Thursday, May 16, 2013

Never Forgotten. A remarkable Sailor was born on this date -- Rest in Peace Steven -- 16 May 79 - 6 Jul 07

CTT1 (SW) Steven Daugherty was born today (my birthday) in 1979 in Apple Valley. No one thought he would leave this earth before he was 30, 40, 50 or even 60 years old. But, the young man is gone. Gone, but not forgotten. No. Not by a long shot.

He was from Barstow, California and really never intended to join the Navy. He was a student in my schoolhouse at the Naval Center for Cryptology at Corry Station, Pensacola. We had about 8000 students graduate in a year. So, I can't say that I even recall who he was. That won't keep me from remembering him.

After his time at Corry, he served in the typical billets of our young Petty Officers. He went to sea and advanced reasonably quickly. While at Navy Information Operations Command Norfolk he became interested in the SEALs and qualified to deploy to a U.S. Navy SEAL team operating in Iraq. He advanced to Petty Officer First Class (E-6) at a pretty good pace.

On 6 July 2007 (my daughter's birthday) he was killed in Iraq by an improvised explosive device (IED).

We can argue about whether Steven Daugherty was a hero or not. We can't argue about his patriotism. There is no doubting that.

Obituary: CTT1 (SW) Steven Phillip Daugherty, USN, 28, passed away July 6, 2007, on duty in Baghdad, Iraq. He was born May 16, 1979, in Apple Valley. Besides his love for the Navy, he enjoyed playing his guitar and spending time with family and friends. He is survived by his parents, Thomas and Lydia Daugherty of Barstow; a son, Steven P. Daugherty Jr. of Tacoma, Washington; two brothers, Robert Daugherty of Omaha, Nebraska, and Richard Daugherty of Colorado Springs, Colorado; a sister, Kristine Daugherty of Killeen, Texas; and his grandmother, Pearl Watkins of Yermo. A graveside service with full military honors was conducted in Arlington National Cemetery Tuesday, July 24, 2007, at 10 a.m.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

There is no doubt that Cryptologists of the future will remember the sacrifices of CTT1(EXW) Sean Daugherty, CTRCS(EXW) Blake Mclendon, CTR1(EXW) Mike Strange, and CTTC(IDW/EXW) Pike as a proud part of our community’s heritage and significant contribution to the Naval Special Warfare mission.

v/r

CHH

Anonymous said...

A proud Shipamte of Steve and Blake. I served with them both. They were outstanding Sailors!

Joe Loomer said...

RIP, Sean.

Navy Chief, Navy Pride

Anonymous said...

Having had the honor of serving in his former command, doing his former job, and working with those who knew him best. I can say with confidence that this amazing operator was respected, trusted, and loved by all who knew him. Preserving his memory is a great way to honor his memory.