MICHAEL D. TANNER, LT, USN
Michael Tanner '88
Lucky Bag
From the 1988 Lucky Bag:
Michael David Tanner
Warrenton, Virginia
Mike came to us from the real Navy, and don't let anyone tell you different. A prior nuc, he obviously regressed during the four vigorous years here, as he was refused the chance to become bubblehead. Luckily for him, his nuc interview/Spanish inquisition helped him to see the light to the better life of a Navy pilot. A true master of the sarcastic one-liner, Mike helped create some of the "Conrad Dobler" controversies in the company. Always a tough person to talk into having a wild time — against his own will — he was forced into town for an unforgettable 21st Birthday. Who knows what's in a duck pin shooter?..not Mike. Mike did, however, put in a fine showing at the "St. Patty's Day shot and sprint/gate #1 obstacle course" with some other 22nd Co. athletes. Actually, Mike was a hard worker who could always be found in the weightroom or the wardroom, both of which will help him in PCOLA. Remember, Grandma's watching.
- DRS,RLR,EKB-
Michael David Tanner
Warrenton, Virginia
Mike came to us from the real Navy, and don't let anyone tell you different. A prior nuc, he obviously regressed during the four vigorous years here, as he was refused the chance to become bubblehead. Luckily for him, his nuc interview/Spanish inquisition helped him to see the light to the better life of a Navy pilot. A true master of the sarcastic one-liner, Mike helped create some of the "Conrad Dobler" controversies in the company. Always a tough person to talk into having a wild time — against his own will — he was forced into town for an unforgettable 21st Birthday. Who knows what's in a duck pin shooter?..not Mike. Mike did, however, put in a fine showing at the "St. Patty's Day shot and sprint/gate #1 obstacle course" with some other 22nd Co. athletes. Actually, Mike was a hard worker who could always be found in the weightroom or the wardroom, both of which will help him in PCOLA. Remember, Grandma's watching.
- DRS,RLR,EKB-
Loss
From ibiblio.org:
An HH-46 Sea Knight from Inchon (LPH-12) crashed in the Atlantic Ocean about 500 miles northeast of Bermuda. The twin-rotor helicopter was assigned to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 6, Det 1, NAS Norfolk, VA. Missing and presumed dead are LT. Edward "Randy" O'Neill, LT. Michael Tanner, and AT3 Patrick Bleakney. Airman Brian Darley was rescued from the sea by a boat from Trenton (LPD-14) and treated for a hip dislocation, broken wrist and minor scrapes and bruises. Inchon had commenced a scheduled six-month Mediterranean Sea deployment on 5 Jan. 10 Jan 1994.
Obituary
From the June 1994 issue of Shipmate:
Lt. Michael "Mike" Tanner died in a helicopter accident on 10 January 1994, on a search and rescue mission while deployed on the INCHON (LPH-12). A memorial service was held on 28 January at the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel.
Mike was born in St. Albans, Vermont on 27 October 1965. Upon earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Political Science, he reported to Pensacola, Florida for flight training. He earned his "Wings of Gold" in September of 1990 and reported to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron THREE in January 1991 to complete his initial training as a Fleet Replacement Pilot in the H-46 Sea Knight. In September 1991, he reported to Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Six for his first tour of duty. While in HC-6, Mike served as the squadron's Detachment Liaison Officer, Assistant Security Manager and Ground Safety Officer.
He deployed to the Mediterranean with Detachment FOUR on board the DETROIT (AOE-4) and served as Detachment Material Control Officer In January 1994 he deployed with Detachment ONE on the INCHON (LRH-12) serving as the Operations Officer and Quality Assurance Officer. While in the squadron, Mike was awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, the Battle Efficiency Ribbon, the National Defense Medal, the Sea Service Ribbon, and a Letter of Commendation from Commander Naval Air Force, United States Atlantic Fleet.
As a friend and fellow Shipmate, Mike will always be remembered for his tireless energy, sense of humor and sarcastic wit. He was a loving husband, a wonderful father and a best friend. He touched the lives of many and his warm heart will be forever missed.
Mike is survived by his wife Lisa, daughter Emily, father Jim, mother Susan Carter, brothers James and Chris, step-brother Jeffrey, sister Johanna and half- sister Jessica.
A college fund has been established for his daughter Emily.
Lt. Rob Robinson '88
He has a marker in the Naval Academy Cemetery.
Related Articles
Randy O'Neill '89 was also lost in this crash.
The "category" links below lead to lists of related Honorees; use them to explore further the service and sacrifice of alumni in Memorial Hall.
