USS Coral Sea - Willie McCool

In Memory of

~ William C. McCool ~

Navy Commander / NASA Astronaut / Coral Sea Shipmate



[McCool]           [McCool]           [McCool]


PERSONAL DATA: Born September 23, 1961 in San Diego, California. McCool was married with three sons, ages 14, 19 and 22.

EDUCATION: Graduated from Coronado High School, Lubbock, Texas, in 1979; received a Bachelor of Science degree in applied science from the US Naval Academy in 1983, a Master of Science degree in computer science from the University of Maryland in 1985, and a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the US Naval Postgraduate School in 1992.

ORGANIZATIONS: U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association.

SPECIAL HONORS: Eagle Scout; graduated second of 1,083 in the Class of 1983 at the US Naval Academy; presented "Outstanding Student" and "Best DT-II Thesis" awards as graduate of U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Class 101; awarded Navy Commendation Medals (2), Navy Achievement Medals (2), and various other service awards.

EXPERIENCE: McCool completed flight training in August 1986 and was assigned to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 129 at Whidbey Island, Washington, for initial EA-6B Prowler training. His first operational tour was with Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 133, where he made two deployments aboard USS CORAL SEA (CV-43) to the Mediterranean Sea, and received designation as a wing qualified landing signal officer (LSO). In November 1989, he was selected for the Naval Postgraduate School/Test Pilot School (TPS) Cooperative Education Program. After graduating from TPS in June 1992, he worked as TA-4J and EA-6B test pilot in Flight Systems Department of Strike Aircraft Test Directorate at Patuxent River, Maryland. He was responsible for the management and conduct of a wide variety of projects, ranging from airframe fatigue life studies to numerous avionics upgrades. His primary efforts, however, were dedicated to flight test of the Advanced Capability (ADVCAP) EA-6B. Following his Patuxent River tour, McCool returned to Whidbey Island, and was assigned to Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 132 aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65). He served as Administrative and Operations Officer with the squadron through their work-up cycle, receiving notice of NASA selection while embarked on ENTERPRISE for her final pre-deployment at-sea period.

McCool has over 2,800 hours flight experience in 24 aircraft and over 400 carrier arrestments.

NASA EXPERIENCE: Selected by NASA in April 1996, McCool reported to the Johnson Space Center in August 1996. He completed two years of training and evaluation, and is qualified for flight assignment as a pilot. Initially assigned to the Computer Support Branch, McCool also served as Technical Assistant to the Director of Flight Crew Operations, and worked Shuttle cockpit upgrade issues for the Astronaut Office. He was assigned pilot on STS-107.

[McCool]           [McCool]           [McCool]


USS CORAL SEA EXPERIENCE: Willie McCool made two MED Cruise deployments (1987-88 and 1989) aboard the USS Coral Sea attached to the VAQ-133 Wizards flying the EA-6B Prowler. He was qualified as an Air Wing LSO.

[McCool]           [McCool]           [McCool]


Refresh or Reload this page to make sure you're looking at the latest entry, especially if you just made an entry.

