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TACAMO Fallen - Jack Reese, VQ-3 & Plank Owner
- 9 hours ago
- 1 min read
TACAMO Pioneer Departing:
Imagine you were a crewman on TACAMO's most famous Herc, EC-130G 151891. You were Ron Carlson's chosen Tech. You picked up 891 in 64 at Marietta, you were part of the VR-21 Det at Barbers and flew around the world as part of logistics support for America's first Indian Ocean carrier battle group presence in mid '64. You took the awesome ride with Ron in 891 when he performed the JATO takeoff for the Guam Airshow in '66.
You were part of a two-ship mission during a French nuke test in the farthest reaches of WestPac. And years later you toured 891 with Ron and other veterans at the Pensacola Museum.
Such was our own JACK REESE. He eagerly joined Ron in so many TACAMO milestones and yet Jack always had time to teach his crew all about the Herc and his beloved 891. Jack shared much history with me and a few beers at the transported Cubi Point O'Club bar at Pensacola.
Rest in Peace Sailor.
You have given much...we will keep your memory and the knowledge.
Sue, Jack Reese’s long- time girlfriend, reported that Jack passed away on May 17, 2026 after a lengthy illness related to COVID.
There are no plans for a service at this time.
The TACAMO Community extends its sympathy and prayer for peace to Jack's family and friends during this time of passing.
Jack was living with Jim Mulligan in Barrigada when I arrived in VQ-3 in 1974. We all were first class AT's at the time. He immediately took me under his wing and we became best friends. I loved his endless stories about flying. The stories I recall most was him visiting islands in Micronesia in an HU-16, like Kapingamaringi. I was also stationed with Jack in VQ-1, out of which we both retired.
Jack was my sea daddy in VQ-3. My career would not have been successful without his leadeership
During my time as Radio shop chief in VQ-3 Jack was one of the top sailors that I could always count on. Trur 4.0 sailor
I served with Jack in VQ-3 Guam from 1970-73. He was 1FT on my crew. Outstanding Tech and super leader of the comm crew. He was also very good at instructing new JO's in how the Navy and the squadron REALLY worked! We kept up an off and on correspondence all these years. I was fortunate to get to visit him in Albuquerque a couple of times and share sea-stories and adult beverages. Another TACAMO Founding Father gone. Thanks for all you did. RIP shipmate.
RIP Shipmate.