BATTLE CREEK, Mich. –
Defense Logistics Agency Disposition Services employees and residents of Battle Creek, Michigan, gathered on Veterans Day to honor the lives of four US Navy personnel lost over 55 years ago in a plane crash.
The afternoon of July 4, 1966, residents of Battle Creek witnessed the tragic crash of US Navy Flight PE-05 after the P-3 surveillance plane departed from Floyd Bennett Field in New York enroute to Moffett Airbase, California.
Shortly after reporting their position the plane entered a spin and broke through cloud cover at an altitude of 3,000 feet. Observers witnessed the aircraft turn to the left and back right before plummeting and striking the ground while in a 60-degree nose-dive at an estimated speed of 500 mph. The aircraft disintegrated upon impact and all four crew members on board were killed.
After examining the wreckage, located seven miles outside of Battle Creek, investigators were unable to determine the exact cause for the crash. No in-flight fire or major structural failure occurred within the year-old plane. Navy personnel managed to recover an estimated 55,000 lbs. of the wreckage but around 10,000 lbs. remain scattered throughout the area.
This past July 4th an aviation archaeologist paid a visit to the crash site – which just so happens to be the current property of DLA Disposition Services Chief Counsel Corky Malcolm. Previously unaware of the incident, Corky made a promise to honor the crew upon hearing about the events surrounding the crashed P-3.
“On the 4th of July when the archaeologist told me about this, I said to myself the goal is to do something on Veterans Day. This comes with being a retired Navy officer. You look at it as a duty if something like this comes your way. You want to do the right thing and take care of it, and that’s just engrained in me.”
With the help of fellow DLA member Dave Flietstra, they created a memorial to honor the four crewman that lost their lives in this disastrous crash. A Marine veteran, Flietstra served with Navy P3 squadrons during his time at Brunswick, Maine. Veterans Day serves as an important reminder for Flietstra as he believes all should understand the true meaning of the day and add the crew of Flight PE-05 to the list of those to remember.
“This is truly a day for veterans regardless of where they went, what they did or what branch they were in,” said Flietstra who serves as a Disposition Services logistics management specialist. “Today we honor all veterans, all branches and all timeframes. I know for future Veterans Days my family will always say a short prayer and have a thought in our minds about these four.”
As Flietstra said, Veterans Day is about recognizing all veterans and the audience on hand did just that. This tragic event took place before many of those in attendance were even born, but that did not stop them from showing their appreciation for the fallen servicemembers.
“It’s important – for those of us who served – to remember those who served before us,” said DLA Disposition Services Director Mike Cannon. “Seeing you all coming out here to recognize four brothers in arms that we didn’t know, it humbles me that you would come out and do this.”
Among those in attendance was Disposition Services administrative support specialist Edward Moton. Serving in the US Army for 20 years he is no stranger to service and has an appreciation for what the day means. After hearing the story of the four crew members, Moton was especially moved by the memorial.
“It made tears come to my eyes when I think of all the loved ones who have been lost and it’s saddening,” said Moton. “I’m glad that I had the opportunity to serve and do my part. So anytime I can support a fellow veteran I’m always there.”
The P-3 crew honored by this memorial are pilot Lt. William E. Xiques, copilot Lt. John P. Fitzmaurice III and flight engineers, Petty Officer 2nd Class Charles J. Lurvey and Petty Officer 3rd Class Larry W. Battson. While these individuals are gone – the commemoration of their service and sacrifice proves they are not forgotten.