CDR JACK I. HOEL, USN

Class 1958

Born February 25, 1936

Died September 11, 1974

Age 38

Hometown Hamilton, Ohio

Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1958 Lucky Bag:

JACK IRA HOEL

Jack had no trouble in deciding between life as a Rotcee at Ohio State and one as a “midiot” at the Trade School; he blew in as if he owned the place and soon was taking everything in stride. This savvy refugee from the Buckeye State always had plenty of time and opportunity to spread his talents around; whether bringing home points on the cross country team or putting out a bigger and better Trident Calendar, Jack could always be counted on to do right by the Brigade. Then, of course, his increasing efforts as one of the Sixth’s top E.I. instructors endeared him to some of his less-blessed classmates. Navy line is mighty fine as far as he’s concerned; he hopes to pin on dolphins after getting his O. D. under way.

He was also a member of the Brigade staff (winter) and the Christmas Card Committee.

Loss

Jack was lost on September 11, 1974 when the Eastern Airlines DC-9 he was aboard crashed while on approach to Charlotte, NC.

He was commanding officer of USS John C. Calhoun (SSBN 630) Blue¹, and was on his way to a “submarine conference” in Norfolk, Virginia. Another submarine commanding officer was killed in the crash; they were both home-ported in Charleston, South Carolina.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

In Hamilton High School, he was a member of the Latin Club. He was appointed to the Naval Academy by Rep. Schenck (R-Ohio). After graduation, his first duty was aboard a destroyer in Norfolk, Virginia.

In July, 1955, Jack was aboard the radar picket destroyer USS Dennis J. Buckley.

He married Joyce Steudel in August, 1959, at Newport, Rhode Island. Their children were Jeffrey, Jonathan, and Jacquelin.

Jack completed nuclear power training in 1962 and was assigned as an instructor at the Nuclear Power School on Mare Island. He later served on the USS Robert E. Lee, the USS Patrick Henry and the USS Francis Scott Key. He made numerous Polaris deterrent patrols.

Jack became ill with a paralytic attack the day before his birthday in 1971 while aboard USS Francis Scott Key (SSBN 657), stationed in Spain. He was sent to the hospital in Weisbadin, Germany. He recovered in about two weeks.

In September 1972 he assumed command of the USS John C. Calhoun.

His mother Mildred lived in Hamilton; his wife and three children lived in Galesferry, Conn.

Robert Stringfellow, a 630 Blue crewman, wrote Jack “was loved by the crew.” (Via email on January 4, 2018.)

He is buried in South Carolina.