GERALD W. JENKINS, LCDR, USN
Gerald Jenkins '69
Lucky Bag
From the 1969 Lucky Bag:
GERALD WILLIAM JENKINS
Michigan
Jenks opted for Canoe U. straight from high school fighting off offers from the other Academies and many universities. Quickly establishing a reputation as the best crammer in Mother B, he managed to maintain himself on Supt's List by studying only on odd-numbered alternate Tuesday, leaving his remaining time to concentrate on more important things, such as sleep, company sports and girls. A believer in leadership by example, Wondy was always distinguished by his healthy appearance and his expertly kept hair. With his keen mind, professional motivation and cheerful helpfulness, Jerry will be a resounding success in whatever field he chooses to follow.
GERALD WILLIAM JENKINS
Michigan
Jenks opted for Canoe U. straight from high school fighting off offers from the other Academies and many universities. Quickly establishing a reputation as the best crammer in Mother B, he managed to maintain himself on Supt's List by studying only on odd-numbered alternate Tuesday, leaving his remaining time to concentrate on more important things, such as sleep, company sports and girls. A believer in leadership by example, Wondy was always distinguished by his healthy appearance and his expertly kept hair. With his keen mind, professional motivation and cheerful helpfulness, Jerry will be a resounding success in whatever field he chooses to follow.
Loss
Jerry was lost March 16, 1981 in some kind of incident aboard USS America (CVA 66). He was a member of Air Anti-Submarine Squadron (VS) 33, but it does not appear it was the result of an aircraft crash.
Other Information
From Coronado Eagle and Journal, March 26, 1981:
Memorial services were conducted Tuesday morning in the main chapel of NAS North Island for Lt. Cmdr. Gerald William Jenkins, USN, who died as the result of an accident aboard the USS America in the Atlantic Ocean March 16. He was 33.
Cmdr. Carl W. Erickson, CHC, USN, officiated at the service. Burial followed in Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in Point Loma with full military honors.
A resident of Coronado for the past six-and-a-half years, Jenkins was born in Mount Clemens, Mich., and graduated from Southfield High School in Michigan. He received an appointment as midshipman to the U.S. Naval Academy in 1965 and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in mathematics in 1969.
Upon graduation, he volunteered for flight training and received wings as a naval aviator in 1971. He completed postgraduate school at the University of West Florida in aeronautical systems while at flight school. Jenkins' first assignment was flight instructor duty with Traron 27 in Corpus Christi, Texas, in 1973.
Later that year, he was attached to Antisubmarine [squadron] 41 at NAS North Island and received training as a fleet replacement pilot in the first of the S-3A Vikings.
Jenkins then reported to Antisubmarine [squadron] 21 where he served as flight officer, personnel officer and avionics division officer. During that tour, he was deployed aboard the USS J.F. Kennedy and in 1978 served as an aide to Commander Naval Air Test Center at NAS Patuxent River, Md.
Then followed a tour of duty in the Naval War College in Newport, R. 1., and a refresher course for Antisubmarine [squadron] 41. He reported to Antisubmarine [squadron] 33 at North Island in March 1980 and in November assumed the duties of aircraft maintenance officer and served in that capacity until his death.
Jenkins is survived by his wife, Elizabeth McHaney Jenkins, and daughter, Jennifer E. Jenkins, both of Coronado; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hobart H. Jenkins: a sister, Jill E. Jenkins; and two brothers, Steven and Terry; all of Michigan.
The June 1981 issue of Shipmate had a condensed version of the obituary above.
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Known as “Jerry” at Southfield High School in Michigan, he received a letter of commendation for his high score on the National Merit Test. He was a member of the CJ’s, the winners of the Intramural Basketball Tournament. The team next played the faculty, and the profits from the game went to the Peace Corps. He graduated in 1965 and participated in cross country and baseball.
Jerry/Gerald was an usher at the wedding of classmate John X. Carrier along with Ens. Franklin J. Jensen, Ens. Benjamin H. Hicks, Ens. Baker Smith, Ens. Paul A. Alfiere, and Ens. Frank Barrett in June, 1969.
He is buried in California.
Photographs
From his high school yearbook
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