Raul Hernandez

Raul Hernandez, U.S. Navy-Retired, age 90, peacefully entered into eternal rest on July 11, 2023.  He was born in Laredo, Texas on June 9, 1933 to Gabino and Sofia Hernandez.

After graduating from Martin High School, he enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 22.  He served our country for more than 20 years.  During his tours of duty, he was stationed at several ports around the world and served on several important Navy carriers. He began his service at the (former) Hickman Air Force Base in Hawaii.

He was later assigned as an Arresting Gear Operator on the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Oriskany (CV-34), the Mighty 0, in Point McGee, CA. The U.S.S. Oriskany was the third U.S. Navy ship to bear the name, and was named for the Revolutionary War Battle of Oriskany in New York in 1777. The U.S.S. Oriskany aircraft carrier served with the U.S. Seventh Fleet as part of the United Nations Task Force. Hernandez served on the U.S.S.Oriskany from 1961 to 1962. Another distinguished navy man who served on the U.S.S.Oriskany was the late U.S. Congressman John McCain.

In April of 1962, Hernandez was transferred to Naval Air Station Cubi Point in Subic Bay, Philippines and in April 1964 transferred to the N.A.S in Kingsville, TX. His next tour stop included the N.A.S. in Miramar, CA. and the N.A.S. China Lake, in Practico, CA.  In 1969 he was transferred to the U.S. Naval Air Facility Atsugi, now a joint Japan-U.S. naval air base located in the cities of Yamato and Ayase in Kanagawa, Japan. Hernandez later served at the N.A.S. in Danang, Vietnam with the Squadron 92 on board the U.S.S. Midway. From 1971 to 1975 he was assigned back to the N.A.S., Squadron  BF121 in Miramar, CA.  After his return to Laredo, he was employed by Barker Aeromotive, until his retirement.

He enjoyed watching detective and mystery programs, history channels, as well as Mexican soap operas.  In addition, he loved keeping up with the Dallas Cowboys and San Antonio Spurs.   He kept himself active doing home maintenance, mostly painting, and yard upkeep.

Hernandez was described by family and friends as an easygoing and friendly man who was quick to offer help to anyone who needed it.  When relaxing at home on the weekends, he enjoyed making barbecue with all the trimmings.