PO2 David E. Dake, U.S. Navy
April 14, 1993 – July 4, 2017
David was raised in Ranburne, Alabama, and graduated from Ranburne High School in 2012, where he played football and excelled in math. Active and hardworking, he spent much of his time outdoors—swimming, playing sports, and tackling various projects around the house. He was hoping to attend college on a football scholarship, get a teaching credential, and return to teach math and coach in his hometown. When he learned he was going to be a father, David’s priorities shifted. Determined to provide for his family, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in October 2012, motivated by a deep desire to be a loving and dependable husband and father.
After completing boot camp at Naval Station Great Lakes, he changed his job from diver to aircraft mechanic. He was briefly stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola before transferring to NAS Jacksonville, Florida. From November 2015 to July 2016, he deployed to the Persian Gulf with Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 72—the Proud Warriors. David was respected not only for his technical skill but also for his generosity, always supporting his fellow sailors. Planning to make the Navy his career, he began college courses with the goal of becoming an officer. In the summer of 2017, he received orders to transfer to Whidbey Island, Washington.
On July 4, 2017, David was killed in an automobile accident in Jacksonville, Florida. His legacy lives on through his wife, Darcie; his daughters, Emmalyn and Kali; and his extended family, friends, and fellow sailors.
