Lieutenant Commander Ronald Lee Wise "Rhino" Memorial Field

Lieutenant Commander Ronald Lee Wise "Rhino" Memorial Field. . , Lieutenant Commander Ronald Lee (RHINO) Wise Jr. was born on December 15, 1962 in Key West, Florida. He graduated from Elizabeth Forward High School in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania in 1980, lettering in both football and baseball. Ron attended, and graduated with Honors from THE CITADEL in 1985, earning a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry., Ron was commissioned to the United States Navy in August of 1985. He reported to Naval Air Station Whiting Field, where he began his Naval Aviation career flying the T-34C. Upon completion of his first phase of flight training in August, 1986, he was transferred to Kingsville, Texas, where he flew the T-2C and the TA-4J aircraft. Ron earned his "WINGS OF GOLD " on January 6, 1989, and was assigned to fly the A-6E INTRUDER, joining an elite and exclusive fraternity of TAILHOOK Naval Aviators. He reported to VA-42, in Oceana, Virginia, where he learned to tactically employ the INTRUDER in combat., In October, 1990, Ron reported to the "SUNDAY PUNCHERS " of VA-75 aboard the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) where he participated in OPERATION DESERT SHIELD / DESERT STORM. "Rhino" flew 36 combat missions over Iraq and Kuwait, where he distinguished himself on strikes against heavily defended Iraqi targets. He went on to make other deployments in the A-6, participating in OPERATION DENY FLIGHT and OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH. Ron was VA-75's Junior Pilot of the year for 1993., After his initial tour in the A-6's, "Rhino" became an instructor at the Strike Weapons and Tactics School, Atlantic (SWATSLANT) from November 1993 to January 1996. As a tactics instructor he was instrumental in enhancing the F-14 air-to-ground academic and flight training at all levels. As a result, Ron was selected as the "SWATSLANT Pilot of the Year" in 1994., LCDR Wise was selected for transition to the F-14 Tomcat as a Department Head, but was selectively detailed to VA-75 in 1996 in order to fill a critical shortage of experienced senior aviators. He deployed aboard the USS ENTERPRISE, participating in OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH and DECISIVE ENDEAVOR, fulfilling the INTRUDERS final operational commitments before retirement. In February 1997, Ron reported to VF-101 for training in the art of aerial combat. Upon completion of training in March of 1998, he reported to "THE JOLLY ROGERS " of VF-103. In June of that year he deployed aboard the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69) to the Mediterranean Sea., On July 30, 1998, Ron lost his life while on his fourth carrier deployment, serving his country at the tip of the spear, doing something he loved. During his distinguished career, "Rhino" earned three Strike/ Flight Air Medals, with a combat "V" for Valor, four Navy Commendation Medals with a combat "V" for Valor, three Navy Achievement Medals, the Kuwait Liberation Medal, and other Service related Awards., Ron's greatest accomplishments were his love and devotion to his family, friends, and country. To all those lives he touched he has been greatly missed. His smile and humor will always remain in our hearts and memories.