Navy Honors Fallen Aviator
(April 14, 2010) | 
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| | NORFOLK (NNS - 4/9/2010) -- A memorial ceremony took place at the
base chapel on board Naval Station Norfolk April 8 to commemorate
the life and heroism of the pilot of an E-2C Hawkeye that crashed
March 31. |
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| Cmdr. Dave Mundy, executive officer of the Bluetails of Carrier
Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 121, presents an American flag
to the widow of Lt. Miroslav Steven Zilberman during his memorial
ceremony on April 8, 2010.. Zilberman was killed March 31, 2010 when
his E-2C Hawkeye crashed while attempting to return to the aircraft
carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) from a mission over
Afghanistan. |
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Lt. Miroslav Steven Zilberman, 31, of Columbus, Ohio, assigned to
the "Bluetails" of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW)
121, was killed March 31, when his aircraft crashed while returning
to USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) from a mission over
Afghanistan.
The incident started as the Hawkeye was making preparations to land
on the carrier. The starboard engine lost oil pressure leading it to
eventually shut down, but also causing the aircraft to become
uncontrollable. Zilberman recognized that the crew needed to bail
out and ordered the three crew members to jump as he kept the
aircraft at an acceptable attitude, which unfortunately left him
little chance to bail out. For his heroic action and for saving the
lives of his three crew members, Zilberman was posthumously awarded
the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Family, friends and distinguished guests were in attendance at the
packed-house memorial ceremony, as those who served and flew with
him discussed their memories of the good humored and high-spirited
aviator.
"He gave 110 percent of himself to ensure others would succeed
without thinking twice," said Lt. Adam Horn, of the "Bear Aces" of
Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron (VAW) 124. "Steve is a true
hero."
Zilberman's life and accomplishments were recognized not only by his
friends but also his superiors.
"He was a born leader. He cared extremely about his people. He knew
them, and he led by example," said Cmdr. Dave Mundy, executive
officer of VAW 121. "He was one of the best aviators I've ever flown
with." | |
Article and photo by Navy MCS 2nd Clas William Weinert
Commander, Naval Air Forces Public Affairs
Copyright 2010
Reprinted from
Navy News Service
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