It is with deep sadness that we report that our classmate Steve McInerney passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 18th.

“Mac” came to Amherst in the fall of 1978 from McAteer High School in San Francisco. Sporting wide bell bottom corduroy pants, a puka shell necklace and long flowing red hair, he looked like a peace protester from a decade before. It was only a matter of time before someone would nickname him “Groovy.” He went on to become a heroic US Navy aviator, retiring as a Captain after 27 years in a stellar career distinguished by both valor and humility.

For Mac, life was all about adventure, experience, commitment and character. He came to Amherst to see the East Coast. A political science major, he loved to read and learn and had a love of country and determination for a life of service. Gifted with self-effacing wit, Mac could modestly keep a crowd captivated with his analysis and humor in the tradition of an Irish seanchai. A classic example was his explanation for choosing his profession at a career panel during our 25th reunion: “After Amherst, I worked as a bouncer for a few months in Cambridge and then solo backpacked through Europe where I ended up on a kibbutz for six months … and that’s how I became a Navy pilot.”His success as a pilot was helped by his athleticism, eagle eyesight, tremendous eye-hand coordination, and a measured penchant for risk.

While Mac excelled in every stint in his Navy career, he wasn’t concerned about “hitting the wickets” for optimal officer advancement. The Navy needed helicopter pilots during his flight school class, so Mac was assigned to flying CH-46’s based in Guam. But he wanted to fly jets so he requested a return to flight school and started flying EA6’s, the Navy’s electronic warfare jet at the time. The Navy upgraded their electronic platform to F18’s where Mac demonstrated his leadership and technical abilities and was tasked with establishing the training and systems protocols for all of the Navy’s 15 electronic squadrons. Not surprisingly, the Navy continued to assign more demanding command positions, and it was really the last 10 years of his career when Mac served in upper administrative roles where his full value as a leader was realized.

Over the past 30 years, Mac was involved in many of the military engagements that supported US foreign policy, including the opening strikes over Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom and leading an air wing in combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. His valor was outdone only by his modesty. Mac never once mentioned to any of us at our annual gatherings that he had earned a Legion of Merit for exceptional meritorious service as CAG (Commander Air Group); not one but two Bronze Stars for valor; multiple other medals for meritorious service; and commendation and achievement awards for outstanding performance. Aside from his individual accomplishments, it was Mac’s moral leadership and example that helped change the Navy air wing culture to become more tolerant, inclusive and ultimately more effective. He was widely hailed by his troops for his leadership style, intelligence and quality of character.

Two incidents stand out that highlight Mac’s humanitarianism. While serving aboard USS Carl Vinson in January 2010 as the Commander, Carrier Air Wing Seventeen, the U.S. Navy responded to the Haiti earthquake in less than eight hours. Mac’s experience in helicopters was instrumental in coordinating the complex disaster response operations with a myriad of diverse organizations. He led the Navy’s response effort as Senior Navy Liaison Officer getting interviewed on CNN for “Operation Unified Response.” The second was observing the proper burial rites for Osama bin Laden on May 3, 2011. As the CAG attached to the USS Vinson, Mac was one of the most senior officers aboard to see that Muslim religious rites were performed followed by burial in the North Arabian Sea within 24 hours of bin Laden’s death.

Offered Admiral rank, Mac declined flag command and retired from the Navy in 2011. The commitment of command and pace of Navy deployments had caused him to miss many things at home, and Mac was determined to make up for lost time with his kids. His greatest joy was to see them grow up to be accomplished and kind. The Navy did come calling a few years later asking him to help lead (in a civilian role) a $2B strategic program to train the Australian Navy in the use and deployment of their EA-18G squadrons. This was a testament to the deep respect the Navy had for his management and performance.

Following his relocation from Washington to Maryland last year, Mac seemed to blossom. He was spending time with his kids, and his work with the Aussies had transitioned into interesting (but manageable) strategic work rather than operational problem solving. And his body had mostly recovered from the physical abuse it had taken as an aviator and 24-hour-a-day leader.

A group of 18 of Mac’s classmates has been sharing a weekly Zoom call to stay connected during this COVID crisis. Mac would usually start his “check-in” for the call by saying he considered himself the “luckiest SOB on the planet.”After the killing of George Floyd, the group started having weekly readings and a discussion on race led by group member (and Amherst Professor) Allen Hart. Mac approached the issue with the same fervor and intensity that characterized his intellectual adventurism, reading all the material and participating in active protest in support of the Black community, consistent with the moral leadership he provided in the Navy. In the weeks prior to his death — on the way home from a mid-day visit with his son Daniel in DC — Mac had participated in a number of Black Lives Matter protests to help make this country a better place.

