David B. Eldridge Jr.

Thank you for your service.

I arrived in VX-6 on April 10, 1968, and I think hat was shortly after CDR Eldridge left. I am not certain who the CO was at the time I checked in but CDR Eugene Van Reeth became CO that summer. Nevertheless, His name is well familiar to me and his leadership of this elite was well known by me at the time. My condolences to the family and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Fair winds and following tail winds to you sir.

The "BIG E" was my fourth Re-enlistment Officer. He was the Executive Officer at the time in 1970. Had the opportunity to speak with him again later at Roosevelt Roads when he brought a crew down for a RON. Fine gentleman and Naval Officer. Please accept Nelsa and my condolences at this time of sorrow.

Rest in peace sir. A good man and a great commanding officer.

I met then-LCDR Eldridge at the NAS Corpus Christi O Club bar. He was an instructor in one of the multiengine squadrons. What he had in common with this lowly student ENS was we both had orders to VX-6. We both arrived in early 1966. I thought he and his deputy Winter Over guy then-LT Brian Shoemaker did a great job improving the officer quarters on the Hill. It was not the JO bunkroom but I got invited there for poker games and Patsy Cline tapes. I left the squadron in mid-1968 but stayed...

He was the greatest commanding officer and pilot I ever had the privilege of serving with. I flew as his loadmasters on C-130 crew 917 in VX-6. My heart felt preyers are with his family. I salute you Capt. Jim Bain Master Chief USN Retired

You will be missed. I missed an opportunity when you asked me to stay another year.Rest in Peace Captain Eldridge.Respectfully,LCDR Donald A. Gilliamsen, USN(ret)