Back to top of page.
I served aboard the USS Coral Sea on its last 2 cruises, 87/88 and 89. I didn't know Willie personally, but I am proud of everyone I served with, and am saddened by his loss, and offer my sincerest sympathies to his family. God Bless our Military Personnel Mark
mark zen
Ft Lupton, Colorado USA - Friday, September 09, 2005 at 14:33:42 (PDT)
My sincerest condolences to the McCool family. I knew Willy's brother and never got the opportunity to know Willy. But I do know that his brother loved him very much. God bless you Willy.
Charlotte Presley <charlotte_tier2@yahoo.com>
Pleasanton, CA USA - Saturday, August 13, 2005 at 07:42:43 (PDT)
Willie's loss will be felt for many years to come. In reading his Coral Sea background I was touched by the fact that I too was stationed aboard the ship and prior to my attachment to COMCARDIV 3 I was a yeoman with VAQ -133. At that time the squardon flew A-3's and we we based at Alameda. My minor connections to this hero's past made me feel a little closer to him. May he rest in peace.
Michael Fox <mfox@fox-arch.com>
St. Louis, MO USA - Wednesday, April 20, 2005 at 11:36:22 (PDT)
I served on the Coral Sea from 1967 to 1968, Det43,HC1, hellos, rescue.My god bless our shipmate and his family.
Dexter L. Owens <dowens@advancedtechsecurity.com>
Tehachapi, Calif Kern - Thursday, February 17, 2005 at 15:53:54 (PST)
I have much respect for Mr. Mcool, I served in vaq-133 from 1999-2003 when I first learned of whom he was a,d am sorry I never met him, I wish to follow in his footsteps, he is an inspiration to me as a sailor.
Patrick S. Kimbell <kimbell2906@msn.com>
Lexington Park, Maryland U.S. - Thursday, October 14, 2004 at 13:03:13 (PDT)
A year and a half after the Columbia tragedy I still mourn the loss of the Columbia astronauts. They were such amazing people and it is so awful what happened to them. I will remember them as heroes forever.
Megan Hughey <spacefreak107@aol.com>
USA - Wednesday, September 08, 2004 at 13:33:19 (PDT)
What a great loss!!! No matter that over a year has gone by, I still miss them, and still wanna think that they are still alive, though I know it´s not like that!!! Something I will never ever forget!!! How could I?? It happened on my birthday, same day, I was still mourning the loss of my mom who died on July 1st 2002... It was my favorite crew, I liked them so much, so much!!! Still cannot believe what happened!! Just hope they are somewhere... wherever it might be!!! They made a wonderful crew! Still wonder why!!! But so many questions will never get a proper answer! To astronaut Willie Mc Cool, I salute you wherever you are!! Deeply from my heart, Alanis
Alanis Stevenelle <alanis_pg@yahoo.com>
La Eulalia, Ibiza Spain - Sunday, August 15, 2004 at 18:28:36 (PDT)
may your soul rest in perfect peace amen. may God give the immediate family the hearth to bear the losto. ogis
ogis <ogis_ogis@yahoo.com>
lagos, lagos nigeria - Saturday, July 03, 2004 at 00:55:31 (PDT)
My first experience in the fleet was in Willie's crew on the Coral Sea's last cruise. He was truly extraordinary, and I looked up to him as a role model before and after his entering NASA. I know he waited long for his chance to fly the shuttle. I am deeply sorrowed that he is no longer with us.
Daniel Morales (LCDR) <dmorales@ev1.net>
Carrollton, TX USA - Saturday, May 29, 2004 at 21:11:05 (PDT)
I still remeber (LT McCool) when I was a plane captain for him at VAQ133.I had the pleasure of working with him for my stay with VAQ133 (1987-90). He always took time to talk with you. I wil never forget. He will always be piloting the clouds above. REST IN PEACE WILLIE AND GOD BLESS. AKA J.R.
Marvin R Keller jr.
Henry, IL U.S.A - Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at 16:40:43 (PST)
I never had the honor to meet you but on this, the eve of the one year anniversary of your leaving the planet to explore the heavens I want everyone to know you and your STS 107 crew mates will never be forgotton.
Steve Greene <rgreene8@msn.com>
Atlanta, GA USA - Thursday, January 15, 2004 at 16:37:15 (PST)
