JOSEPH F. KING, JR., LCDR, USN
Joseph King, Jr. '83
Lucky Bag
From the 1983 Lucky Bag:
Joseph F. King Jr.
Hampton, Virginia
Kinko
Joe came to us from Hampton, Virginia. While at the Academy he excelled in company sports, karate, and modesty. Kinko is the lead singer of the ‘‘Walking Heads,’’ and co-president of the 151 club. With all of these activities, one might think it hard to have time for anything else. This is not the case with Joe. He always has time for his friends and for "Blondie," but mostly "Blondie."
Joe became tired of the name Kinko and was considering the name "Mr. Frank." It is still up in the air as to which one he prefers. We wish him the best of luck in this decision.
One thing Kinko is set on is Navy Air. 25th company sends their best wishes to Pensacola with Joe, where he will continue to excel. —DAS
Joseph F. King Jr.
Hampton, Virginia
Kinko
Joe came to us from Hampton, Virginia. While at the Academy he excelled in company sports, karate, and modesty. Kinko is the lead singer of the ‘‘Walking Heads,’’ and co-president of the 151 club. With all of these activities, one might think it hard to have time for anything else. This is not the case with Joe. He always has time for his friends and for "Blondie," but mostly "Blondie."
Joe became tired of the name Kinko and was considering the name "Mr. Frank." It is still up in the air as to which one he prefers. We wish him the best of luck in this decision.
One thing Kinko is set on is Navy Air. 25th company sends their best wishes to Pensacola with Joe, where he will continue to excel. —DAS
Loss
Joseph was lost on March 13, 1997 when the helicopter he was piloting crashed off the coast of North Carolina.
From Naval History and Heritage Command:
HH-60H "Seahawk" of Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron 3, based at Naval Air Station Cecil Field, Florida, crashed off North Carolina while operating from USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67). LCDR Joseph F. King, LT Christopher D. Buckley, AWC Andrew K. Baker, and AW2 Edward J. Kos were killed. 13 Mar. 1997.
From the Daily Press of Newport News, VA on March 16, 1997:
The crash occurred at 11:30 p.m. Thursday during a refueling exercise with the frigate USS Taylor, also based in Mayport. Neither ship was involved in the crash, and no other personnel were injured…
From the Pensacola News Journal also on March 16, 1997:
The search for the aircraft and its four crew members was hampered by rough weather. At the time of the crash, wind was blowing at 30 to 35 mph and seas in the area were about 5 feet, the National Weather Service said.
Other Information
From the July/August 1997 issue of Shipmate:
Lieutenant Commander Joseph F. King, Jr. was lost at sea on 13 March 1997, when his Seahawk helicopter went down while conducting night operations from JOHN F. KENNEDY off the Virginia and North Carolina coasts. A Memorial Service was held fer LCDR King and his crew at NAS Jacksonville on 26 March by his squadron, HS-3. On 4 April, a Memorial Mass was offered at the Old Post Chapel, Fort Myer, VA, followed by a flag presentation ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. LCDR King's body, along with two of his crew, was recovered on 27 April during the salvage of his aircraft. His remains were interred at Arlington National Cemetery on 9 May 1997.
Joe, a Navy junior, was raised in Hampton, VA and entered the Naval Academy with the Class of 1983. He was awarded his Wings of Gold in February 1985. In June of that year he married Bonnie Frank of Ellicott City, MD. Joe's initial assignment was in HS-15 where he made two Mediterranean deployments. Following a tour as an instructor pilot with HS-1, Joe returned to sea duty in HS-11 where he participated in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. After a Washington tour on the staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Manpower and Personnel), LCDR King transitioned to the H-60 Seahawk at HS-1. He then reported the HS-3 Tridents in October 1995, and was the Operations Officer of the squadron at the time of his death.
LCDR King's awards included the Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (2), Navy Achievement Medal (3), Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation and other service medals.
Joe completed the Naval Academy with a perfect record in conduct to the amazement of his Classmates and family. He loved flying and he loved being in the Navy. He had zest for life and he brought that enthusiasm to every assignment. His positive attitude as well as his sense of mischief and humor were infectious. His Classmates from 25th Company will always have fond memories of Joe. It was an honor and a joy to be a part of his Iife.
Of all his accomplishments, Joe especially took pride in his role as a husband and father. More than anything, he loved his family. He was the beloved husband of Bonnie, devoted father of five daughters, Brittany, Courtney, Chelsea, Sydney and Mallory; cherished son of Joe and Niki King (Class of 1959); and treasured brother of Kelly (Class of 1984), Stephen, Elizabeth, and Kathryn. He is also survived by a host of other family and friends.
A memorial fund has been established for the King children. Contributions may be addressed to: "The Children of Joseph F. King Jr." Jacksonville Federal Credit Union, PO Box 45085, Jacksonville, FL 32232-5085.
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Joseph graduated from Bethel High School in 1979.
In 1985 he was serving with Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 1 of Jacksonville, Florida. His engagement to Bonnie Inez Frank was announced with the wedding planned for June 22.
Joseph is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Photographs
From his high school yearbook
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