LTJG RICHARD G. BEEN, USN

Class 1972

Born July 26, 1949

Died August 25, 1975

Age 26

Hometown Hondo, Texas

Lucky Bag Yearbook

From the 1972 Lucky Bag:

RICHARD GLEN BEEN

Never one to let USNAR or upperclassmen get in his way, hard-hat Rich started his weekend overnights Plebe year. He has continually amazed everyone by staying above 2.00. Always a ladies’ man from the start, Hondo spent more time down at the phone booths memorizing phone numbers than he did chow calls. Though he managed to remain single throughout his career at Canoe U., his aborted affairs will always remain a mystery to his friends. Although tall enough to be an asset to the basketball team, and equipped with his own personal pair of knee pads, Hondo found his calling on the front line of the Big Blue’s offense. His “faster than a speeding turtle” wit, and unquivering devotion to duty will long be remembered by those who knew him and after a short tour of duty as a boat driver, one will certainly find him driving around the skies as a pilot for Navy Airways or milking cows back in Texas.

Loss

Richard was lost on August 25, 1975 when an arresting cable aboard USS Franklin D. Roosevelt (CV 42) snapped, sending his F-4 into the sea off the coast of Florida.

The radar intercept officer was also killed in the accident.

Other Information

From researcher Kathy Franz:

Richard graduated from Hondo High School in 1967. Class President ’65-’66, ’66-’67, Football ’63-66, Captain ’66, All-District ’66, Basketball ’63-’67, Captain ’66-’67, All District ’66-’67, All-Tourney Medina Valley & Dilley ’66-’67, Assistant Sports Editor ’66-’67. He was appointed to the Naval Academy by U.S. Representative Abraham “Chick” Kazen, Jr.

September 1968 photo: Richard is aboard a YP craft at the Naval Academy during Parents Weekend. His parents and three sisters attended the event.

As part of the Singing Midshipmen, he was on the Mike Douglas Show on December 6, 1968. Asked his name, Richard nervously replied, “Richard Been. I would like to say hello to everyone in Hondo, Texas.”

In September 1970, football coach Forzano said “Rich had a fine spring practice … does an adequate job of pulling and is especially adept at the one-on-one block. … Potentially the best offensive lineman … strong in all phases of blocking … nickname is Hondo … football and basketball standout at Hondo HS … captained the football and basketball squads as a senior and won All-District recognition in both sports … three-time All-Tournament pick in basketball … spent a year at NSPS.” (From The Hondo Anvil Herald, September 10, 1970.)

In March 1972 at the Academy, he was named one of the six battalion commanders within the Brigade of Midshipman. He majored in Analytical Management.

In March 1973, his engagement was announced to Georganne Elizabeth Ruther with the wedding planned for May 5, 1973, at the Naval Academy Chapel.

From the December 1975 issue of Shipmate:

Lt. Richard Glenn Been USN died in an aircraft accident on 25 August 1975 while attached to Fighter Squadron One Hundred One at the Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Entering the Naval Academy from the State of Texas, he was graduated in the Class of 1972 with a degree in analytical management. While at the academy he had been a member of the varsity football team for three years and had lettered for two. His reputation as a leader and steady player was widely known by his coaches and fellow players and he was retained after graduation to join the physical education department where he helped coach the offensive line until ordered to flight training. He was designated a naval aviator in August of 1974 and he was taking fighter replacement training when the accident occurred.

He is survived by his widow, Georganne, of Virginia Beach; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Autry Been of Hondo, Texas, and three sisters.

Richard is buried in Arlington National Cemetery.

He is included in the Navy Rugby Hall of Fame.