Last Trap

This page is dedicated to those who recently passed.....

• Passing of RADM Luther Schriefer, USN (ret)
• Passing of John "Monk" McKnight, LCDR (Ret.)



Additional details below

Passing of Luther Schriefer, RADM USN (ret)

Rear Admiral Schriefer was born in Oshkosh, Wis., and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1960. Designated a Naval Aviator in October 1961, his first squadron tours were with VS-20 and VS-32, operating from the aircraft carrier USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN (CVS-39) participating in the Cuban Blockade.

Schriefer attended the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, Calif., studying Naval Communications Management, and graduated in May 1967. This was followed by a tour in VS-30, the VS replacement training and readiness squadron. In 1969, he joined the Defense Communications Agency for an in-country tour in the Republic of South Vietnam. He returned to attend the Naval War College in Newport, R.I., graduating in June 1971, and was awarded a Master of Science degree in International Affairs from George Washington University.

Subsequent squadron tours were with VS-22 aboard the aircraft carrier USS INTREPID (CV-11); VRC-50 Detachment DaNang Air Base, Republic of South Vietnam; and VS-28. He joined Reserve Carrier Air Wing 70 as Operations Officer in March 1974, and then reported to VS-22 as Executive Officer and assumed command in 1977. He assumed command of Carrier Air Wing 3 in December 1979 and joined the staff of Carrier Group 6 as Operations Officer for the USS AMERICA (CV-66) Carrier Battle Group in April 1981. Following a tour on the staff of Commander, Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, as Air Wing Training and Readiness Officer, he was assigned command of Air Anti-submarine Wing 1 at NAS Cecil Field, FL.

Schriefer assumed command of the amphibious cargo ship USS MOBILE (LKA-115) in October 1983, followed by assignment to the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations at the Pentagon. He assumed command of the amphibious assault ship USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA-3) in July 1986. He was assigned as Director, Tactical Air, Surface, Electronic Warfare, and Command and Control, Research and Development Division in Washington, D.C., in December 1987; and was named Commander, Anti-submarine Warfare Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, at NAS North Island in June 1989; and Commander, Naval Base San Diego, from August 1991 to October 1992. He was promoted to Rear Admiral in January 1992 and assumed duties as Director, Inter-American Region, International Security Affairs, Office of the Secretary of Defense, in October 1992.   He was the director of the Caribbean task force during the 1994 Haitian and Cuban crises. In his final assignment, Rear Admiral Schriefer served as the Division Director for the Navy's Environmental Protection, Safety and Occupational Health Division. As the Navy's senior environmentalist, he was responsible for several key initiatives that have enabled the Navy to operate in harmony with the natural environment by achieving safe and environmentally sound ships, aircraft, and installations. He has testified before congressional committees to ensure that members and their staffs understand the Navy's impact on the environment, as well as the effects of environmental laws and regulations on the operations of our Nation's Navy.   

Rear Admiral Schriefer was married to the former Sandra N. Swanson of Detroit, Mich. The Schriefer's had four children: Kim, Scott, Michael and Kelly.

RADM Schriefer’s funeral was held on 5 July 2025 at 1100 at the Victory Lutheran Church.

Passing of John "Monk" McKnight, LCDR (Ret)

John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease several years ago and further complicated by the onset of dementia.  He was eventually able to get care from the VA to assist his him and his spouse Sharon.  John had a funeral service June 27th

Monk single handedly kept the local San Diego VS Community alive and well through an ‘Old Guys’ luncheon he arranged every 4 months at McP’s in Coronado.  Monk was a well decorated combat proven Army helicopter pilot during Vietnam before he transitioned to the Navy, eventually flying S-3s.  Unfortunately we couldn't find a more complete biography so if anyone has additional information to add please send it to us at the "vikingassociation@gmail.com

Fair Winds and following seas Monk. 

A Memorial Service was held Monday, July 14 at the Miramar National Cemetery.