Capt. Stanford "Ford" H. Shaw III (USNA '06)

From Stanford’s obituary:

A Marine from the Basking Ridge section of [Bernards, NJ] township, described by Ridge High School Athletic Director Rich Shello as a "positive leader within his team," was one of 11 people killed in a Black Hawk helicopter crash during a training mission in Florida this week. Capt. Stanford Henry Shaw III, 31, was a member the Ridge High School class of 2002, Shello said, adding that he participated in the high school's ski team and boys lacrosse team. "When he left Ridge, he went to the Naval Academy," Shello said. "It was a perfect setup for him. He's a good kid who would look you in the eye and shake your hand. "Word spread through the school a few days ago about Shaw's death, although nothing was released, Shello said. "I think for all those who remember him and knew him, to see a kid who was just such a good citizen in school and you remember in such a positive way and to find out that here he is defending the country and being a leader in the armed forces and has had such a catastrophe happen to him is disheartening," Shello said. "It's very sad."

Shaw was student government president and captain of the varsity lacrosse team at the high school, according to a statement from the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command. While attending the United States Naval Academy, he played club lacrosse and was the 6th Company commander, the statement said. He received a bachelor's degree and upon his graduation in 2006 accepted a commission as a Marine officer. After graduating from the Infantry Officer Course, he was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 7th Marines.

Military officials have released the names of seven special forces Marines who were killed when a Black Hawk helicopter crashed into the waters off Florida during a routine training mission in dense fog. (March 13) AP In April 2007, Shaw graduated from the Infantry Officer Course and was assigned to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines. In May 2007, he was assigned as the Platoon Commander for 2nd Platoon, Alpha Company, and in August of 2007 was deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom to Al Anbar Province, Iraq, the statement said. Upon returning from the deployment, Shaw was reassigned as the Weapons Platoon Commander, Alpha Company. In 2009, he was redeployed to Iraq, where he served as the weapons platoon commander and company executive officer. Upon his return, he was reassigned as the weapons company executive officer and later as the battalion's assistant operations officer. After completing the battalion's pre-deployment training cycle for the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, he was reassigned to 3D Marine Division in Okinawa, Japan.

In July 2010, Shaw was assigned to 4th Marines, 3D Marine Division, and soon took command of Headquarters Company. The company deployed to Camp Fuji, Japan, for training in October 2010, and again in February 2011 to Thailand in support of Exercise Cobra Gold. In May 2011, he was reassigned to the Jungle Warfare Training Center on Camp Gonsalves, Okinawa. In May 2011, Shaw assumed duties and responsibilities as the operations officer and deputy camp commander for the Jungle Warfare Training Center. He subsequently attended and graduated from the Malaysian Army Jungle Warfare Operations Course in Pulada, Malaysia. After completing his tour, he was reassigned to the Individual Training Course, Marine Special Operations School.

From May 2012 to March 2013, Shaw was a student at ITC and the MARSOC Team Commander's Course. Upon completion of both schools, he was assigned to 2D Marine Special Operations Battalion, where he served as a team commander. Shaw is the recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment ribbon with two stars.