I knew Mr. McCool while I was with the "Wizards" during Med Cruise 87-88. I had watched him many times perform his tasks as pilot and LSO. I always wondered when he had time to sleep. What a busy 'brown-shoe' he was. Great guy! As junior enlisted with TACELRON-133 during Med Cruise 87-88, I had looked to the officers for a sense of direction and right vs. wrong. Mr. McCool was certainly a person to watch and learn from. He was, and still is, a very inspiring person. His wife and children have my family's sympathy. I am sure his legacy is not gone with his passing, but will live on through his children in the hope that they, too, have a fruitful life and experience the love of Aeronautics that he so gallantly came to be a part of. Fair winds and calm seas, Sir! Ron Troester
Ron Troester <troester.r@ghc.org>
Seattle, Washington USA - Friday, November 07, 2003 at 19:32:35 (PST)
This is the first time I have found your website. I am saddened by Willie McCool's untimely death. He served our country well. God Bless you.
GLENN R VAN NOY <gvannoy@juno.com>
CASTRO VALLEY,, CA USA - Saturday, July 26, 2003 at 23:34:50 (PDT)
My prayers are for the family of Cdr. McCool. Thank you for your outstanding service and high standards. This man is a great example for our future leaders and explorers of this great country. An Eagle Scout is always an acheiver with high moral standards. Fair winds and following seas always, fellow shipmate and Red Raider.
ICC Samuel J. Barela, USNR(Ret.) <sjb@psrbb.com>
El Paso, Texas USA - Saturday, May 24, 2003 at 16:08:40 (PDT)
Very sad to see the end of a hero like this. The bright side is that he died doing what he loved to do and leaves very proud people behind.
Robert Lenior <lenior@gmx.de>
Salvador, Bahia Brazil - Sunday, May 04, 2003 at 17:03:04 (PDT)
To family and friends of Commander McCool, I want you to know that your loss is grieved by many of us still up to this day. Commander McCool has represented an high achiever of American dream. He is up in Heaven smiling down at all of you, I hope you are gradually recovering from the sadness. Coping with death of loved ones is the hardest thing that an human kind faces; I wish you will keep going knowing that he is resting peacefully up and above at where a good man should be. Best Care KS
Kelly Smith
Houston, Tx USA - Saturday, May 03, 2003 at 07:03:26 (PDT)
Dear Sir, I just want to say THANK YOU for your service to this GREAT COUNTRY WE CALL AMERICA. May you soar with the angels in heaven. It is now our duty and job to always make sure you are NEVER FORGOTTEN. We must teach the children of tomorrow the sacrifices BRAVE HEROES have made to keep AMERICA and HER PEOPLE FREE. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE TO AMERICA Michael S. Bulger
Michael S. Bulger <territwo@charter.net>
Cumberland, Maryland USA - Tuesday, April 22, 2003 at 09:49:37 (PDT)
We, the military family, cry with you in your time of grief. I went before Willie at NAS Whidbey and was also a Wizzard. Even though I did not ever meet CDR McCool I feel and know that I have lost a brother.
P. Tagney LCDR (ret) <pat.tagney@nav-international.com>
LaGrange, IL US - Thursday, April 17, 2003 at 12:49:04 (PDT)
Our hearts go out to all of the McCool family, shipmates, and friends on their loss. Specials prayers to all of you from not only the Phillips family, but from the Civil Air Patrol's Flying Tiger Squadron based at the Savannah-Hilton Head Island International Airport in Savannah, Georgia. God's speed Commander McCool.
James, Mary & Jeffrey Phillips <N303WR@aol.com>
Savannah, Georgia USA - Thursday, April 17, 2003 at 12:29:10 (PDT)
