Captain Roland Michael "Mike" Franklin, U.S. Navy (retired), died on February 17, 2021. Franklin lived a fulfilling life as a U.S. Navy fighter pilot, son, brother, husband, father, and grandfather. He loved flying fighter jets, spending time at the beach, watching University of Alabama football, and listening to music.
Mike Franklin was born on June 1, 1950, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and was the eldest of three. He graduated from Jacksonville High School in Jacksonville, Alabama in 1968, became a United States Naval Academy graduate in 1972, and earned his Masters of Science (Mathematics) from the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California in 1973. He went on to serve in the U.S. Navy spending many of his years there as a F-14 fighter pilot. “Mikey” was his call sign which he carried forward into one of his most favorite roles of his lifetime – grandfather. He was affectionately referred to as “GrandDaddy Mikey” by his granddaughter and signed all his communications with her with “YLGDM” which means “Your Loving GrandDaddy Mikey.”
While in the U.S. Navy, he served in various leadership roles, but he loved flying the fighter jets most. Early in his career, he was cited for his heroism in aerial flights while serving with Fighter Squadron 102 with the USS America. His squadron was assigned combat air patrol during Freedom of Navigation operations in the Gulf of Sidra. During one mission, Franklin’s airplane was fired upon, which later became known as the first known SA-5 surface-to-air missile launch against U.S. Forces off the coast of Libya. He successfully detected and avoided the missiles. Days later, he participated in a joint services night strike on Tripoli, Libya – an enemy that was numerically stronger. His aircraft served as a decoy and helped ensure that the strike group was able to successfully place their ordnance on target and exit safely. These efforts led to Franklin receiving two Navy Commendation Medals. Although much of his career was spent in Virginia Beach, Virginia, he ultimately retired out of Point Mugu Naval Air Station in 2000 after serving over 28 years.
Franklin married Nancy Manar on July 21, 1973 after a brief courtship, much of which was spent in a long-distance relationship. In 2020, they celebrated their 47th wedding anniversary in Destin, Florida, one of their favorite places to be. Together, they had two children and one granddaughter. The Franklins moved seven times throughout their Navy life and ultimately retired in Birmingham, Alabama. Following retirement from the U.S. Navy, Franklin worked for Accenture until 2006.
Retirement from the U.S Navy came just as their two children were finishing up their college years at the University of Alabama and although the University was not Franklin’s alma mater, he was committed to supporting Alabama’s football team. He was a season ticket holder and known to travel to games across the country.
Franklin is survived by his wife, Nancy Manar Franklin; son, J.E.B. Michael Franklin; daughter, Quinn Manar Franklin; granddaughter, Susanna Lane Franklin Fegen; and sister, Rhonda Franklin Harrison (John). He was predeceased by his father, Betrum Eugene Franklin; mother, Mary Nell Franklin; and brother, John "Butch" Mark Franklin.
In support of his wishes, Franklin’s life will be honored privately with immediate family.
Please consider gifts, with the designation "In Memory of Roland Michael 'Mike' Franklin," to the USNA’s Class of 1972 project via https://www.usna.com/give or www.bit.ly/72AAFpledge.
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