Bruce FECHT

November 16, 1955 - March 16, 2025

Captain Bruce William Fecht, U.S. Navy (Retired), a true American hero, passed away on March 16, 2025, at the age of 69. He was born in Missoula, MT, to Robert William Fecht and Marjorie June Fehr. When he was a young boy the family along with older sister Bobbi, moved to Spokane, WA where the family grew to include his two younger sisters, Rebecca and Brenda. Bruce went to Mead High School where he was a standout basketball player. He continued his education and basketball prowess at Spokane Community College, eventually completing his Electrical Engineering degree at the University of Washington. His first job at AT&T offered the comfort of a 9-5 routine, but it was the thrill of flight that ultimately called to him.

Bruce pursued his dream of becoming a Naval Aviator, applying to and being accepted into Aviation Officer Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida. He was commissioned in 1982, and one year later, in April 1983, he received his "Wings of Gold" in Beeville, Texas, marking the beginning of a distinguished career in the skies.

For the next decade, Bruce (call sign Puppy), served with distinction in various squadrons, including the VF-124 Gunslingers, VF-111 Sundowners, VF-126 Bandits, and VF-1 Wolfpack, flying the iconic F-14A and F-14D Tomcat along with the T-2C, A-4E, and F-16N. He completed multiple deployments aboard aircraft carriers like the USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70), USS Ranger (CV-61), and USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He also graduated from the prestigious U.S. Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN) Adversary Course and earned a Master of Science Degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. Bruce was selected as an extra for the movie Top Gun, which was filmed on sight in Miramar, and can be seen in the infamous Top Gun group photo used in the movie.

Bruce's career was defined not only by his technical skills and unmatched piloting abilities but also by his leadership. After 14 years in the cockpit, he transitioned to staff roles, including serving as the Political-Military Officer at U.S. European Command in Stuttgart, Germany. There, he played a key role in operations in the Middle East, focusing on Israel, Lebanon, and Syria.

Bruce returned to the cockpit in 1999, joining the VF-14 Tophatters as Executive Officer and, later, Commanding Officer. During his leadership, the squadron earned numerous awards, including the Clifton Trophy as the Navy's top fighter squadron, the Battle Efficiency award, and the Safety 'S' award. Under his command, the Tophatters were among the first to conduct air strikes on terrorist sites in Afghanistan following the tragic events of September 11, 2001. Bruce's leadership during the onset of the Global War on Terror left an indelible mark on both his squadron and the larger Navy community. After leading the squadron through its transition to the F/A-18E Super Hornet, he was selected for an Executive Fellowship with the Hoover Institute at Stanford University, where he shared his vast knowledge and insight with the next generation of leaders. He completed his career as Commanding Officer of VX-9, the Navy's premier test and evaluation squadron. Captain Fecht's career was a testament to his love of flying, his unwavering dedication to service, and his profound impact on all who worked with him. His sense of adventure, intellectual curiosity, and deep care for his fellow service members will forever be remembered by those whose lives he touched.

Bruce was a man of faith and in the last two years of his life he earned a Master's Degree in Catholic Theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville. He planned to retire from General Atomics and serve as a chaplain. He attended St. Ann Catholic Church in Ridgecrest, CA and enjoyed serving meals and singing in the choir. Bruce will be remembered for his great sense of humor and his generous heart. He was a faithful son, wonderful brother and a fun uncle to his nephews and nieces. His personal relationship with Jesus Christ took him through his last difficult journey with the strength and confidence that he could trust his Lord with the outcome of his life. We will miss him dearly but look forward to the day we will be reunited in Heaven.

Bruce is survived by his sisters, Bobbi (Marlen) Wells, Rebecca (Jimmy) Thornton and Brenda (Clint) Grassel; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, friends and the countless men and women who were fortunate to serve alongside him. He leaves behind a legacy of courage, integrity, and commitment to excellence that will continue to inspire for generations to come. May he rest in peace, forever soaring through the skies he loved.

A Memorial Gathering will be held on May 23, 2025, 2:30 PM, at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Dr., San Diego, CA. Please arrive at the entrance at 2:00 PM for the processional. A Memorial Service will also be held on June 21, 2025, 2:00 PM, at Trinity Baptist Church, 6528 N. Monroe St., Spokane, WA. This will be a joint memorial service for Bruce and his mother, Marjorie Fecht Rhoads, who was deceased October 29, 2024.