On Saturday morning, February 1, I was flying in a commercial jet from Orlando to San Francisco, returning from a business trip. As we flew over Texas, the inside of the plane was dark, as other passengers watched the movie provided by the airlines, Flight 75. I opened the shade on my window to reach for something from my briefcase, and saw the sunny day outside, the dirt brown Texas landscape, dotted with bright green trees below us. Immediately outside my window, I noticed a huge white cloud, with smoke and something moving very fast past our aircraft, something completely black and shaped like a missle. The pilot later spoke to me, telling me that I had seen a piece of history. Everyone on our flight was very hushed as we learned that some part of the shuttle must have flow right past our aircraft, missing us and any other aircraft in the sky. It might have been some very special maneuvering in the final moments aboard the Challenger that saved our lives. But please know that the people our flight were not thinking about their own safety, the people on that flight were silenced in prayer and thought for the astronauts, including McCool. A former San Diego/Solana Beach resident, I had been watching the TV just about all night before its re-entry, since I was leaving Orlando for SFO that morning. Everyone else aboard that aircraft had awakened very early that Saturday to hear about the shuttle to arrive at the Orlando airport before 5:30 AM. Please know that over 100 people on that aircraft and millions more have been touched by the lives so courageosly committed and contributed to their nation and the space program. I am very saddended by your loss and feel a personal part of that experience, and an appreciation for being alive today is a part of that loss. This gratitude and prayers for the crew will always be with me.
Martha Doerrer Oxley <ioxley1019@aol.com>
San Francisco, CA USA - Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 13:00:10 (PST)
My wife and I mourn the loss of Commander McCool.
John Lemon <jlemon@san.rr.com>
San Diego, California USA - Sunday, March 30, 2003 at 00:46:01 (PST)
My prays go out to your entire Family ,on this tragidy,to your husband,& other crew members. I,am am deeply sorry for your lost,& extremly proud of his service to our Great Nation.I,am a member of the Viet-Nam conflict,& know how much a close love one can be. May our Lord & Savior [ Jesus Christ] Bless you & your Family.
Randy Fontenot <SVTISTRYKE@aol.com>
Lafayette, Louisiana Lafayette,Parish - Sunday, March 23, 2003 at 21:37:45 (PST)
May The Good Lord Be In The Hearts Of Your Family And Friends.
Glenn D. Weber <mustang1059@cox.net>
Luling, Louisiana USA - Wednesday, March 19, 2003 at 17:02:15 (PST)
our hearts go out to the family for your great loss.I am a USS coral sea vet.i was on board from 1966 to 1969, with 3 tours of viet nam. i too lost many friends while on board.may god bless and make you strong.chuck wothke
chuck wothke <cewoth@netnitco.net>
hebron , in - Monday, March 17, 2003 at 19:09:31 (PST)
Well done proud warrior. May you rest in peace
H.E. MONTGOMERY <hebud@aol.com>
La Mesa, CA USA - Sunday, March 16, 2003 at 21:19:29 (PST)
I just want to share that my thoughts and prayers are with every family that was involved in this tragedy. God Bless you all, and God Bless America!
Sandy <southerngrl141@aol.com>
Memphis, TN USA - Saturday, March 15, 2003 at 07:56:52 (PST)
I only got to meet Mr. McCool a couple of times during my stay in VAQ-133 but from what I can remember, he seemed like a real decent guy. I remember that he left to go to Test Pilot School. He will be missed.
Chuck Modzinski <cmodzins@hotmail.com>
Clinton Twp, MI USA - Thursday, March 13, 2003 at 14:48:55 (PST)
I just wanted to say that i was a boat engineer on the liberty boats overseas and i had the pleasure of Working with Willie He was a Boat officer that night In Port, when I heard the news of the shuttle and heard his name i immediately recognized it After all these years so somehow he impacted me in a special way that i remembered him SO Willie was very special and he will be sadly missed
Kevin (Rocky) Renaud <krenaud@alltel.net>
St. Marys, Pa USA - Tuesday, March 11, 2003 at 10:56:03 (PST)
It was a tragety to see the disaster on TV. My first thoughts go to the families because they are the ones who suffer the most. My second thoughts are to your country. To lose these people is a great loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Anne Marie Olson <amolson@shaw.ca>
Fort McMurray Alta, Canada - Thursday, February 27, 2003 at 22:27:54 (PST)
