Gary Lee Hatfield, Sr Prior rate: AX1 Final rate/grade: AWCS Born: Jan 10, 1937 Died: Feb 9, 2002

AWCM (Ret.) Bill Hernandez:
Gary was my mentor and Division Chief at Faso in 1975, HSL- 31 in 1980, and has been a close friend since he retired in 1982. He worked for the Allen Corporation as the Project Manager at North Island supporting training for the introduction of SH-60 F. Later he worked for Orion Corp, and eventually and currently works for SWATS at North Island.
His career stemmed from being a sonar tech in the late 50's and early 60's, converted to AX during the middle 60's, and became an AW when the rate was introduced in 68. A very well liked individual by all who came in contact with him, both officer and enlisted.
While at Allen Corp, Gary hired ex-CO's to work for him. Amazing huh? He has his wife of 34 years Donna and four children still in the area. His son Gary Jr was an Air Controller for only one tour in the Navy.
I just wanted to inform all of you I got a call from Gary Hatfield's daughter Kelley this morning. I'm sorry to say that Gary passed away today (Feb 11, 2002). A great AW Senior Chief, as a technician, operator, and leader - he will be missed.

AWC (Ret.) Guy Tessum:
Gary was Ops Senior Chief when I was in HSL-31. I used to tease him about getting "thin on top". Little did I know what another 20+ years would do to me! He was exceptionally proud of his LAMPS AW's and voiced it well whenever we had a gathering with the S-3 folks across the field. I'll always remember his upbeat attitude and easy smile.

AW1 Manny "O" Otero:
I only met AWCS Hatfield a few times through Bill (Hernandez), but my condolences are sent for our lost Jedi Master.

AW2 (Civ.) Carl Sutton:
I was placed on 6 months of limited duty in June 1979 and was transferred to HSL-31 for temporary duty. I was assigned as Senior Chief Hatfield's "Assistant Ops Yeoman" (they already had a YN2 as the Ops Yeoman). My desk was about 10 feet from his. I was an AWAA at the time. Senior Chief Hatfield was a great supervisor. If I ever had a mentor in the Navy, he was it. He sent me to VS-41 during that time to take their "Intro to Acoustics" class....or whatever it was called. My limited duty status evaporated my original orders to VP rag at Moffett Field.
During my time with HSL-31 I expressed to him that I wanted to go to the east coast. Since I was already on the west coast he explained that the only way he could help me get to the east coast was to try to get me into VS-41 and try to get orders from there (which I eventually did). Even though he tried in vain to convince me to go HSL, he placed no barriers in my path. He made sure that I made AWAN while I was there, made sure that I was ready for AW3 when my time came, and he even had me recommended for "any officer program that I'd like to apply for" when departed, and expressed interest in my career when I left. He was a model for all khaki enlisted as far as I was concerned, and others were judged harshly by me when they did not live up to the standards that Senior Chief Hatfield lived and worked.
I remember Senior Chief Hatfield being from Texas and me being from Alabama seemed to help my standing with him. I don't know how long he lived in California at the time, but I had only been there for about 2 months. Any time I made disparaging remarks about the Golden State he always agreed with me. But the one thing I remember more than anything else was one time he asked, "Sutts.....How much more time do you have in the Navy?". I was 19 years old and had been in for 1 year and 2 months...nearly. I thought for a moment and said, "28 years, 10 months, and 17 days." He nearly fell on the floor he was laughing so hard. He loved that line so much that I had to repeat it I don't know how many times. "Hey Sutts...tell the Commander (Ops Officer) how much time you have left." .... "Hey Sutts...tell the Skipper how much time you have left." Yeah, I would say that AWCS Hatfield was at the top of my list on good people that crossed my path while I was in the Navy. I often wondered what happened to him. Always said I'd drop him a note...but never did.
Thanks Senior Chief. You'll never know how much I appreciate what you did for me.
Carl A. Sutton, former AW2, 1978-1982, VS-28

LT (Ret.) Ben Wentworth:
I was saddened to see another former AW, Gary Hatfield, has passed away. Gary also worked for me in the early 1970's at FASOTRAGRUPAC, Detachment Imperial Beach. I remember Gary as a very jovial and likeable guy as well as a true professional.
I guess we all have to face the day when we are called home by our Maker, but it doesn't make it any easier for those of left behind. I REALLY am sad to hear about Gary. He was so young! I would appreciate any details.