MICHAEL A. ODENING, LTJG, USN
Michael Odening '66
Lucky Bag
From the 1966 Lucky Bag:
MICHAEL ANTHONY ODENING
Silver Spring, Maryland
A Navy Junior and a resident of Silver Spring, Maryland, Mike was well-prepared for his life at the Naval Academy as a midshipman. While a plebe, Mike was fairly adept at remaining unobtrusive except for a bathrobe-clad encounter with the Officer of the Watch on the terrace behind Smoke Hall. Trying to avoid the wrath of the Officers of the Watch while studying into the wee morning hours, Mike pulled good grades, especially in Physics, his major. Mike's affability and even temper stood him in good stead throughout the onslaughts of his practical-joking roommates. Judging from the model of the SSBN George Washington hidden behind the pipes and books on his desk, Mike was interested in Nuclear Submarines, but, when asked, he indicated no preference either for surface or sub-surface ships. In either event, the Navy will gain a valuable career officer.
He was also a member of the 6th Company staff (spring).
MICHAEL ANTHONY ODENING
Silver Spring, Maryland
A Navy Junior and a resident of Silver Spring, Maryland, Mike was well-prepared for his life at the Naval Academy as a midshipman. While a plebe, Mike was fairly adept at remaining unobtrusive except for a bathrobe-clad encounter with the Officer of the Watch on the terrace behind Smoke Hall. Trying to avoid the wrath of the Officers of the Watch while studying into the wee morning hours, Mike pulled good grades, especially in Physics, his major. Mike's affability and even temper stood him in good stead throughout the onslaughts of his practical-joking roommates. Judging from the model of the SSBN George Washington hidden behind the pipes and books on his desk, Mike was interested in Nuclear Submarines, but, when asked, he indicated no preference either for surface or sub-surface ships. In either event, the Navy will gain a valuable career officer.
He was also a member of the 6th Company staff (spring).
Loss
Mike was lost when USS Scorpion (SSN 589) sank on May 22, 1968.
Other Information
From USS Scorpion (SSN-589) In Memoriam:
Michael Anthony Odening was born December 17, 1944, in Los Angeles, Calif. He attended elementary school in Arcadia, Coronado, and Danville, Calif., and Arlington, Va. Lt. (jg) Odening went to Monterey (Calif.) High School, and graduated from Princess Anne High School in Norfolk, Va. As a youth he was active in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.
He was appointed a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy in June 1962, where he participated in swimming events and was a member of the French Club. After graduating from the Academy with the class of 1966, he received nuclear propulsion training in Bainbridge, Md., and Schenectady, N.Y., and basic submarine training at the Groton Naval Submarine School. He reported to the USS Scorpion in January 1968. He was authorized to wear the National Defense Service Medal.
He is survived by his widow, the former Doreen M. Miller of Saratoga, N. Y. He is also survived by his parents, Captain and Mrs. Robert E. Odening, USN (Ret.), of Palos Verdes Estates, Calif.
Michael has a memory marker in the Naval Academy Cemetery.
Photographs
Related Articles
John Doherty '66 and Leland C. Sage '66 were also in 6th Company.
Francis Slattery '54, David Lloyd '56, Daniel Stephens '59, John Burke '63, Charles Lamberth '63, George Farrin '63, John Sweet '64, and Laughton Smith '65 were also aboard USS Scorpion (SSN 589) when she was lost with all hands on May 22, 1968.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
