The memory of Lt. Cmdr. Christopher M. ''Basher'' Blaschum is honored during a memorial service on March 5, aboard USS John F. Kennedy. Blaschum was a naval aviator assigned to Fighter Squadron One Four Three (VF-143) at Naval Air Station, Oceana, Va. -Photo by PHAN Joshua Karsten

Memorial service held for ''Basher''

Story by JOCS(SW) Douglas M. Scherer
USS JFK Public Affairs

A memorial service was held aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) on March 5, to bid farewell to Lt. Cmdr. Christopher M. ''Basher'' Blaschum.

The service endeavored to capture the spirit of a man, well-known as an exceptional naval officer, a consummate professional and aviation enthusiast. He was also a friend, quick to smile and share a joke, a husband and best friend and, ''Daddy'' to the two young sons he left behind.

Shipmates from Fighter Squadron One Four Three (VF-143), the squadron for which Blaschum flew, Carrier Airwing Seven (CVW-7), Kennedy, Commander Carrier Group Six (CCG-Six) and other embarked squadrons, took time to honor the life and service of one of their own during the ceremony held in the ship's hangar bay.

Speaking at the memorial service, Capt. William Gortney, commander, CVW-7 said that from the first time he met Blaschum, ''he struck me as someone special.''

Gortney said it was appropriate to take time to remember Blaschum, not just for those aboard Kennedy but also for his family, and particularly his sons.

He said, ''Basher would want us to take today to mourn his loss, then he would want us to get on with business, follow our chosen profession, the same profession he dearly loved, ... and to do our duty in our nation's war against terrorism - and that's exactly what we're going to do.''

A fellow member of the Pukin' Dogs, Lt. Leonard Haidl, also eulogized his friend.

Haidl shared a few of the lessons he learned from Blaschum, lessons that transcended their relationship as naval aviators.

Choking on his words Haidl shared this lesson, ''Brag about your wonderful children and wife whenever possible for this will let everyone know that although you're a hotshot fighter pilot, the crowning achievements of your life [are your wife and children].''

As the service concluded, and focus was necessarily redirected to the mission at hand, one comment expressed by Gortney still echoed in the ship's hangar bay.

''He will be greatly missed...but never far from our thoughts and never out of our prayers.''

Blaschum died on March 2 after his F-14 Tomcat crashed into the Mediterranean Sea after launching from Kennedy.

Radar Intercept Officer (RIO), Lt.j.g. Rafe Wysham was also in the plane during the crash. He is listed in good condition.

Both men were assigned to Fighter Squadron (VF-143), based at Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach.

They were recovered by search-and-rescue helicopters from Helicopter Support Squadron 5, and small boats launched from Kennedy and USS The Sullivans (DDG-68) following the aviators' ejection from the aircraft.

The accident is currently under investigation.