Jeffrey Lawrence Aswegan

He was born on November 22, 1952 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He graduated from Highland Park Senior High School, St. Paul, Minnesota and attended University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California where he received a certificate in Cinema Production.

Jeff made the U.S. Navy his career and served with distinction for 31 years. While attached to the illustrious Combat Camera Group (CCG and later renamed the Pacific Fleet Audio Visual Command PFAVC) based at Naval Station Coronado, Jeff spent 19 years as a motion picture cameraman, director and crew chief. In the early 1970’s as the Vietnam War was winding down, Jeff participated in Operation Frequent Wind which documented the evacuation of Vietnam during the fall of Saigon. During an intense 24-hour period, approximately 71 helicopters flew more than 660 sorties from various U.S. Navy ships and evacuated over 7,000 people. During that fateful day, Jeff shot an emotional photo depicting a Navy ship full of newly rescued refugees which was printed in newspapers and magazines around the world.

Jeff was also honored to be a videographer and crew chief on many assignments that the Navy handled for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). This included documenting many of the Space Shuttle launches and landings as well as technical photography during NASA’s testing of the Manned Maneuvering Unit which Jeff got to “fly”.

Jeff continued his career success with top leadership assignments. Jeff served as Regional Command Master Chief for Commander, Naval Base San Diego. Next, he went back to sea duty as Command Master Chief, Carrier Air Wing Fourteen (CVW-14), Naval Base Coronado. The “Fighting Fourteen” participated in Operation Southern Watch and Operation Desert Strike during the Iraq War in high tempo operations supporting U.S. foreign policy goals. He capped off his Navy career as the Command Master Chief of Naval Base Coronado.

Following his retirement from Naval service, Jeff entered the civilian world. He held management positions with Sullivan International Group, Inc. and Chugach McKinley, Inc. Then he seized the opportunity to return back to his roots at Naval Base Coronado where he served as the Manager of the Naval Base Coronado Auto Skills/Outdoor Storage/Car Wash facilities (under the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department-MWR). Jeff spent the next 13 years providing MWR’s services to sailors and their families.

Jeff bid farewell to his responsibilities at Naval Base Coronado and returned home full-time to finally tend to his retirement. Although he spent the last 4 years of his life getting various cardiac related surgeries, he enjoyed the recovery process and homelife never losing his zest for life. His hobbies included radio-controlled cars and he was also the proud owner of a 2000 Roush Mustang. He loved the supercharged 4.6L V8 pushing 350hp, 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, the swanky Roush leather interior, and driving his baby to various car shows throughout San Diego. He loved hearing about the many accomplishments and adventures of his grandchildren and we enjoyed the luxury of being able to have long, uninterrupted conversations about everything and nothing with many side dishes of humor, jokes, cat videos (inspired by his beloved cat, Arthur) and silliness.

Jeff is preceded in death by his parents, Edsel Aswegan(father), Ruth Aswegan(mother) and brother Jared Aswegan. He is survived by Sharon Aswegan(wife), Erica Stevenson(daughter), Russ Stevenson(son-in-law), Summer Stevenson(granddaughter), Trevor Stevenson(grandson), Travis Stevenson(grandson), Jim Aswegan(brother), Sonia Aswegan(sister-in-law), Jon Aswegan(brother), Susan Aswegan(sister-in-law), Colin Aswegan(nephew), KC(niece-in-law), grandnephews and nieces, Luke, Kylie, Connor and Claire, and Aaron Aswegan (nephew). Jeff was a gentle giant who made a great impact on everyone’s lives that he touched. All who knew Jeff will not only mourn his passing, but fondly remember his humor and fighting spirit.