Their Story
Remembering Alan A. Patterson.
Lieutenant Commander Alan A. Patterson was one of three people killed on March 11, 2013 when a training flight for an E/A-6B Prowler crashed just outside of Spokane, Washington. LCDR Patterson had wanted to go to the Naval Academy since he first saw a midshipman in uniform in sixth grade, a dream he fulfilled by graduating with the Naval Academy Class of 2000.
In 2005 and 2006 he deployed with the “Shadowhawks” of VAQ-141 onboard the USS Theodore Roosevelt in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Over his impressive flying career in the EA-6B Prowler community, he earned the Strike/Flight Medal four times over, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal three times over, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, as well as various campaign awards.
LCDR Patterson is survived by his five brothers and sisters, his parents, as well as his wife and two young daughters. Patterson was a determined and optimistic person, who persevered as a cellist, Lacrosse player, and triathlete during his lifetime.
“He was the kind of guy you hope you become and you hope your sons become,” said brother Craig Patterson, who followed in his older sibling’s footsteps at the Naval Academy.