From the sea to the sky... And now beyond.

Famed spacecraft designer and pioneer Max Faget has died.

While others have covered his contributions to space flight, I'd like to cover other elements of his career, ones no less important. Max Faget is member of a generation rapidly slipping these surly bonds... He served in WWII as an officer in the Submarine Service, which brought the forces of Japan to their knees. He, and thousands more like him, not only contributed incalculably to winning the war, but forged the traditions that shape the Service even today.

Lord God, our power evermore,
Whose arm doth reach the ocean floor,
Dive with our men beneath the sea;
Traverse the depths protectively.
O hear us when we pray, and keep
Them safe from peril in the deep.

From the Navy Hymn.