Served with Willie in VAQ-133 in Operations Dept. He was my Supervisor for about one year. Also worked with him alot while deployed to USS Coral Sea in ready room. We will not forget this great American.
Doug Fryer <dfryguy@msn.com>
Liberty, MO USA - Saturday, February 22, 2003 at 06:16:46 (PST)
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THE FAMILY AND FRIENDS OF WILLIE MCCOOL. IT IS A GREAT LOSS OF A VERY FINE MILITARY MAN AND A GREAT AMERICAN. I AM SURE THAT THE MEMORY OF HIM AND THE CREW OF THE SHUTTLE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN.
BRADLEY G JOHNSON <warcup@bsc.com>
FORT WALTON BEACH, FLORIDA USA - Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at 16:47:29 (PST)
NO HABLO INGLES PERO HE LOGRADO TRADUCIR LO QUE EL SR. WILLIE MCCOOL HIZO EN ESTE MUNDO, Y ESTOY SEGURO QUE DONDE EL SE ENCUENTRE CONTINUA HACIENDO Y CUMPLIENDO SU LABOR. DESEO EXTERNAR MI MAS SENTIDO PESAME A SU ESPOSA E HIJOS POR SU IRREPARABLE PERDIDA. PERO CREO QUE SUS HIJOS ESTARAN ORGULLOSOS DE TENER UN PADRE DE FAMILIA COMO LO FUE EL SR. WILLIE. ME HE QUEDADO MUY INPRESIONADO POR SU TRAYECTORIA Y PREPARACION. EL ES DONDE QUIERA QUE SE ENCUENTRE UN SER ESPECIAL JUNTO CON LOS QUE A EL LO ACOMPAŃABAN. MI FAMILIA Y YO DESEAMOS Y PEDIMOS A DIOS MANDE CONSUELO A LA FAMILIA Y AMIGOS. Y A USTED SR. WILLIE LO ADMIRO Y SE QUE DONDE QUIERA QUE ESTE CONTINUA CON SU LABOR DE AYUDAR A LA HUMANIDAD. SU AMIGO CARLOS.
CARLOS MARTINEZ SANCHEZ <CarlosM@catalinaltg.com>
MEXICO, EDO. DE MEX. MEXICANO - Wednesday, February 19, 2003 at 12:55:56 (PST)
My heart goes out to the McCool family, as Cmdr McCool is a Eagle Scout I know he is in flight with his fellow Eagles. May God Bless Cmdr. McCool in his flight to the Gates of Heaven. To the members of USS COROAL SEA, your shipmate will always be remembered as well as all the other members of his ship. God Bless America and those that protect us for our freedom. Dick Smith, smithuri17@yahoo.com
Richard N. Smith <smithuri17@yahoo.com>
Westerly, Rhode Island USA - Saturday, February 15, 2003 at 11:38:02 (PST)
I am sorry for your great loss...
Lenka Farbáková <Farbakova@web.de>
Prague, Czech rep Czech republic - Friday, February 14, 2003 at 12:25:53 (PST)
I didn't really make the link until the ESPN special with track coach Al Cantello that aired last night. Willie was a great leader! I enjoyed the years we spent together on the track team.
MIchael Flowers <michael@wmandk.com>
Hot Springs, Arkansas USA - Friday, February 14, 2003 at 08:45:06 (PST)
I am sorry for you loss. I can not say I feel your pain but, I can say my thought and prayers are with you and your loved ones.
Sarahbeth Schmidbauer <dncer2004@hotmail.com>
gilbert, az United States of America - Thursday, February 13, 2003 at 20:56:02 (PST)
"I came to an island in the middle of the sea. It was so nice that I jumped for glee. There are palm trees, coconuts and bananas too, Plus birds and fish so unbelievable but true. The beaches are so big and full of life. It would be a dream come true for anyone's wife. It is so nice that no one can complain, but he who does must be insane. This is such a nice and beautiful place. You'd think it was heaven or outer space." William McCool, Guam, February 1975 Thank you Commander for making the world such a nice and beautiful place.
Bill Spitz <bill.spitz@homcomm.com>
Stevens Point, WI US - Thursday, February 13, 2003 at 20:13:54 (PST)
I live 10 minutes from the Johnson Space Center in Houston. I have followed the space program all my life. To you Willie's family I wish to thank you for the sacrifice hemade for space exploration. It takes a very special and brave person to go into space. My entire family grieves with you. I have endured several losses in my family and I find that God and the wonderful memories we have will get you through this. Again my prayers are with you all.
Dianne Higginbotham <dianneh@ci.pasadena.tx.us>
pasadena, texas united states - Thursday, February 13, 2003 at 12:25:27 (PST)
