Captain Scott Speicher, USN, RIP

Friday Naval aviator Captain Scott Speicher was returned home to his family in Jacksonville Florida. Speicher who was lost when his F/A-18 Hornet was shot down on the first night of Desert Storm was initially declared KIA but later his status was later changed to missing/captured until a USMC search team found his remains in the Iraqi desert. That discovery was made two weeks ago at a location near the wreckage of his downed fighter

Over the years, critics said the Navy had not done enough, particularly right after the crash, to search for the pilot. I personally do not believe this was the case, As a fellow aviation Desert Storm veteran I know first hand how wild and crazy the first few days of the air war were, there might have been extenuating circumstances when he first went down that none of us are aware of.

Today has brought closure for Capt Speicher and his family, RIP.

Eternal Father, Strong to save,
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave,
Who bid'st the mighty Ocean deep
Its own appointed limits keep;
O hear us when we cry to thee,
for those in peril on the sea.
O Christ! Whose voice the waters heard
And hushed their raging at Thy word,
Who walked'st on the foaming deep,
and calm amidst its rage didst sleep;
Oh hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea!
Most Holy spirit! Who didst brood
Upon the chaos dark and rude,
And bid its angry tumult cease,
And give, for wild confusion, peace;
Oh, hear us when we cry to Thee
For those in peril on the sea!
O Trinity of love and power!
Our brethren shield in danger's hour;
From rock and tempest, fire and foe,
Protect them wheresoe'er they go;
Thus evermore shall rise to Thee,
Glad hymns of praise from land and sea

AP Photo/The Florida Times-Union, Bob Self