The United States Navy Memorial Stories of Service Program is honored to announce the October 2022 story of the month has been selected to recognize the service of United States Navy Veteran, Aviation Warfare Systems Operator First Class Joseph Stewart. The United States Navy Memorial Stories of Service Program was privileged to interview Aviation Warfare Systems Operator First Class Joseph Stewart at the VP-68 Alumni Association Reunion in the Fall of 2021.

AW1 Joseph Stewart was born to a Navy family. His father was assigned to the USS Arizona before receiving new assignments, his cousin was a demolition expert, and his oldest brother served on Destroyers. He shared, “What got me really interested in airplanes, was when I was 12 years old. President Roosevelt died, and his train stopped in our neighborhood. When it stopped, all of the planes were in the sky, and I asked my dad how do those planes stay up there? He said, I don’t know, and I said, I’ve got to find out.” His fascination in aviation grew after taking avionics in high school and also his active involvement in the Sea Scouts. Upon graduating from high school, he joined the Navy in 1953.

He recalled life at Naval Training Center Bainbridge as if it was yesterday. He shared, “It was an awful place, it was cold, never heard a dog bark, it was rough, but the training was good.” His experiences at Sea Scouts opened new pathways of advancement and he quickly distinguished himself from the other recruits. His first assignment at sea was on the USS Robert F. Keller DE 419. He enjoyed sea duty but aspired to follow his dream and interest in aviation.

With a new rating and new assignment, Stewart joined an air training squadron in Memphis Tennessee. In 1956 he was Kwajalein and joined a Patrol Squadron. On that assignment, he met John F. Kennedy who made an impactful impression on him. Stewart continued working with Patrol Squadrons.

Following his time on Kwajalein he continued to serve with Patrol Squadrons and later joined VP 68.

He spoke fondly about the teamwork and camaraderie of those he served with. When reflecting on his experience, he shared, “I just turned 86, so I wanted to see these guys one more time. When I walk away this time, that will be it. The irony and beauty of my Navy career was the people that I met, the countries that I went to, the Officers that I worked with. It was just so beautiful.”

The United States Navy Memorial honors United States Navy Veteran, Aviation Warfare Systems Operator First Class Joseph Stewart, featured within this series titled, Tales from the Navy Log, Story of the Month. Each month, this series honors a Veteran’s story recorded by the Stories of Service Program at the Navy Memorial. To learn more about this story and to explore the Navy Memorial archive, visit the Navy Memorial Stories of Service site at https://www.navymemorial.org/stories-of-service.