STEPHEN C. HASTINGS, 1LT, USMC
Stephen Hastings '76
Lucky Bag
From the 1976 Lucky Bag:
STEPHEN CRAIG HASTINGS
Reno, Nevada
The way he talks sometimes, you'd think Steve had ridden into Annapolis atop a galloping Palomino. Steve has been the Fourth Company cowboy contingent for the last four years — boots, hat, and spurs.
As there have been few rodeos held in the Annapolis area Steve has made himself comfortable with the less complicated endeavors of homelife and "Ana Mana".
Steve has eternally endeared himself to the members of the Fourth Class. As a platoon commander during Plebe Summer and as first set Company Sub., Steve's name and the word "Fry" were often heard to be spoken in the same breath.
Steve intends to become a Marine pilot, and his loyalty to country and fundamental sense of duty and professionalism will undoubtedly lead to ultimate success and happiness.
STEPHEN CRAIG HASTINGS
Reno, Nevada
The way he talks sometimes, you'd think Steve had ridden into Annapolis atop a galloping Palomino. Steve has been the Fourth Company cowboy contingent for the last four years — boots, hat, and spurs.
As there have been few rodeos held in the Annapolis area Steve has made himself comfortable with the less complicated endeavors of homelife and "Ana Mana".
Steve has eternally endeared himself to the members of the Fourth Class. As a platoon commander during Plebe Summer and as first set Company Sub., Steve's name and the word "Fry" were often heard to be spoken in the same breath.
Steve intends to become a Marine pilot, and his loyalty to country and fundamental sense of duty and professionalism will undoubtedly lead to ultimate success and happiness.
Loss
Stephen Craig Hastings was lost on November 23, 1979, when the F-4S he was aboard "crashed into the sea off San Clemente island." He was a member of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (VMFA) 232. RIO Captain Steven R. Sammet also died in the crash.
From The Los Angeles Times on November 24, 1979:
The aircraft was stationed with the Marines' VMFA232 Squadron at Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and was on a training flight from Miramar Naval Air Station when the crash occurred almost due west of San Clemente Island, the Marine spokesman said.
Two F-4's were on a routine training flight when one went into a sudden dive and was lost from view of the other in a thick cloud layer at 5,000 feet, the spokesman said.
He was a native of Reno, Nevada, and is buried at Mountain View Cemetery in Reno.
Other Information
From researcher Kathy Franz:
Stephen graduated in 1972 from Procter R. Hug High School. He played football, and was a member of Model Legislature, German Club, and R.O.T.C. Drum and Bugle Corps.
He was appointed to the Naval Academy by U.S. Senator Alan Bible, D-Nev.
Marnee Louise Squire graduated in 1974 from the same high school. They were married at the Naval Academy Chapel in June 1976. Stephen’s sister Janie was a bridesmaid. The couple honeymooned in Jamaica.
From the Reno Gazette-Journal on November 28, 1979:
The Reno resident was born March 16, 1954, in Council Bluffs, Iowa, and attended grammar school there. A 1972 graduate of Hug High School, he attended the U.S. Naval Academy in 1976 and took flight training in 1978. He flew F4 Phantoms as a pilot with the Marines.
Survivors include his widow, Marnee; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Hastings; daughter, Stacy Hastings and a sister, Janie Hastings, all of Reno.
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