LCDR Mark H. Robertson, USN (Ret.) passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 7, 2024. He was born in Indianapolis, IN.

Mark was enthusiastic about flying so much that he had his pilot's license before he got his driver's license. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1976 and completed recruit training at Great Lakes Illinois, and was meritoriously promoted to Airman. Upon completion of boot camp, he reported to NATTC Millington, Tennessee where he attended AW "A" School. Following "A" School, he then reported to VP-31 where he received in-flight training in the P-3C aircraft.

In 1977, he reported to VP-47 at NAS Moffett Field, California where he earned designation as a Naval Aircrewman. He completed three Western Pacific deployments with the "Golden Swordsmen" and participated in numerous Cold War Anti-Submarine Warfare Operations, as well as Pony Express Operations in support of the Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (SALT).

He transferred in 1981 to staff, Patrol Wing TEN as an ASW (Anti-Submarine Warfare) acoustic analyst and tactical instructor. During this shore tour he was advanced to First Class Petty Officer and was selected as Patrol Wing TEN Sailor of the Year for 1983.

In 1984 he transferred to HS-1 NAS Jacksonville, Florida where he completed transition training for the SH-3H Sea King helicopter and was assigned to HS-17 (Valkaries) embarked aboard USS Coral Sea (CV-43). He deployed to the Mediterranean Sea where he was assigned combat SAR duties during Operation El Dorado Canyon (Libyan air strikes) and conducted SAR, medical evacuations, and ASW throughout the theater. During this tour he was awarded two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals and the Sikorsky Rescue award. In 1986 he was selected to Chief Petty Officer and earned the Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist designation.

He then reported to HS-1 as the aircrew training Chief and conducted numerous detachment operations including Rescue and humanitarian assistance to Hurricane Andrew victims. During this tour he was chosen to fill the LDO billet for the east coast SH-60F Fleet introduction team for Commander Helicopter Wings Atlantic Fleet. He was selected as the only Aviation Operations LDO in 1993 and was commissioned an Ensign July 1, 1993.

After his commissioning, he attended Officer Indoctrination training at Naval Aviation Schools Command, NAS Pensacola, Florida. He then reported to VS-27 for transition training to the S-3B Viking. After completing transition training, he reported to VS-24 Scouts as the ASW Officer and Aircrew Division Officer and was designated Mission Commander and Strike Lead. While attached to the Scouts, he completed two additional Mediterranean Sea/Persian Gulf deployments earning the Strike/Flight Air Medal and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat "V" for Heroic in-flight achievement.

His next assignment was as Officer in Charge, FMP MOCC U.S. Atlantic Fleet at NAS Jacksonville, Florida. While there, he provided Mobile Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (CI) support for operational and exercise detachments throughout South/Central America, the Mediterranean Sea, and Iceland, including the Global War on Terrorism and Operation Enduring Freedom.

In 2003, he transferred to Naval Aviation Schools Command, Pensacola, Florida, where he is responsible for all Navy and Marine Corps Rescue Swimmer Training.

Lieutenant Commander Robertson's personal awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation (4), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (5), Navy Good Conduct Medal (4), and various other unit awards and decorations. He has accumulated over 6200 flight hours in the P-3C Orion, SH-3H Sea King, SH-60F Sea Hawk, and S-3B Viking and 472 arrested landings.

After retiring in 2006, he continued to fuel his passion for aviation by volunteering at the National Naval Aviation Museum as the Military Volunteer Coordinator. Mark was also the coordinator for the Blue Angels volunteers.

His children and grandchildren were always impressed by his knowledge of aviation and being able to identify what was flying over their heads without even looking up. Mark loved boating, NASCAR, hunting, traveling and camping with Vikki, Desi & Huckleberry.

He is preceded in death by his father, Harold Robertson and his brother, Timothy Robertson.

Mark is survived by his wife, Vikki; three daughters, Cori, Kristin and Lisa; six grandchildren, Adrianna, Chloe, PJ, Isabella, Riley and Jazmine, mother, Margie McQuillen Robertson; two brothers, Philip (Millie) and David (Brenda) and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held from 11:30am until a memorial service begins at 12:30pm Monday, August 5, 2024, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel. A graveside service will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery.