Jason S. Manse

Jason S. Manse, 30, of Pensacola, Fla., passed away Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2006. He died in a tragic plane crash while training student navigators in his job as a U.S. Navy flight instructor.

Jason was born on March 22, 1975, in Canton, Ohio, to Ron and Cindy Manse. He graduated from St. Mary's Grade School and Canton Central Catholic High School. Jason distinguished himself as the class salutatorian while also earning many other academic and athletic honors. He attended Duke University on a Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps scholarship and graduated in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in history. While at Duke, he also lettered all four years in track and field. In 2003 the Perry Rotary Club awarded Jason with a Paul Harris Fellow.

In April 1999, Jason earned his Naval Flight Officer (NFO) Wings of Gold from training Squadron EIGHTY-SIX (VT-86) and proceeded to Fleet Replacement Squadron FOUR-ONE (VS-41) in San Diego for training and qualification in the S-3B Viking. Upon completion, Jason was welcomed into Sea Control Squadron THREE-EIGHT (VS-38) and the Fighting Red Griffins. Jason, or "Catdog" as he was known among aviators, completed two historic deployments onboard the USS Constellation, one terminating just three days following 9/11, and the second during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He was hand-picked by the commanding officer of VS-38 to go to the Viking Advanced Tactics and Weapons School (Top Gun for the Viking community) to receive graduate-level training in S-3B weapons and tactics. Jason personally flew 50 combat missions over Iraq during Operations Southern Watch and Iraqi Freedom, utilizing the procedures and tactics that he helped define and author.

It was in San Diego that he met his wife, Tammy Trommelen Manse. The two shared a love of life and lived every possible moment to its fullest. They were wed on the Caribbean island of St. John on June 13, 2003. Two months after being married, the couple moved to Pensacola, where Jason reported to VT-86 as an instructor. His love of teaching and effectiveness as an instructor are unmistakable in the numerous positive remarks made by students on their critiques. His positive influence as a leader and mentor is evident in the newly minted Naval Flight Officers throughout the fleet. His memory will positively shape the Navy for years to come.

Jason should be remembered not only for his successful Navy career and many awards, but for the wonderful person he was. Jason was a family man and had made the decision to leave the Navy for a career that would allow him to spend more time at home. He was recently accepted into the University of Florida's Dental School program and was to have started classes in the fall of 2006. Most important of all, however, Jason recently found out he was going to be a father. He was beyond excited for fatherhood and was already researching his new role in life. He was able to attend two doctor's appointments with Tammy and see his baby on an ultrasound.

He was known by many as a happy, positive and caring man. His family and close friends can hardly put into words the spirit of a man so great. He will be missed more than can be imagined. In the words of Jimmy Buffett, "It's been a lovely cruise."

Jason lives behind his wife, Tammy Manse, and their unborn child due in July; his golden retrievers, Gracie and Whaley; his parents, Ron and Cindy Manse; brother, Aaron Manse and his wife, Jeanne Marie; two nieces, Abby and Paige; grandparents, Richard and Edith Rebellino; grrandmother, Virginia Manse; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Robert Manse.

Jason's life will be celebrated in various memorial events in Pensacola, Fla., and Canton, Ohio. A joint memorial was held at the Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel Naval Air Station in Pensacola on Jan. 19, 2006.

A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at the Naval Aviation Memorial Chapel on Monday, Jan. 23, 2006, at 1 p.m. The Rev. Ronald Nuzzi of the University of Notre Dame will preside. Pallbearers will Chris Malfant, Matt Gabay, Randy Manse, Roger Manse, Andrew Trommelen, Corey Trommelen, and Chuck Rebellino. Interment with full military honors will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.