CDR. McCool's spirit and valor reminded me once again of how special it truly is to be an American, and what a honor it was to serve in the world's greatest Navy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family! GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Terrell Clayton <claytonjrbudjo@aol.com>
Guyton, GA U.S.A. - Thursday, February 13, 2003 at 06:07:22 (PST)
I am sorry for your great loss. He lived right; he died living right. Life is brief - when it ends, what is better than having done it "right."? His eternity must be right, as well. Peace and good purpose to those who miss him.
Steve Coffey <uisneach_4@hotmail.com>
Jackson, Ohio USA - Wednesday, February 12, 2003 at 10:20:17 (PST)
Serving our country is the most difficult thing sailors like myself and CDR McCool do. We and our families often assume that during a time of relative peace that we will come home safely. CDR McCool, sir, I salute you now as I would if I were to pass you on the street. You are a hero, and you and your family's sacrifice should be commended. God Bless.
Piper Malick <malickpd@simasd.navy.mil>
Fallbrook, CA USA - Tuesday, February 11, 2003 at 12:26:50 (PST)
Like CDR McCool, my first duty station was at Whidbey Island, Wa. with Heavy Attack Squadron 2. Also, my first 2 deployments were on the USS Coral Sea. Far East Cruises 60 - 61 and 61 - 62. My heart goes out to the Commanders family as well as the families of all of his shuttle crew members. God keep them all in His care. Hap Litzell
Darwin "Hap" Litzell <mrhap@baldwin-telecom.net>
Woodville,, Wisc. USA - Sunday, February 09, 2003 at 08:52:25 (PST)
What a sad day it was for The United States and all the world--but my heart and prayers go out to the family.God bless you .I served aboard the Coral Sea long before Willie was born(1949)but he is still a "shipmate".
Don Hepler <pappydon@hotmail.com>
Avon Park, Fl. USA - Friday, February 07, 2003 at 16:34:32 (PST)
My prayer's are with the family....
shawn behnke <shawntilldawn@mailcity.com>
va beach va, va - Friday, February 07, 2003 at 15:15:02 (PST)
My thoughts and prayers are with CDR McCool and his family. I had the honor to serve with CDR McCool in VAQ-133 at Whidbey Is.,I was a plane Capt with the Wizards from 1988-1989 and made the last cruise on the Coral Sea in 1989. Being a Plane Capt in the Wizards was a fun time in my life. Remembering back to those times working with at the time (LT McCool) I had the priveledge to strap him into the seat of a Prowler. I am currently a CPT in the Army and thank CDR McCool, back then for the wisdom and knowledge that he passed on to me. CDR McCool may you rest peacefully, fair winds and following seas, and may GOD Bless you, and your family. CPT Dave Whitman (Formally Airman USN)
Carl David Whitman <Carl.David.Whitman@us.army.mil>
Ft. Knox, KY USA - Friday, February 07, 2003 at 06:37:49 (PST)
Your in our thoughts and prayers.
Michelle Plain <nursewithaheart@mailcity.com>
Webster City , Iowa USA - Thursday, February 06, 2003 at 21:41:01 (PST)
My sincere Condolances to the friends an family of Willie McCool. I was stationed at NAS Whidbey Island where I was a plane captain and Jet mechanic with VA 196. While I never met Willie, I feel a sort of bond, having been stationed there. May you find peace. Kevin Burke
Kevin Burke <KJBurke01@aol.com>
East Hartford, CT USA - Thursday, February 06, 2003 at 20:27:25 (PST)
It is sad to lose this valiant warrior. I feel apart of him being a former Coral Sea vet. and NAS Whidbey Island vet. May God be with his family and those you serve this great nation.
Howard H. Hightower <Hhightower8@aol>
Granbury, Texas U.S.A. - Thursday, February 06, 2003 at 17:22:20 (PST)
May God Bless and Comfort You.
LT W. Henry, MSC, USN <WEHENRY@HSOJAX.MED.NAV Y.MIL>
Jacksonville, FL USA - Thursday, February 06, 2003 at 11:04:21 (PST)
i am honored that willie flew aboard my ship!! gives an extra meaning
darrell schonborn <heartbeat113@hotmail.com>
athens, ohio usa - Wednesday, February 05, 2003 at 17:36:41 (PST)
I never knew Willie McCool. But his achievements speak for themselves. I am very proud to call him a Coral Sea Shipmate and fellow American!
Bob Dorais <cv43@usscoralsea.net>
Malvern, PA USA - Tuesday, February 04, 2003 at 14:29:10 (PST)