Hundreds Mourn 27 Navy Airmen Killed in Collision

Hundreds of friends, family members and sailors gathered at Moffett Field on Thursday to pay their final respects to 27 crewmen based at the naval air station who were killed when two Navy planes collided last week.

As a host of officers read testimonials to the crewmen, a black and white sea of sailors stretched out before them. Hundreds of family members and friends sat in front of a giant American flag, billowing in the breeze at half-staff. Although most of them kept their composure, a few mothers and wives wept quietly during the service.

“We gather here to celebrate and to give thanks for the lives of the 27 young men who died,” said Capt. Edward K. Murray, the base chaplain. “Each of us is lost in our own lives and feelings. Each of us mourns; each of of us feels the terrible emptiness in our hearts.”

Navy officials are still investigating what caused two P-3 Orion turboprop patrol planes to collide March 21 over the water near San Diego. No survivors were found.

All of the men killed in the crash were stationed at Moffett. Most of them also belonged to the same outfit, Patrol Squadron 50. Colleagues of the dead men said the accident has plunged this small naval community into anguish.

“It’s a somber mood,” said one P-3 pilot who did not want his named used. “We all go through these things. We search for reasons why it happened. It’s such a safe airplane. Yet it’s so crushing to have this happen.”