Signal Charlie

CAPT Dick Catone, USN (Ret.) following a memorial service for a fellow helicopter pilot, is credited with the following statement: “I guess we are all in starboard delta waiting for Signal Charlie.” Starboard Delta is the holding pattern for the airborne Search and Rescue helicopters on the starboard (right) side of the aircraft carrier. They fly at a low altitude so as not to interfere with the fixed-wing aircraft recovery pattern, and only land when the last fixed-wing aircraft is safe on board. When tower calls the helicopter to pass “Charlie” to a landing spot, the crew knows the fixed-wing recovery is complete, all is well, and it is time to come back. Hence, the statement appears appropriate that someday we will receive our own “Signal Charlie” and will be called home for a final landing.

Signal Charlie has been created to inform our membership and honor the passing of fellow unrestricted aviators. It is only as good as the information we receive. If you have an obituary or other information that you would like to provide concerning the passing of a shipmate, co-worker, or friend of the community, please contact the NHA National Office at signalcharlie@navalhelicopterassn.org and we will get the word out.

CAPT Roger William Lloyd, USN (Ret.)

CAPT Bill Lloyd was buried at Miramar National Cemetery on December 3rd at 11:30 AM. The service was followed by a Celebration of Life at the Elks Lodge in El Cajon.

CDR David V. Stoddard, USN (Ret.)

CDR David V. Stoddard, USN (Ret.), 73, died peacefully in the company of his children on March 30, 2021, after battling a long illness. David was born in 1948 in San Francisco to Gordon and Katherine Stoddard. He attended college and was commissioned as an officer at The United States Naval Academy in 1970. David went on to serve his country as a tactical helicopter pilot, retiring in 1990. He and his family settled in Ponte Vedra Beach where he and his wife, Donna, raised their children, Jeffrey and Jennifer, while running a successful computer software development company. David is preceded in death by his loving parents and his wife, Donna. He is survived by his brother, Michael; son, Jeffrey (Elizabeth); daughter, Jennifer (Brian); and six grandsons, Easton, Jack, Asher, Hayden, Evan, and Blake. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to be made to the veterans support group of your choice. Services were held on Saturday, April 17, 2021, 10:00 am at Ponte Vedra Valley Cemetery.

CAPT William “Bill” Roop, USN (Ret.)

CAPT Bill Roop, USN (Ret.), former CO of HS-12, passed away Thursday evening, October 21, 2021 in San Diego from complications suffered in a fall at home during the previous week. Fair Winds and Following Seas. A Memorial Service will be held on USS Midway on December 11, 2021 at 11:30.

LT Phillip “Skip” Roy Lehrfeld, USNR

ENS Phillip “Skip” Roy Lehrfeld, USNR received his wings as a Naval Aviator on January 29, 1964 at HT-8, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida. Ensign Lehrfeld was Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator Number R-7192.

Phillip Roy Lehrfeld (known fondly as Skip) of Riverton, Utah passed away on Friday, October 22, 2021, at the age of 80. After a year of declining health, Phillip died peacefully with his beloved wife Sophia. daughter, Laura, and his son in law, Chad, by his side.

Skip was born in Waukegan, Illinois on May 29, 1941 to Philip Roy Pink and Marion Adelle Olson. He was the only son of Philip Pink. His mom remarried to his stepfather Leon Lehrfeld. Over the years, he became a big brother to Samuel Lehrfeld, Sharon Lehrfeld, Marci Lehrfeld, Sandy Lehrfeld and Raymond Lehrfeld.

On May 7, 1965, Skip married Sophia Mc Arthur in Elizabeth City, North Carolina just three days before he left with the military for Vietnam. Three years later on June 21, 1968, they were sealed in the Los Angeles Temple for time and all eternity.

Skip proudly served our country, flying the SH-2 Seasprite helicopter. Stationed on USS Independence, he flew rescue missions, retrieving pilots who had been ejected from their planes. During his military service, Skip and Sophia lived in Lakehurst, New Jersey and then in Milton, Florida where he served as a flight instructor.

Skip had a love of reading and listening to mystery stories on tape. He enjoyed learning about outer space and spent countless hours studying about our Solar System and beyond.

He absolutely loved animated movies, especially Disney. One of his favorite things to do with his grandchildren was taking them to see Disney movies. His last smile while here on earth was seen while watching Toy Story with his granddaughter Arianna, just a day before his passing.

One of Skip’s most admirable qualities was that he was always prepared. He loved planning every detail of the many road trips he took across the country to visit National Parks, family and friends. Saying that he took the council of emergency preparedness to heart is an understatement. He gathered supplies that he would have generously shared with any and all who would have needed it.

Skip loved Genealogy. He served a 2 year service mission as a Genealogy Specialist, offering support to people all over the world while sharing his passion for family history and technical knowledge of the Family Search website.

