MARK A. EHLERS, LCDR, USN
Mark Ehlers '84
Lucky Bag
From the 1984 Lucky Bag:
Mark Alan Ehlers
Yucaipa, California
Mark left the warm desert CA for the humid Annapolis Bay air. He loved the bay so much that he majored in oceanography. He was definitely an affirmative action student. He gave more than enough time to television watching and sleeping. At one time during his illustrious academic endeavor, he was known as Kelvin—because his knowledge of Chemistry was absolute zero. While at USNA Mark gained a reputation for being a party animal. This he learned well from being a Rugby letterwinner. His real nickname, however, was "Wheels" because only he could drive from his home to Mother B in 40 hours. One the weekends he was Hood college bound with his favorite buddies, a full tank of gas, and a full cooler of beer. On the way up, he made record time; however, on the return he was known to enter the freeway through the exit ramp. Impaired or sober, he was always in control. His charisma and smoothness with women made him a ladies man at local bars and at Hood.
He took a marine option cruise first class summer and was a "die hard" marine through and through. So much so, that he grunted all the way to the Navy Air NFO line. He must have remembered how much fun he had during third class summer with the Black Russians. Anyway, Mark will be with his brother and after the fiasco with the boat sinking surface line was definitely not for him. All jesting aside, there is no doubt that Mark will be an outstanding leader. Listen man, listen… good luck.
Mark Alan Ehlers
Yucaipa, California
Mark left the warm desert CA for the humid Annapolis Bay air. He loved the bay so much that he majored in oceanography. He was definitely an affirmative action student. He gave more than enough time to television watching and sleeping. At one time during his illustrious academic endeavor, he was known as Kelvin—because his knowledge of Chemistry was absolute zero. While at USNA Mark gained a reputation for being a party animal. This he learned well from being a Rugby letterwinner. His real nickname, however, was "Wheels" because only he could drive from his home to Mother B in 40 hours. One the weekends he was Hood college bound with his favorite buddies, a full tank of gas, and a full cooler of beer. On the way up, he made record time; however, on the return he was known to enter the freeway through the exit ramp. Impaired or sober, he was always in control. His charisma and smoothness with women made him a ladies man at local bars and at Hood.
He took a marine option cruise first class summer and was a "die hard" marine through and through. So much so, that he grunted all the way to the Navy Air NFO line. He must have remembered how much fun he had during third class summer with the Black Russians. Anyway, Mark will be with his brother and after the fiasco with the boat sinking surface line was definitely not for him. All jesting aside, there is no doubt that Mark will be an outstanding leader. Listen man, listen… good luck.
Loss
Mark was lost on February 4, 1997 when the S-3 Viking aircraft he was piloting crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. Three other crewmen were also lost; they were members of member of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 22.
From UPI on February 6, 1997:
WASHINGTON -- A U.S. Navy team has called off the search for four crew members presumed dead after their aircraft crashed into the Mediterranean Sea. A Navy spokesman says search-and-rescue teams found no survivors.
They did spot debris that had the squadron markings that matched the submarine-hunting jet that crashed Tuesday. The search teams covered a 1,500-square-mile area before the operation was called off. The victims were flying in an S-3B Viking aircraft that was assigned to Cecil Field in northern Florida. They were identified as Lt. Cmdr. Mark Ehlers, 35, and Lt. Mark Eyre, 28, both of Jacksonville, Fla.; Lt. Mike Weems, 27, of Pensacola, Fla.; and Aviation Systems Warfare Operator 3rd Class Wendy Potter, 24, of Oakdale, Calif.
Obituary
From the April 1997 issue of Shipmate:
Lieutenant Commander Mark Alan Ehlers, USN was lost at sea on 4 February when his S3B Viking aircraft went down 80 miles off the coast of Israel while conducting operations from ROOSEVELT. A memorial service was held at the NAS Cecil Field Memorial Chapel on 11 February.
Mark was native of Yucaipa, CA and entered the Naval Academy on 8 July 1980 with the Class of 1984. While at the Naval Academy he starred on the nationally ranked rugby team and earned a degree in oceanography. Following graduation, Mark reported to NAS Pensacola where he achieved his Wings of Gold and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in May 1986. It was in Pensacola that Mark met and married his partner in life the former Susan Imhof. Mark was qualified as a Tactical Coordinator in the S-3 in VS-41 in San Diego in 1987 and reported to VS-28 in Jacksonville, FL. With the Gamblers of VS-28, "Eels" made two deployments onboard FORESTAL. He was then assigned to the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA where he earned an MS in operations analysis. Mark then reported back to Cecil Field where he made one deployment with VS-31 aboard GEORGE WASHINGTON and finally to VS-22 where he was serving as the squadron Administrative Officer.
Mark brought everything he did an energy and a love of life that was unsurpassed. There was nothing false or hidden about Mark Ehlers. It was these qualities that bonded him to everyone he came in contact with. Whenever Mark moved on, he left behind a cadre of best friends. By his example he has permanently changed the lives of those who knew him. His unquenchable desire to always do just a little more or a little better was contagious and will be his legacy. Many people talk of making a difference; Mark made a difference. He not only made this world a better place, but he provided promise for our future with the time, love and guidance he gave our children. Whether it was coaching softball, teaching his own kids or lovingly holding a friends child in his arms, Mark was an inspirational role model.
Mark is survived by his loving wife Sue; his three children: Katie, Ryan and Elizabeth; his parents: Mell and Sally Ehlers of Banning, CA; his brother and sister-in-law: Kurt and Helen Ehlers of Rio de Janeiro; and countless best friends.
A Memorial Fund has been established in Mark's name and donations can be made to Navy Federal Credit Union, Security Place, PO Box 3000 Merrifield VA 22119-3000.
Pete McCawley '84
He has a memorial marker in Florida.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
