Gerald C. Havens

Gerald C. Havens, 74, died on September 17, 2021 in his home, with his family by his side.  Aviation Storekeeper Master Chief Petty Officer Gerald “Jerry” Havens was a native of Rome, New York.  He graduated from Rome Free Academy in June of 1964 and joined the US Navy in July the same year.  Attending Naval Training Center (NTC) in Great Lakes, Illinois he went on to attend Aviation Storekeeper “A” school at the Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) in Memphis, Tennessee.  Upon graduation he reported to USS Mars (AFS-1), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. This started his career long affiliation with the country of Japan.  He next served with Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron ONE (VQ-1) and Commander Fleet Air Western Pacific (COMFAIRWESTPAC) Command, both in Atsugi, Japan.  As a First Class Petty Officer he transferred to Naval Air Station, (NAS) Memphis, Tennessee where he spent five years and then transferred to the USS Guam (LPH-9) out of Norfolk, Virginia followed by a duty assignment to Commander Tactical Support Wing ONE (CTSW-1), also in Norfolk.  He transferred back to Japan, where he joined the crew of the USS Midway (CV-41), then a quick trip back to Memphis where he attended Human Resource Management Specialist School, with his subsequent tour of duty being with the Human Resource Management Center (HRMC), in Yokosuka, Japan.   From there he went to Commander Air Anti Submarine Wing ONE (CVSW-1) in Cecil Field, Florida and then returned to the USS Midway serving with Commander Carrier Air Wing FIVE (CVW-5).  Jerry’s next tour was as the Command Master Chief of Naval Communications Station (NAVCOMMSTA) in Yokosuka, Japan, and finally to his last Navy tour as Command Master Chief of Fighter Squadron 21 (VF-21) aboard the USS Independence (CV-62), from which he honorably retired.  Command Master Chief Havens completed 29 years of active duty service, with constructive time included amounting to a grand total of 30 years, 3 months, and 4 days of Naval service to our great Country. AKCM CM Havens was awarded the following medals and ribbons during his illustrious military career:

Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Three Awards), Navy Unit Commendations (Two Awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation (Two Awards), Battle “E”, Good Conduct Medal (Seven Awards), Navy Expeditionary Medal (Three Awards), National Defense Service Medal (Two Awards), Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (Two Awards), Vietnam Service Medal (With Seven Campaign Stars), Southwest Asia Service Medal (Two Awards), Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (Six Awards), Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon (Six Awards), Vietnam Cross of Gallantry (With Palm and Frame for Unit Citation), and the Vietnam Campaign Medal (With Service Period Device).

Jerry commenced his second career in civil service, working in Family Programs for the Navy and for the Army, from which he retired on March 30, 2015, having accumulated 52 years of military and civilian service, the majority of which was in Japan. Throughout his civil service career Jerry received numerous awards such as the Commander’s Award for Civilian Service Medal from the Department of the Army and the Meritorious Civilian Service Medal from the Department of the Navy but his most valued award was the Civilian of the Year Award he received from the Fleet Family Support Center (FFSC) in Sasebo, Japan.

To everyone that knew Jerry Havens he was undeniably an extraordinary man. An individual who excelled in both his military and civilian careers. As a former Fleet Family Support Center employee, he welcomed families arriving in Japan and helped them adjust to overseas living. Jerry was there to welcome them with a warm smile and put them at ease as they transitioned to life in Japan. He always made sure they were well taken care of and even had his own column in the weekly newspapers in Atsugi and Sasebo called “Living in Japan”.  Jerry wrote about different Japanese traditions and events for those who were adjusting to their new life overseas.  It helped connect and show comfort to those who have come and gone with the military lifestyle. He loved to help others as it was his true calling and passion and was always ready to volunteer around the community if anything was needed.

Jerry was an old-fashioned man with old fashioned values who enjoyed the simpler things in life. He was a very well-spoken individual who had a certain warmth about him that drew people towards him. He had a presence that would light up a room whenever he walked in. He was loved and welcomed by everyone, always showing others what it was to be a kindhearted person. A gentleman you could look up to, call a husband, a father, a grandfather, a friend, a shipmate, and even a hero. If you knew Jerry, then you knew his wife Rose. They were an inseparable couple that were always on the move, and if you saw one the other was not far behind. From traveling around the world, to volunteering with diverse groups in the base community, they were always together. Rose was the flame that always made Jerry feel young and alive.  When they were together, they were invincible.  Hand in hand taking on whatever life challenges came their way, they were truly made for one another, complimenting each other perfectly.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 33 years, Rose Gutierrez, originally of Pinabacdao, Samar in the Philippines.  Jerry is also survived by his three wonderful kids, two from his first marriage to Akemi Hosaka, and one from his beloved wife Rose Gutierrez. His oldest, Howard James Havens, a father of five is an incredibly talented and entertaining individual who always brings laughter and amusement and takes care of those around him. He currently lives in Nagoya, Japan with his family.  Maria Dorine Piekarski is a very caring and considerate individual, always rising to any occasion showing no signs of weakness.  She is a loving mother of five and recently became a grandmother.  She currently lives in Dumfries, Virginia.  His youngest daughter, Maria Estela Huddleston, was just recently married in May, where Jerry was able to walk her down the aisle and give her away. She is a very kindhearted and creative individual, regularly helping others and offering advice when needed. She currently lives in San Antonio, Texas. Even though Jerry’s list of accomplishments could fill an entire book his main achievement in life was his children.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Howard Havens, mother, Dorothy Havens, sister, Phyllis Krombach, all of Rome, New York and is survived by his brother, Jimmy, his wife, Rose, his three children, ten grandchildren, one great-grandson, and many nieces and nephews. Jerry also had a couple of Shih Tzus named Furby (at separate times of course).

Master Chief Petty Officer Gerald “Jerry” Havens, as you disembark from us, we will remember your love as it leaves lifelong memories behind. While death may leave heartache on everyone you have touched you will always be remembered as hero to many.  As we all give you your finale salute, we wish you peace and love on your journey to the stars.