Aye, Aye Captain(s)!
Jacobsens come to the Glade after decorated Navy careers
By JIM ARBER
For The Vista
Two retired Navy Captains invaded the Glade recently.
Their names are Scott and Mary K. Jacobsen and they moved in permanently in September of this year after an extensive renovation of their newly-purchased residence.
Retired Navy Captains, Scott “Shakey” Jacobsen and his wife, Mary K. Jacobsen, qualify as those that have uncommon and yes, courageous and important backgrounds. I can prove it but their stories are intricate. Life in the military usually is.
Mary K. was born an Illini in DeKalb, Illinois and attended University of Illinois obtaining her Bachelors Degree in Nursing. She then obtained her Masters Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh. After all that training, she worked as a Nurse Practitioner and taught in a nursing program at a local community college. Then, Mary K. shifted gears, maybe it was Providence. She became intrigued with the Navy when recruiters began visiting some of her students. The phrase, “Why not me” surfaced and started to resonate.
At 38, Mary started a new life. Literally, a brand new Navy life that lasted 22 years in the Navy but continues now into her retirement in the Glade with loving husband, retired CAPT. Scott Jacobsen.
Along the way they had some unique experiences. But first to her encounter with the dashing fighter pilot, “Shakey”. Mary was attending what could be described as a tribute to Navy pilots. Maybe more like an extended happy hour at the Newport, RI officers club. Apparently it was love at first sight (something like that.) It was a gala affair with a great deal of patriotic celebrating. One totally unconfirmed rumor had a number of carrier based aviators practicing carrier landings on the dinner table. Surely not.
Prior to this, Scott was well into his Naval Aviator career. He was designated a Naval Aviator in 1971 and received orders to the VA-125 “Rough Riders” in LeMoore CA to train as Light Attack pilot in the A-7 Corsair. From there, it was a succession of “interesting” assignments as a carrier- based pilot on the USS Midway in Yokosuka, Japan; stateside to the VA-174 “Hellrazorsisers,” and on to the USS Saratoga and USS Forrestal where he flew with the VA-105 Gunslingers and the VA-37 “Bulls”. He served as the 19th Commanding Officer of the Bulls, winning the Battle “E” and Safety “S”.
He commenced a year of graduate studies at the Naval War College in 1990 and was awarded two Master of Arts degrees in Strategic Policy and International Relations.
Scott and Mary were together for a spell but not long as as Scott got transferred to Italy with the NATO planning staff.
Mary got deployed to Guantanamo Bay where she was part of the humanitarian effort providing health care for refugees trying to escape from Haiti. Mary quickly adapted to “Tent Medicine” doing exams with patients on a cot and a flashlight as the only light source. As a follow up assignment she was the first Nurse Practitioner onboard a Navy carrier, the USS Forrestal (AVT 59).
After a short transatlantic courtship, (he, in Italy, and her now in Jacksonville), they got married when he returned stateside. They didn’t remain long stateside as Scott’s next assignment was as Defense Attache to Greece. Mary was able to transfer to the Navy Reserve at that time which allowed her to accompany “Shakey” to Greece. It was a wonderful two years in Athens. Ya think?
Scott retired from the Navy after the assignment in Athens. Mary did not. She picked up an assignment at Navy Central Forces Command Force Surgeon’s staff, with rear headquarters in Tampa. This resulted in a forward deployment to Bahrain.
She served as Deputy Force Surgeon to the active duty Surgeon and Deputy Surgeon. During one of her assignments as Deputy Force Surgeon, she commanded rescue operations during the crash of Gulf Air Flight 72.
Then came 9/11 and another assignment in Washington, D.C., to serve as Medical Policy Advisor to the Chief of Navy Reserve.
During her last two years she served as the Executive Officer of the Navy’s wounded warrior program, Navy Safe Harbor. She was instrumental in accelerating the Program coast-to-coast to include expanding medical and psychiatric care as well as non-medical support to Sailors, Coast Guardsmen, and their families. Mary became known for her ability to “Kick down fences.” Just ask Scott.
Personal decorations awarded to Mary and Scott were extensive and a complete list would be far too long to list here. What sounds like their most heroic acheivements must include Mary’s stint in Haiti and “Tent Medicine.”
For sure Scott’s most harrowing service came as carrier pilot. He accumulated over 4,000 mishap free flight hours in Navy Tactical aircraft with more than 1,000 Carrier Arrested landings. Many of them at night. (Whew)
So … there you have it. You should be aware that this is an extremely simplified and incomplete rendition of their life prior to the Glade.
Welcome aboard Scott and Mary. We thank you for your service and are most happy you chose The Glade as your home base.
Jim Arber is a freelancer living in Cumberland County. He can be reached with comments and ideas for future articles at: [email protected]