March 16, 2018
Former Navy linebacker Caleb King ('12) was one of two naval aviators that were killed Wednesday when the F/A-18F Super Hornet they were in crashed into shallow water at Naval Air Station Key West. The other aviator was identified as Lt. Cmdr. James Brice Johnson, a 2007 graduate of the Air Force Academy. Both pilots were assigned to the Blacklions of Strike Fighter Squadron Two One Three, based at Naval Air Station Oceana and assigned to Carrier Air Wing Eight.
"Our hearts and deepest condolences go out to the entire King family," said Navy head football coach Ken Niumatalolo. "We lost a dear brother and warrior. The entire Navy Football Brotherhood mourns the passing of a great American. We love you Caleb!"
"The entire Blacklion Family is grieving the loss of two great Americans. Lt. Cmdr. Johnson and Lt. King were phenomenal young men, exceptional naval aviators, and were living models of what honor, courage and commitment really mean," said VFA-213's commanding officer, Cmdr. Kevin Robb.
King was a three-year letterwinner for the Mids on teams that went 32-20 over his four years. Navy won two Commander-In-Chief's Trophies, went 4-0 against Army, appeared in three bowl games and won a bowl game over King's four years. He played in 38 career games, making six starts, and recorded 61 career tackles. He had his only career interception as a senior against Rutgers.
