USS Klakring Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Aaron Jacobs, presents the ensign to the widow of the ship's first CO, Mary Ann Wahlig, during a memorial service. -Photo courtesy of USS Klakring

Klakring Bids Farewell To First Commander

By Lt.j.g. Kevin Lantz
USS Klakring PAO

USS Klakring celebrated the life of its commissioning commanding officer, late Cmdr. Leaonard O. Wahlig, in a memorial ceremony on the flight deck last week.

His wife, Mary Ann Wahlig, various friends and members of the Mayport naval community, attended the ceremony.

The ceremony also included the Navy Band as well as Klakring's Honor Guard and Rifle Detail.

Wahlig was born and raised in Kirkwood, Mo. He attended Benedictine College in Atchison, Kan., where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree prior to receiving his commission in 1966.

After graduating from Destroyer School he served as Operations officer in USS Davidson (FF-1045) from August 1970 to February 1972.

Wahlig also served as Operations officer of USS Virginia (CGN-38) from March 1977 to September 1979 and as executive officer of USS Farragut (DDG-37) from January 1980 to August 1981.

Ashore, Wahlig attended the Naval Postgraduate School earning a Master of Science degree in Operations Research and Systems Analysis in September 1974.

Wahlig graduated with distinction from the Naval War College in 1982, after which he attended Prospective Com-manding Officer training and assumed command of USS Klakring.

Wahlig had the distinct honor to guide USS Klakring through its initial sea trials and commission it as a United States Ship on Aug. 20, 1983.

Klakring celebrate Wahlig's life on the ship's 21st birthday.

''It's an honor to send off Cmdr. Wahlig in such a prestigious manner,'' said Lt.j.g. Gus Haik, Anti-Submarine Warfare Officer and Rifle Detail leader onboard USS Klakring. ''I think we provided Cmdr. Wahlig's family and friends with an excellent manner to say goodbye.''