AWCS Douglas W. Sharkey, USN (Ret.)

Senior Chief Doug Sharkey was born May 6,1949. He passed away on January 25,2026 after a battle with cancer. He enlisted in the Navy in 1967 as an Aviation Ordnanceman (AO), serving in VA-165 during the Vietnam war. He got out of the Navy for a couple years then reenlisted in the Naval Reserve USNR-R-TAR and changed his rate to Aviation Antisubmarine Warfare Operator (AW). His first squadron as a TAR was HS-84 NAS North Island. During his 26 year career he served with HS-85 NAS Alameda, Reserve Helicopter Training School NAS North Island, Commander Helicopter Wing Reserve NAS North Island, Command Senior Chief Naval Reserve Center Barbers Point Hi. His final duty station was VP-69 NAS Whidbey Island as a “tube slug”. Doug’s claim to fame was “I served my entire Navy career west of interstate 5”. After the Navy Doug pursued a career with the Montana Highway Patrol, completing the Highway Patrol academy at the young age of 50.  After the highway patrol he completely retired to the mountains of western Montana. Doug loved to travel making trips to Europe, Indonesia, and annual winter trips to Mexico.

Doug is survived by his loving wife Lorna, many children and grandchildren.

Fair Winds and Following Seas Senior Chief