to say a word or two about the life and legacy of AFCM (AW/SW) Sylvester Freeman, whom I had the honor to work with at HSL-34 (NAS Norfolk, VA) beginning during 1985 until 1987 and a second time, at HM-12 (NAS Norfolk, VA) from 1987 to 1990 and finally at NAMTRAGRUDET 1007 (NAS Oceana VA during 1996. He was a sailor's sailor at all times and loved the Navy. He should be remembered as being a sailor who was in his natural environment serving at sea faithfully aboard many ships. We salute his valor and courage, may he never be forgotten.  Written  by: Stan Killins AMHC(AW/SW) USN, Retired

 Andre' was the youngest sibling of his twin brother (Brian) and older brother (Darryl Jr,) three years his senior.  He enjoyed his family, cousins, uncles, aunts, etc.  Always looking to spend time with them whenever possible.  He was also the peacemaker between the three of them. He enjoyed using his hands to repair and learn new skills, always trying to sharpen his talents and expand his horizons.  His favorite sport was basketball and softball. He loved to be helpful and and he enjoyed laughing or making up jokes to get a smile from others. When he was accepted into the Navy, he was on top of the world with happiness and glee. He looked forward to traveling, learning, and studying to be a Medic to help more soldiers, and ultimately meet his soulmate. He will always be loved and missed by his friends and family.

Lieutenant Commander Erik M. Sweet enlisted in the Navy when he was only 17 and served 12 years as a nuclear trained Electrician’s Mate, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer. 

He then commissioned via the Limited Duty Officer program, where he served for more than 14 years as an officer.  With only two shore duty assignments in his 26+ year career, he was a proud, sea-going nuclear operator, Mustang mentor and friend to everyone with whom he met. 

He served his sea time onboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) for two tours – as a Petty Officer Second Class and a Chief Petty Officer. Onboard USS EMORY S. LAND (AS 39) as an Ensign where he earned his Surface Warfare qualification, and onboard USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) for three tours – as a plankowner First Class Petty Officer, as her Auxiliaries Technical Assistant and Electrical Officer, and, lastly, as the Ship’s Maintenance Officer.

His retirement ceremony was held aboard the STENNIS in Puget Sound Naval Shipyard on 6 March 2015.  Erik’s retirement ceremony was attended by several hundred people, showing how much he was beloved by his friends, family, Shipmates, and the nuclear maintenance community.

I was the Commanding Officer of USS HALSEY (DDG 97), homeported in Pearl Harbor, HI in April of 2015.  Erik and I were competing in a run/swim biathlon in Kailua, Hawaii.  Four days prior to his official retirement date, on April 26th, 2015, at the age of 44, Erik drowned while competing in that biathlon.

All who knew or had even met Erik saw that he lived each and every day to the fullest, and he had the knack for making everyone whom he was with feel special and loved.  Losing his mother to breast cancer when she was 47 (he was 30) profoundly impacted how intensely and sensitively he approached life and personal interactions.  He’d often say, “I’m not here for a long time, I’m here for a good time!”   A few days before he died, he told me, “I could die tomorrow and be the happiest man ever.  I’m done with the Navy … my kids are taken care of and I am finally with you, the Love of my life.  The only reason why I wouldn’t want to die is that I don’t want to make you sad.” 

Erik Sweet was and is a gift to be cherished and his indomitable spirit lives on in the land of Aloha and in the hearts of everyone whom he loved.

-CAPT (ret.) Linda Seymour-Sweet, Gold Star Spouse

Noely Makenda Nlandu,Your family mourns you with immense pride. Your disappearance has turned their lives upside down, especially that of your mother, marked forever by your courage, commitment and as a legacy of honor. Dynamic, smiling and always full of life, you brought light even in the darkest moments. Your strength, generosity and fighting spirit have touched everyone who crossed your path. You have been a true role model for the young people and hope. Leaving by fulfilling your duty, you leave behind a dignified and bright memory. Your memory will continue to live in our hearts, like a flame that never goes out. Thank you, my girl, forever. Robert Dawkins

Logan never met a stranger. He was always willing and ready to help anyone. He was loved by everyone.

Dad of son 5 years old. Graduated at Peace University New York. Join Usa Navy in May 2018. 

With great sadness, we commemorate the life of SN Sergio A. Barrios Castellanos, who tragically passed away at the age of 30 in a motorcycle accident on October 10, 2022. He was the cherished spouse of Paola A. Baldomar Beltran. At the time of his untimely passing, Sergio left behind his nearly two-month-old daughter, Esmi A. 

Barrios. Sergio immigrated from Guatemala City, Guatemala, arriving in the United States at the age of 12.

Serving his nation with honor, Sergio dedicated himself as a Logistics Specialist in the US Navy. He found immense pleasure in exploring new destinations, sampling diverse cuisines, engaging in soccer matches, maintaining his fitness at the gym, indulging in runs, and relishing family strolls. Sergio's gentle nature, infectious laughter, and quick wit are profoundly missed by his loved ones. The void left by his absence is immense, and our hearts ache with the overwhelming love and longing we feel for him.

A special tribute to CAPT Ronald Sollock, a caring and dedicated husband and dad of two sons. His loving family misses him dearly, including his two grandsons who never met him but who refer to him as “Papi Ron” with much love and pride.

Petty Officer Michael J. Gibbs was a man of humility and good character.  Michael was a determined man who chose to create a better life for himself outside of his social norm by joining the United States Navy immediately after graduating from C.A. Johnson High School in 2001. He was born in Columbia, South Carolina and raised by his mother, Ms. Barbara Kanzater.  Michael achieved great accomplishments during his time in the United States Navy, earning notable rank and medals.  Michael was a wonderful artist and enjoyed drawing cartoon characters, playing video games, and enjoyed traveling and seeing the world as well as spending quality time with his family.  Michael was a loving father to his namesake, Michael J. Gibbs, II and adored his devoted wife, Delia Gibbs who, with a host of family and friends cherishes his memory.