Captain John Chernesky Jr.

Ms. Melinda Chernesky, widow of Captain Chernesky, passed away in Honolulu Hawaii 9 May 2025.

I DID 8 OCLOCK REPORTS TO CAPT. ONBOARD MIGHTY MO RIP SHIPMATE

I'll never forget, as a young 18 year old seaman aboard the USS Dale in 1980, I had the misfortune of appearing before the Executive Officer , Commander JJ Chernesky, for a disciplinary issue. He waited until about 9PM while we were in stormy weather off the coast of Cape Hatteras. I was ordered to stand outside on the deck area near his stateroom in the bad weather for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, I was called into his darkly lit stateroom with a single dim light reflecting his...

I met John via telephone in Washington, DC while working as the appointment secretary to a Congresswoman from MD. She was going to christen a ship "The Fort McHenry" in Seatttle, WA. John was our Navy escort. I will not bore you with the months of telephone conversations, but fast-forward you to the Washington Athletic Club, where we stayed for the christening. Upon arrival, I left the Congresswoman and we went to separate rooms. I entered my room and had, never, in my life seen anything...

I just wanted to clarify for the record that my father was a loyal Raiders fan. It just so happened that when they lost the majority of their games and were out of the playoffs (which has been common over the past 15 years), he would then switch hats to the Green Bay Packers!

Nonetheless, thanks for all of your nice notes regarding my father.

My first inpression of John, was that of a tall, stern, man who was going to run this center like his last command. As I came to know him better, I discovered John was a compassionate man, who just happened to be a no nonsense kind of guy. John had a great sense of humor, loved a good cigar and the Green Bay Packers (Cheese Head!!!!!). I admired him and will miss him greatly.

I will always REMEMBER HIM.

Just mentioning John Chernesky's name always brings a smile to our faces. John served aboard the USS Blueback with my husband Mike Anderson and he was the Flag Lt. to my father RAdm. Paul Lacy, Jr. when my dad was COMSUBPAC. On the wall as you entered COMSUBPAC's official offices was a display of staff pictures. As far as I can recollect, John's was the only one with someone smoking a cigar!!! My dad thought the world of him, as did we. Mike and I send our love and prayers to the entire...

My sympathy to John's family for their loss.

John was a unique and inpsirational man who always would let you know where you stood with both praise and criticism. He always managed to make you want to do your best at anything you tried. I will miss his guidance, wisdom and sense of humor. I am gratefull to have known and worked for JC.