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Navy Honors Fallen Aviator

TARPSBird

Moderator
Staff member
This story sounds like something from a WWII mission. No ejection seats in Hawkeyes, something goes wrong, you gotta bail out old style. RIP Lt. Zilberman. :USA-flag:

Navy Honors Fallen Aviator

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class (SW/AW) William Weinert, Commander, Naval Air Forces Public Affairs

NORFOLK (NNS) -- A memorial ceremony took place at the base chapel on board Naval Station Norfolk April 8 to commemorate the life and heroism of the pilot of an E-2C Hawkeye that crashed March 31.

Lt. Miroslav Steven Zilberman, 31, of Columbus, Ohio, assigned to the "Bluetails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, was killed March 31, when his aircraft crashed while returning to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) from a mission over Afghanistan.

The incident started as the Hawkeye was making preparations to land on the carrier. The starboard engine lost oil pressure leading it to eventually shut down, but also causing the aircraft to become uncontrollable. Zilberman recognized that the crew needed to bail out and ordered the three crew members to jump as he kept the aircraft at an acceptable attitude, which unfortunately left him little chance to bail out. For his heroic action and for saving the lives of his three crew members, Zilberman was posthumously awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross.

Family, friends and distinguished guests were in attendance at the packed-house memorial ceremony, as those who served and flew with him discussed their memories of the good humored and high-spirited aviator.

"He gave 110 percent of himself to ensure others would succeed without thinking twice," said Lt. Adam Horn, of the "Bear Aces" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124. "Steve is a true hero."

Zilberman's life and accomplishments were recognized not only by his friends but also his superiors.

"He was a born leader. He cared extremely about his people. He knew them, and he led by example," said Cmdr. Dave Mundy, executive officer of VAW 121. "He was one of the best aviators I've ever flown with."
 
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them

:salute:
 
That is very sad. I did not see an incident report about this come across in the Navadmin messages.. maybe since it was at the end of March it will be in Aprils mishap report summaries? Either way that is an incredible loss, and an incredibly brave thing he did. The US Navy always tries to preach the "don't be a hero" mantra, but in this case I think LT did the admirable thing. Talk about selfless devotion to duty an your shipmates. I pray that any squadron I may go t never suffers a mishap. I know I try my hardest to do my job to the best of my ability. You never know what may happen up there.
 
I would have thought he would have received the Metal of Honor rather than the DFC. He gave his life for his fellow crewmen.

:salute: SIR!
 
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