Lemoore Aviator Memorial

[Malo83]

Saw this in the sunday morning BEE.

http://www.fresnobee.com/2014/03/15/3825250/lemoore-pilots-launch-aviator.html

 

[Renegade One]

Surprised Lemoore doesn't already have one…that base community surely bore a very heavy load during Vietnam…I wouldn't presume to know the numbers…

 

[BusyBee604]

Surprised Lemoore doesn't already have one…that base community surely bore a very heavy load during Vietnam…I wouldn't presume to know the numbers…

I think most all NASs have lost their share of Aircrew(s); however, in conflicts since the start of Vietnam, Navy Tacair home bases below, have lost more than their share:
Lemoore
Miramar
Whidbey
Oceana
Cecil
Glynco/Sanford (RA-5C)

Having served half of my aviation career in non-consecutive tours at Lemoore, I recall toward the end of Vietnam they planted 2 long rows of native trees along a memorial walk, which ended in a small park near the Base Chaprl. In the tiny park were side by side, a Skyraider, a Skyhawk, and a Corsair II, all on a stick and beautifully painted in a squadron livery.

The Skyhawk in the center carries the colors (yellow), of the VA-192 WF "Golden Dragons". On each side under the cockpit, the name of fallen CAPT Mike Estocin MOH, my former squadronmate & fellow IP in the VA-125 A-4 RAG. This display is close to, and easily seen from the 198 freeway which borders the front of the base, and runs right past the main gate. The freeway is named in honor of LCDR Clarence "Smokey" Tolbert KIA, an RP Student of mine, and former Blue Angel. What an honor to have been allowed to befriend and fly with these, and so many other of my heroes from ol' NLC.

So in defense of my fellow "Lemoore Tour Survivors", we have not forgotten our fallen, whether lost in combat, operationally, or other. It will; however, be great to have the new larger Memorial Park with Pilot statue dedicated to those who made the supreme sacrifice while on active duty at/from NAS Remorse, er Lemoore.
BzB