This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Daniel L Arnes, CMDCM
to remember
Hatcliff, Earl Richard, PO1.
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Contact Info
Last Address Coupeville, Washington
Date of Passing Oct 11, 2010
Location of Interment Maple Leaf Cemetery - Oak Harbor, Washington
Earl Richard Hatcliff
December 6, 1936 - October 11, 2010
Born: December 6, 1936
Place of Birth: Independence, Kansas
Death: October 11, 2010
Place of Death: Coupeville, Washington
Earl Richard Hatcliff, 73, went home to be with the Lord on October 11, 2010 after a short illness. He was born to Ralph and Hattie (Bruch) Hatcliff in Independence, Kansas, and was raised in the community of Big Cove, Cherokee, North Carolina. After high school, Earl enlisted in the US Navy where he served as an aircraft mechanic. He was awarded a Gallantry Cross with Palm and a Presidential Unit Citation for his service in Vietnam. Earl Retired from the US Navy after 20 years of service and then worked as the night supervisor at the Norwester Club on NAS Whidbey Island.
Earl loved the Navy and his country. He regularly attended the HA(L) 3 Seawolf Association reunions. He loved many things: fishing, crabbing, camping, wild life, talking to people and reading westerns. Earl loved his family, his friends and God. He always enjoyed bringing a smile to people. He will be missed by all who loved him and knew him.
Earl is survived by his wife Lydia and daughter, Trisha, son, E. Richard Hatcliff II, one brother, Winston Hatcliff, and six stepdaughters. There are many grandchildren, two great grand children and nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services were held on Thursday, October 14, 2010 at 2PM at Burley Funeral Chapel. Burial with Military honors followed at Maple Leaf Cemetery.
Other Comments:
Earl did four (4) consecutive tours with HA)L)-3 in Vietnam and was on the last flights out of Binh Thuy when HA(L)-3 was disestablished on 16 March 1972.
1972-1975, AD-0000, Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, WA
Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, WA Details
Present day
Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit Eleven (EODMU-11) members perform a static jump from the ramp of a C-130 "Hercules" at Outlying Landing Field Coupeville, south of NAS Whidbey Island, on central Whidbey Island, at coordinates 48°11"24'N 122°37"48'W / 48.19°N 122.63°W / 48.19; -122.63 (Outlying Landing Field Coupeville).
In all, there are 19 active duty squadrons and 2 Ready Reserve squadrons currently based at NAS Whidbey Island. The air station also maintains a Search and Rescue Unit, flying three Sikorsky MH-60S Nighthawks. With the addition of the MH-60S, Navy Search and Rescue provides 24 day and night maritime, inland and mountainous rescue support for Department of Defense personnel and the greater Pacific Northwest community. The SAR Unit (360) 257-2681 provides 15 minute alert coverage Monday through Thursday from 0800-0200 or last plane on deck, Friday 0800-2200 or last plane on deck and 30 minute alert coverage at all others times of the year. Additionally, SAR has organic SAR Medical Technicians on all missions it performs. NASWI SAR primarily serves military aircrews, but missions aiding civilians in distress are often approved and executed.[citation needed]
Over 50 tenant commands are also located at NAS Whidbey Island, providing training, medical and dental, and other support services, including a Marine Aviation Training Support Group (MATSG) for Whidbey" staff and student Marine Corps personnel. The base also continues its long-standing role as a center of activity for Naval Air Reserve operations and training in the region.
SEE UNIT HISTORY FOR MOR DETAILS
