An official website of the United States government
Here's how you know
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

News from around the Fleet

Strike Fighter Squadron 87 Honors the Life of Rear Adm. Henri Chase

19 July 2021

From Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Bonnie Lindsay

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87 honored the life of Rear Adm. Henri Bertram Chase III with a missing-man formation during a memorial service at Claybrook Baptist Church in Weems, Virginia, July 17.
 

Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 87 honored the life of Rear Adm. Henri Bertram Chase III with a missing-man formation during a memorial service at Claybrook Baptist Church in Weems, Virginia, July 17.

The tradition of the missing-man formation dates back to World War I and World War II to honor those lost during the war. Today, the formation is reserved only for funerals, memorials, and other solemn events honoring those who have passed.  The formation starts in a V-shaped “finger four” pattern and as they approach the ceremony the second pilot, representing the missing service member, abruptly pulls up and out of the formation while the remainder of the formation continues in level flight.

“He loved aviation, loved his country, loved God and his family,” said his wife, Genny Chase. “He was a very patriotic man. He spent 36 years defending his country and doing what he loved to do, and a lot of people aren’t lucky enough to do that.”

Chase, also known as Bert to his loved ones, was a native of Kilmarnock, Virginia and passed away on Jan. 20. Friends and family gathered at the church in celebration of his life and to share their stories and experiences with Chase.

Chase logged over 8,500 flight hours throughout his career and 1,100 carrier landings. He also took part in bringing the A-7 Corsair II and F/A-18 Hornet into full operational capability and was a participant in some of the first A-7 combat missions. 

“This opportunity, honoring a man that played such a large role in naval history, is extremely inspirational for both the pilots involved and the squadrons supporting us,” said Lt. Martin Sewell, aviator for VFA 87 and flight lead for the missing man formation. “We all share a love of naval aviation and the experiences that we encounter being in this field. It is a special brotherhood that we all share; the bond that all of us who wear the wings of gold understand and respect. Rear Admiral Chase is such a great example of all the possibilities that each of our futures hold in this amazing career, the impacts we can have, and how to best live your life to the fullest.”

Chase experienced many unique opportunities in his career. He exchanged pilot duties with the Royal Navy in October 1964 and at one point was knighted by the King of Thailand. Even in retirement Chase and his wife Genny, also a pilot, continued their adventures – taking flight in their own aircraft. Together, they flew all over the East Coast and across the country to California.

 

Google Translation Disclaimer

  • Google Translate, a third party service provided by Google, performs all translations directly and dynamically.
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil has no control over the features, functions, or performance of the Google Translate service.
  • The automated translations should not be considered exact and should be used only as an approximation of the original English language content.
  • This service is meant solely for the assistance of limited English-speaking users of the website.
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any information translated.
  • Some items cannot be translated, including but not limited to image buttons, drop down menus, graphics, photos, or portable document formats (pdfs).
  • Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil does not directly endorse Google Translate or imply that it is the only language translation solution available to users.
  • All site visitors may choose to use similar tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea, cnrk.cnic.navy.mil content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk.
  • IE users: Please note that Google Translate may not render correctly when using Internet Explorer. Users are advised to use MS Edge, Safari, Chrome, or Firefox browser to take full advantage of the Google Translate feature.
  • The official text of content on this site is the English version found on this website. If any questions arise related to the accuracy of the information contained in translated text, refer to the English version on this website, it is the official version.

Commander, U.S. Navy Region Korea   |   PSC 478 Box 1   |   FPO AP, 96212-0001
Official U.S. Navy Website