VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — They flew A-6 Intruders during the Vietnam War, earning numerous combat decorations and the undying respect of their peers, and the eternal thanks of a grateful nation.
In their retirement years, the former Navy pilots dedicated untold hours to the founding and maintaining of the Association of Naval Aviation Monument.
Now, Rear Admiral Fred Metz, who died in 2023, and Captain Jim "Lurch" Joyner, who died in 2019, have taken their places upon the monument, during a special rededication ceremony last weekend, much to the delight of their loved ones.
"Oh, he would just think this is so wonderful. And he'd be pleased so many people had come. He would come back here so often and tell people about it," said Jenny Metz, widow of Fred Metz.
"And he'd be very pleased that all this happened today and he's up there. He is up there I do believe; he's looking down on us and saying, 'good job,'" said Sharon Joyner, widow of Jim Joyner.
Another thing both men did often was to appear on 13News Now, serving as subject matter experts, discussing all things related to Naval aviation--giving viewers an inside look at their craft.
Last weekend also marked the unveiling of a plaque for the late Command Master Chief Kent von Fecht, Sr., who was assigned to A-6 squadrons for two combat tours in Vietnam.
And he was the chief historian and aircraft researcher for the 2006 creation of the monument--where his name, along with those of Joyner and Metz are now forever engraved.
The monument is free and open to the public, at 25th Street at the Oceanfront, between Atlantic Avenue and the boardwalk.