Special Tribute to my old shipmate John Colomitz
I joined the United States Navy in December of 1967 in Jacksonville Florida. Another of the most memorable things during my enlistment was meeting a most unique fellow. That man was John Colomitz. Big John, as we called him was a strikingly handsom, upbeat and interesting guy who was about 6 feet 4 inches tall. He always had a mischievious twinkle in his eye, and a laugh that one could not help but be drawn to. John and I served together for many years. As an enlisted man, he earned his AirCrew Wings and served as an aircrew member in Antisubmarine Patrol Squadron VP-7F2 based at Naval Air Station Jacksonville Florida. He earned these same wings and service medal as I did.
John's AirCrew Wings and Service Ribbon
We flew many patrol missions off the East Coast of Florida keeping track of Soviet submarines, both conventional and nuclear powered. When we began service, we flew in the old World War II vintage Lockheed P2V Neptune's.
Big John was honorably discharged from the Navy.
John had the great misfortune to have contracted Multiple Sclerosis sometime after having left the Naval Air Reserves, and "shipped out" for that great port above. All who knew John, miss him very much, and will never forget his kind, engaging manner.
If any of you who may find this, that knew John or served with us, have stories or pictures of John Colomitz, please contact me so that the information can be included in this tribute to him.