I Noted in the Virginian Pilot this morning that Walt Olkowski has passed away. There is a memorial service Thursday September 3 at 1000 at Star of the Sea Catholic Church in Virginia Beach. Walt was a great guy and we shared some great times together at the duty stations we were at together. Please keep Linda and family in your prayers.
Walt Olkowski was a good man and a very dedicated professional. We were at COSL together in the crazy mid 80's, when the bad guys were very aggressive. Walt played a big role in keeping everything straight and was always humble and modest about his contributions. Chris and I extend our heartfelt sympathies to Linda and the Olkowski family during this very tragic time.
Walt was a great guy...I stayed in touch with him after I retired during my time at Norfolk Marine. Chuck you may have actually been stationed with Walt a couple of times in the early days at Arg and again when we were at COSL. RIP Walt...the system lost one of the really good guys!
Walt roamed the planet as assigned like many of us doing a very challenging job. I had the pleasure of serving with him at least three duty stations (BDA, KEF, and DN) and personally observed his significant contributions to the mission. I shall miss his humor, personality, and sense of duty.
Chuck Gagnon
I am very saddened to learn of Walt's untimely passing. He was my leading chief at Dam Neck back in the early 80s, and I enjoyed our association very much. A humorous memory: One morning, Walt brought to my office a new OTSA just out of school. I noticed that she was sporting a gold chain and later commented to Walt that he should have squared her away. Walt, uncharacteristically, protested. His retort: Come on, commander -- I made her put a bra on! I laughed long and hard. I helped Walt put together his application for Warrant Officer, and I wrote the command's endorsement....or I should say that the endorsement wrote itself. Walt's many outstanding personal and professional qualities were front-and-center every day. I hurt for his family and will send a personal note to Linda.
Walt has many friends throughout the SOSUS and IUSS community which he served honorably while in the U. S. Navy. We are all saddened by news of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers and with Walt's family at this very difficult time. May memories of happier days help ease their pain. Walt will be missed by all of us. - Ed Smock
I was stationed with him and remember him as being a professional with a very pleasant way which made working with him equally pleasant. I believe this was at COSL in Norfolk (1979). He, myself, and Tom Ueker went fishing together. Rest in peace Walt.
I went through TASS factory school in Shadyside, MD with Walt back in '73 when I was an OT3. Walt did his best to keep us all in line in a "less than military" atmosphere (we are all staying in a motel and drawing per diem) with the closest base being Annapolis.
