CDR Alan W. Jacka, USN (Ret.)
ENS Jacka became a Naval Aviator on April 10, 1968 at HT-8, NAS Ellyson Field, Pensacola, Florida. ENS Jacka is Navy Helicopter Pilot Designation Number R-9725.
Commander Alan W. Jacka, retired U.S. Navy, was born on December 18, 1943 in Cimarron, Kansas. He was the only child of the late Wayne and Rosella Jacka. He made his final flight on the evening of March 15, 2024.
Alan graduated from Dodge City High School and Fort Hays State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Business. While there, he met the love of his life, Annette, on a blind date and two years later they married and began their 57-year adventure.
Alan joined the Navy to become a pilot and earned his wings of gold in Pensacola, FL. His first tour of duty was in San Diego, CA where he flew with squadrons HC-5 and HC-1 in Imperial Beach, CA where he proudly served as a helicopter pilot in Vietnam on the USS Enterprise and USS Bon Homme Richard. After WestPac duty, he was assigned to NAS Sigonella, Sicily then back to Norfolk, VA for ship duty tour on USS Guadalcanal. After one Mediterranean cruise, he was sent to NAS Oceana as the Search and Rescue Pilot. He was then assigned to his final Squadron, HC-6 Chargers. Next up, he performed sea trials and material inspections abroad 130 naval vessels at COMNAVAIRLANT. His last duty station in Naples, Italy where he was delighted to report for duty as Officer in Charge of the Navy airport at Capodichino. He was a decorated veteran, retiring after 26 years of service.
Alan remained in Naples starting his career in civil service, working his way up in the Safety community to eventually becoming the Director for Safety and Health for all of Europe (CINCUSNAVEUR). While working there, he was honored to be selected to serve on the Secretary of the Navy Retirement Council. Upon returning to Hampton Roads in 2000, he continued to work at the Safety Center in Norfolk. Throughout his career, Alan received many accolades and medals of commendation.
This man loved his family and getting to know his “roots” was extremely important. He spent hours researching his family tree, which included countless vacations visiting ancestors’ homes, to include those in Cornwall, England. This ancestry helped the Jacka family learn where they came from and who they were.
Alan loved many activities including flying, bird watching, car collecting, gardening, snow skiing, boating, anything involving the Chesapeake Bay, and traveling. His children were lucky enough to live in Italy, on two separate tours. He cherished his time with his entire family. He was an entrepreneur, owned several rental properties in Norfolk, an avid investor, and he treasured a fine coin (his collecting started as a young boy).
Alan will live on in the hearts and memories of Annette, his two children, and four grandchildren. His daughter Andrea, aka his “Beachgirl”, (Ronnie) and their daughters Gwendolyn and Bridgette. His son Aaron (Shantell) and his son and daughter with Alan’s former daughter-in-law Lorie, Nicholas and Hannah. He had four bonus grandchildren and four bonus great grandchildren. He is survived by many great, lifelong friends.
Service to celebrate his life will be held April 13, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. at Royster Memorial Presbyterian Church, 6901 Newport Ave, Norfolk, VA
The Burial Ceremony with Military Honors will be at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery, Suffolk, VA on a later date.
It was Alan’s wish that memorial tributes be made in the form of donations to Wounded Warrior Project or American Alzheimer’s Association.
This email address is being phased out. PLEASE REPLY TO jeffluann1@gmail.com
Fair Winds and Following Seas