LT David Joseph Hulbert USN (Ret.), passed away on July 2, 2026, at the age of 76.

David was born on May 30, 1950, in Des Moines, Iowa. In 1958, his family moved to St. Charles, Iowa, where David attended elementary school and high school, graduating from Interstate 35 Community High School in 1968. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse, graduating in 1972 with a degree in Business Administration and Computer Science.

With the Vietnam War draft obligations of the time, Dave was encouraged to contact the U.S. Navy recruiter on campus in La Crosse. He volunteered to serve in the Navy and pursue a career in Naval Aviation. In October 1972, he was commissioned as an Ensign through the Aviation Officer Candidate Program at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. David excelled in both basic and advanced flight training and earned his Wings of Gold as a Naval Aviator in April 1974 at Meridian, Mississippi.

Following flight training, David received orders to Fighter Squadron 121 (VF-121) at NAS Miramar, San Diego, California, for training in the F-4 Phantom II. During training, David was given his call sign “Rookie.” Upon successfully completing fighter pilot training, he was assigned to Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154), the Black Knights. He joined the squadron aboard the USS Ranger during its 1975 deployment to the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans.

His excellence as a fighter pilot earned him an assignment to Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). There, “Rookie” became a student in the class of 04-’77. He advanced to being an instructor at TOPGUN from 1977-1979.

In December 1980, David transitioned from active duty to the Naval Reserve, joining Fighter Squadron 302 (VF-302) at NAS Miramar. There, he flew both the F-4 Phantom and F-14 Tomcat and eventually rose to become the squadron’s Commanding Officer.

Throughout his distinguished military aviation career, David accumulated more than 3,500 flight hours in Navy aircraft, including 3,000 hours in fighter aircraft: the F-4 Phantom, F-5 Tiger, and F-14 Tomcat.

His military decorations included the Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation (two awards), Battle Efficiency “E” Ribbon (three awards), National Defense Service Medal (two awards), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon, and Armed Forces Reserve Medal (two awards).

Dave attained the rank of Captain (O-6) and transferred to the Inactive Ready Reserve before retiring from the United States Navy in 1996.

Following his military service, Dave pursued an equally distinguished career in civilian aviation. He flew for Columbia, Sun Pacific, and Bahia Airlines before beginning a 24-year career with Federal Express. During his years at FedEx, he served as a Captain on the DC-10 and Boeing 777 and as a Check Airman.

David married Cynthia Washburn of Elmhurst, Illinois in 1981. They were blessed with two sons, Austin, born in 1983, and Collin, born in 1984. Tragically, Cyndee passed away in an automobile accident in 2001.

In 2002, David married Marion Bailey, and together they built a beautiful life, first in Memphis, Tennessee, and later in Pensacola, Florida, where they were living at the time of his passing.

David and Marion shared a deep commitment to humanitarian service, combining their professional skills to participate in mission work throughout the world. Dave served as Assistant Chief Pilot for Orbis International and its Flying Eye Hospital. He also worked with the World Cataract Organization, World Vision, and Haiti Medical Missions of Memphis. Their shared passion for helping others took them to Africa, Asia, Central America, and South America.

After moving to Pensacola at the end of 2019, David and Marion became closely involved with Warrington Church and a mission especially dear to them, Sleep in Heavenly Peace.

For all that Dave accomplished during his remarkable life, those who knew him will remember much more than the airplanes he flew, the positions he held, or the titles he earned. Dave had a wonderful sense of humor and a genuine compassion for others. He was generous with his time, fiercely loyal to his friends, and always willing to help someone in need. To his family and friends, Dave was simply the person you could count on. If someone needed him, he was there. Saying “No” just wasn’t in his nature.

Beyond aviation and humanitarian service, Dave enjoyed boating, skiing, scuba diving, hunting, shooting, and conservation work involving both land and water.

David is preceded in death by his parents, Mae and Lester Hulbert, and his older brother, Jerry.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marion; his son, Austin and wife Caroline along with their children, Sebastian, Dean, and Josephine; his son, Collin and wife Courtney, and their daughters, Madden and Maezie; his stepson, Ben Bailey and wife Kate, and their four children; his brothers, Roger and wife Carmen, and Frank and wife Wanda; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends, fellow aviators, and squadron mates who mourn his passing.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Orbis International, The Top Gun Foundation, The Daedalians, The National Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, World Cataract Organization, Warrington Church, or a charity of the donor’s choosing.