Skip was married to his beautiful bride, Sophia, for 56 years. Skip and Sophia celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with kids and grandkids in Hawaii. He enjoyed a helicopter ride around the Oahu and Kauai Hawaiian Islands.

Skip was preceded in death by his parents and by his sister Sharon Lehrfeld. He is survived by his wife, Sophia Lehrfeld; children; Laura Christensen, Michael Lehrfeld, Benjamin Lehrfeld and David Lehrfeld; Son in law, Chad Christensen, daughter in law, Carlie Lehrfeld and Dawn Lehrfeld; grandchildren, Arianna, Connor, Arabella and Corbin Christensen, Evie and Lily Lehrfeld, Olivia & Katelyn Lehrfeld and Tim and Collin Butler.

The Funeral Service was held Wednesday, October 27, 2021, at 11:00 AM at Broomhead Funeral Home at 12600 South 2200 West in Riverton, Utah. The graveside dedication was immediately after the funeral service at the Utah Veterans Cemetery at 17111 S 1700 W Bluffdale, Utah. Skip received full military honors.

RADM Frederic Richard Ruehe, USN (Ret.)

RADM Frederic R Ruehe (USN Ret.), age 70, passed away July 18, 2021 after a thirteen year battle with a rare form of dementia. Known as Rick, Frederic was born May 3, 1951 at Fort Jackson, South Carolina to Richard and Florence Ruehe. Rick married Catherine Lynn Adkins on December 23, 1972 in Aurora, Illinois. They had two children Emily Puckett and Eric Ruehe. Rick was raised in a military family and traveled the world as a child. He attended the University of Illinois on a NROTC scholarship. Rick became a helicopter pilot and served in the Navy for 34 years in many leadership roles before retiring in 2008 as a Rear Admiral.

Rick was an incredible father who loved his children, taught them to be kind and encouraged them to make their own paths. He instilled values in them through his own example, and supported them as they grew into adults with their own families. Rick loved his wife, Cathy, who loved and supported him every step of the way. He received remarkable and loving care during his last few years at the Southern Utah Veterans Home in Ivins, Utah.

Rick Ruehe volunteered to serve our Navy and nation at a time when other Americans were setting fire to ROTC buildings. He served with distinction in the challenging domain of helicopter anti-submarine warfare, turning what had been a utility platform into a viable submarine hunter and killer, filling a void left by the retirement of the ASW carriers (CVS.) He was a leader in the development and operational employment of the Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS) in both Seasprite and Seahawk helicopters. Deploying in detachments to different ships at a faster optempo than the ships themselves, the HSL community required considerable time at sea and commensurate sacrifice of family time. Nevertheless, HSL helos provided protection at sea to high-value Navy units (carriers and even battleships) during the culmination of the Cold War with the Soviet Union and into the present day. With fewer career options than jet aviators, Rick nevertheless blazed a trail to flag rank through superior leadership at all levels, and his career probably ended sooner than it should have, due to a courageous fight of a different kind. He was someone who listened, was not quick to judge, and took care to consider all points of view. He was also described as a humble and kind man with a wonderful sense of humor, but that didn’t stop him from getting the job done no matter how difficult the challenge at sea and ashore. Rick’s influence and legacy no doubt continues in the Navy helicopter community today, and the Navy and nation are better for his dedicated service.

Rick is survived by his wife, Catherine A Ruehe, his children, Emily Puckett and Eric Ruehe, his grandchildren, Iyla Ruehe and James Puckett; as well as his brother John Ruehe and sisters Ann Adams and Cathy Moore Ruehe. In lieu of flowers, Rick’s family requests that you consider donating to: The Association for Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration, theAFTD.org

LTJG Ruehe, USN received his wings as a Naval Aviator on January 23, 1976 at HT-18, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida. LTJG Ruehe was Navy Helicopter Designator Number R-13768 Rick entered the U.S. Navy in 1969 via the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps and served as a helicopter pilot until his retirement in 2008 as Commander, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. His commands included HSL-33, HSL-40, USS Belleau Wood (LHA 3,) Navy Region Southwest, Amphibious Group 1 and U.S. Naval Forces Japan.

In February 2000, RDML Ruehe assumed command of Navy Region Southwest in San Diego. He was promoted to Rear Admiral (lower half) on August 1, 2000. In March 2002, RDML Ruehe assumed command of Amphibious Force 7th Fleet/ Amphibious Group 1 in Japan. He was designated a Rear Admiral (two star) on 19 September 19 2002. In September 2003, RADM Ruehe assumed command of U.S. Naval Forces Japan in Yokosuka, Japan and the next month was promoted to Rear Admiral. In November 2005, RADM Ruehe assumed command of Navy Region Mid-Atlantic. He retired on January 1, 2008.

