The Black Aces, In Memory

Strike Fighter Squadron 41 (VFA-41) are known as the "Black Aces". Formed in 1945, they have gone on to serve the world over, from deployments to the Mediterranean and the Far East in the '40s and '50s to the Yom Kippur War, Cuban Missile Crisis, Vietnam, Iranian Hostage Crisis, to many deployments and missions in the middle east from Desert Storm to Operation Enduring Freedom.

They've been flying the F/A-18F Super Hornets since 2001.

On October 18, 2002, during a training/simulated dogfight mission off the coast of Big Sur, California, a mid-air collision occurred and took the lives of four "Black Aces". Killed in the crash were pilots, Lt. Joel A. Korkowski and Lt. Matthew S. Shubzda along with their weapons system officers, Lt. Stephen R. Nevarez and Lt. Stephen N. Benson.

I have read quite a few obituaries and remembrances of all four men. One thing that stood out, beyond their dedication and abilities, which were highly praised, was how much these men were loved. They were loved and admired by their fellow pilots, crews and officers. Fondly remembered as Korky, Shooby, Freak and Nacho, one said "..the Navy is what it is today because of people like them"

They were dearly loved by their families and friends. I read many, many words talking about how many lives these four men touched, how much they will be missed, how important they were to their families and how lives will not be the same without them.

We lost four good men that day. Let us join so many, who can never forget them, in remembering them today. Let us never forget.

 Benson

 Nevarez

Subdza

Regretfully, I could not find a photo of Lt. Korkowski. If you know of one, I would love to include it here in his honor.