Honoring Our Veterans

Chief Charles William “Bill” Ernst lives a life defined by curiosity, service, resilience, and gratitude. His Navy journey began in 1960, shortly after graduating high school in Buffalo, NY, when he and a friend jokingly said, “Let’s join the Navy tomorrow.” The next day, they did. Bill entered the Navy as an aircraft mechanic, beginning a remarkable 24-year career in aviation. He served as an Aviation Machinist Mate and later became a Flight Engineer, logging more than 6,000 flight hours aboard Navy transport aircraft. During the Vietnam era, he traveled the world, visiting places including Japan, the Philippines, and Hong Kong. He completed two eight-month WestPac deployments aboard the USS Yorktown and USS Bennington. Bill proudly achieved the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He faced the challenges of military aviation—including engine failures and demanding missions—with professionalism, skill, and calm determination. He worked on numerous aircraft at stations including Willow Grove, Jacksonville, Pensacola, Memphis, and Alameda, with the C-118 being his favorite. After retiring from the Navy in 1986, Bill continued working as an aircraft mechanic and later with the TSA. Eventually settling in Tucson with his life partner Janis. He enjoys life, his cars, and the music of the Rolling Stones. Looking back on 85 years, Bill still considers himself fortunate. He embraces life’s lessons, appreciates his experiences, and will leave behind a legacy of service, humility, adventure, and a life well lived. If you want a smile, ask him about what his mother thought of his Austin Healy.