RADM Ruehe’s awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (four awards) the Meritorious Service Medal (five awards) Navy Commendation Medal, Joint Meritorious Unit Award (two awards), Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Battle Efficiency Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal (two awards), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (with two bronze stars), Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (with three bronze stars), Overseas Service Ribbon (with one bronze star), and the Kuwait Liberation Medal (Kuwait.)

CAPT Richard S. “Robbie” Roberts, USN (Ret.)

CAPT Richard S. “Robbie” Roberts, USN (Ret.) 2017 NHA CAPT Mark Starr Pioneer Award Winner, NHA Lifetime Member #107, Former CO of HU-2 and the Navy’s Oldest Living Helicopter Pilot. He lived to be 107 years old. CAPT Roberts was originally designated as a Naval Aviator in 1939, becoming a Navy Helicopter Pilot on January 6, 1953 at HTU-1, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, FL. He was Navy Helicopter Pilot Designator Number R-1344.

A Life of Consequence

Richard Sharp Roberts, “Robbie” to his many friends and family, passed away peacefully on 13 August at 107 years of age. He remained positive and optimistic, assured of his place in Heaven. Robbie was known for his quick humor, his zest for life, and his love of country and the U.S. Navy. He was born on April 17, 1914 to David and Ida Mae Roberts and grew up in Medford, Oregon where he was active in the Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Dale, and two beloved wives, Virginia (Ginny) and Gloria. His family includes Julie Castleberry, Blake and Lucy Warren, Joe and Sandy Warren, Frank and Kathleen Ribik, and David and Emy Roberts.

He applied for duty as a Naval Aviator in 1938 after listening to an advertisement on the radio. Captain Roberts served in the U.S. Navy for 26 years as a legendary pilot and leader in peace and war. He earned his Navy Wings of Gold in 1939 and was already an accomplished aircraft commander in the PBY-4 Catalina on pre-war patrols in the Philippines when the Japanese attacked across the Pacific and Pearl Harbor. He fought in every major naval battle in the Pacific, earning nine campaign ribbons and the Bronze Star with “V” for valor in combat. He also flew missions into remote areas of China, supporting the famous Flying Tigers expeditionary force. In 1945 while a flag aide to VADM Montgomery, he served as the JAG Officer for the mysterious “Lost Patrol” Flight 19 Avenger Flight which disappeared at sea on a routine training mission.

Following WW II, the Navy began a transition from seaplanes to helicopters. Robbie became an accomplished helicopter pilot when these aircraft were experimental. He commanded the first heavy lift helicopter squadron (HUP-1) and helped develop engineering and safety improvements; much of the helicopter doctrine is still in use today. He personally trained many helicopter pilots that went on to serve in the Korean War. Robbie was awarded the prestigious Mark Starr Pioneer award in 2017 and was recognized in March 2021 as the Oldest Living Naval Helicopter Pilot by the Naval Helicopter Association. His flight logs reflect 4,853 hours in 51 different aircraft.

After his Navy career was over, Robbie traveled the world with his second wife, Gloria. He continued to serve the community as a Mason, as a Council President for the U.S. Navy League in Beaufort, SC, and a mentor to many. He relocated to Florida, living in Maitland, Altamonte Springs and Winter Park for many years.

Robbie continued active service all his life in the Central Florida Council of the U.S. Navy League and was recently inducted into the National Navy League Scroll of Honor. He was incredibly active, and was very knowledgeable and current on science, politics, and world events. He could be counted on for a strong, well-reasoned opinion. He had an amazingly detailed memory of the procedures and flying characteristics of multiple aircraft and could call these up at any time.

Even as his eyesight failed, he continued listening to multiple books on tape and attended luncheons, social events, and the annual Navy Ball. Robbie spread joy and optimism wherever he went and will be sorely missed.

Services will be held at a future date at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, Florida. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The ASPCA or to The American Foundation for the Blind. You can view the Navy League tribute on CAPT Roberts' 106 birthday here: https://cfnavyleague.org/celebrating-our-birthday-in-style-with-capt-robby-roberts/

LT Bradley A. Foster, USN

HM1 Sarah F. Burns, USN HM2 Bailey J. Tucker, USN

HM2 Bailey J. Tucker, USN

LT Paul R. Fridley, USN

AWS1 James P. Buriak, USN

Eightballer family and friends, as we come to terms with the recent tragedy we must not forget those most hurt by it: the families of our affected sailors. The HSC-8 Spouses Club has begun fundraising efforts in order to help the Eightballers in need. If you are able, please consider donating to one of the foundations in the link below to help support those Eightballer families who have made the ultimate sacrifice. On behalf of HSC-8 and our Eightballer family, the HSC-8 Spouses Club thanks you for your compassion and your support.

To donate and find more information, visit http://hsc8fundraising.ctcin.bio/. The fundraiser is hosted by the HSC-8 Officers Spouses Club and is not associated with the U.S. Navy.

HM2 Bailey J. Tucker, USN