More Tributes to Bug Roach
Bug Roach was a legendary naval aviator, and his legend lives on despite the passage of time since his untimely death in an A-4 mishap in October of 1991.
To learn more about the enigma who was Bug Roach, and why he earned the respect of those both above and below him in rank, read Remembering Bug, a personal remembrance written by LCDR Bill Shivell and published in The Hook magazine.

Ode to Bug(To the spirit and tone of Beowulf)Lo, In the spirit of this thread, I sing the tale of our honored dead.
Bug Roach was this legend's name In time all came to sing his fame If it was your turn for a night in the barrel Bug took the paddles and vanquished your peril.
I met Bug in '88 When I stood at the starting gate Miramar was the place to be Naval Air was my destiny.
Crusaders; Scooters, then TOPGUN He taught the lessons that were hard won CAG LSO of Navy reknown, he was the man to call Whenever an aviator in trouble had to call the ball.
But the best story he ever told Was his own path To Wings of Gold Like many from his generation Bug was old school, from Yankee Station
One Sunday morn, Midshipman Roach watched the launch of the dawn patrol Two Scooters, A-4's by name Of Naval Aviation fame Pulled into position, ready to roll
But before they launched, one task remained: A canopy opened, and the pilot unnamed blew his cookies, and saved his name from the scorn of hangover's shame
Then, his morning task complete this Naval Aviator from the fleet re-donned his helmet, and adjusted his seat. Canopy closed, and clearance received, He went Zone V, and launched to sea For Bug, it was an epiphany.
In that moment Bug Roach knew Exactly what he had to do Come hell or high water, now or never His road was Naval Air forever
So he came to Miramar Crusaders, Scooters, and plenty more. He did it right He reigned supreme He fought the fight He lived the dream He inspired us to be like him A leader, a rock, through thick and thin
So now, think upon my woe The day I donned my Wings of Gold To learn that Bug had met his end Flying the Scooter so long his friend
He died doing what he loved Teaching those who soar above Teaching us to do it right Teaching us the way to fight
Fangs out is the way to go Bug's the guy who taught us so And when it's time to trap at sea Bug's legacy is OK3.
So we hoist a drink to you, dear Bug We're gonna miss your ugly mug When God made you, He broke the mold You exemplified the Wings of Gold.
This poem, which, for lack of a title, we've called "Ode to Bug", was posted on a blog encouraging creative writing. The poster's user name is Marso. We were unable to find a way to reach him, so, Marso, if you're out there, please contact us so we can give credit where credit is due.

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