When catching up with classmates, people often ask us, “With whom do you keep in contact?” We then each typically recite a list, and invariably, when Mac is mentioned, the questioner would smile, remember something about him and say, “So how is Mac?” Until that fateful day in July, it was wonderful to share that he was doing very well indeed.

PS When posting this, at the bottom it asked me to illustrate the story with a picture or song. I remembered the following email, which Stephen sent me in 2015. I was reporting in from a trip to Italy with friend Dave Horton. I had shared that since Dave had rented the car I would be co-pilot/navigator for the trip. Mac replied:

Kings of Leon. All day. Every day.

Sent from my iPhone

So, Kings of Leon it is!

I will always remember Mac for his laid back easy-going manner. To some, Steve’s reserved persona and initial impression could be perceived as guarded or being somewhat introverted. But as a realist, Mac carefully held his judgement about most anything until he felt comfortable with you or whatever he was dealing with. Once he discerned your sincerity in conjunction with time honored loyalty you became a true friend for all eternity.

Additionally, Steve could purposefully exhibit a serious look and demeanor when need be. Yet thankfully we all have come to realize that trivial deceptive exterior perceptions did not mask the real beseeching innermost qualities of a man we happily got to know over time. By doing so, this same learned Navy officer came to be dearly loved, admired, and respected for all he intently stood for.

To imply that our Captain masqueraded as some garden variety history buff does not give any real credence to the avid historian he really was. Mac could not just read volumes of military and world histories, but had the unique ability to carefully extrapolate some correlating significance to topical national/international developments of today. I found this to be remarkable.

Mac schooled me three or four times over the years while discussing a commonly known rebellion, epic battle, or most notable conquest. All of which I thought I knew most adequately beforehand. So much for being a smarty pants… Each time Steve graciously broke things down outlining intricate nuances of detail pertaining to the political/religious justifications and the resulting socio-economic consequences thereafter. His recall was almost as if he were there when it actually happened. Mac truly had a sense of history. Reflectively, I became progressively enlightened after each intriguing conversation gleaning a humbling respect for his exceptional depth of historical analysis.

As a revered man of our time Stephen diligently exemplified what it meant to be self-sacrificing.

We all marveled about his career of service which extended to all parts of the globe. And as one of our group recently intimated - how many of us would really have the cullions to step up and undergo the monumental challenges of a military career? To just imagine flying at the speed of sound over a pitch dark vast body of water leading the initial sortie over enemy territory (realizing in the back of your mind), and at any split second you could be instantly taken out by some supersonic missile to me is totally unfathomable. Not only that but thereafter successfully completing your mission you land your plane within a narrow margin of inches to avoid catastrophic injury or unintentional mass destruction. As a commander, Mac did this on a routine basis over his illustrious career without flinching.

A member of our Amherst Group hosted one of our annual long-weekends in New York City. We got to see the Broadway production of Jersey Boys and attended the debut of Citi Field featuring the Mets and Red Sox. As we were out and about one late afternoon the Crew visited the top of the Empire State Building. Unfortunately, it was cloudy and somewhat drizzly. The low cloud cover inhibited our view to see just a few blocks in any direction. It was during one of these special moments I carefully asked Stephen how he was able to fly in such inclement weather. For most everyone maneuvering a jet plane under perfect conditions can be an ordeal in itself. Understandably, before Mac retired he chose his words tactfully regarding any scuttlebutt concerning the military. Since he officially stepped down he was notably less stoic and more forthcoming. Again we were all enamored by this naval officer’s exploits that took him around the world.

On one occasion Steve admonished me in his humbled nonchalant manner that all the years of extensive training and preparation perfected his skills in becoming a flight commander. Mac also noted that his crew was most important element in enhancing a bonded collective, enabling the satisfactory completion of each mission. “The fact is we depended upon each other.” I was awestruck by his candor and steely calm demeanor.

Stephen characterized the many random acts of courage and bravery as if they were no big deal. Sometimes he would be speaking of an incident where I found myself almost mesmerized after describing some feat of remarkable accomplishment that any layperson would never contemplate.

Being a leader of conviction Mac still possessed a lighter side to him. He was deployed at a moment’s notice during the Haitian earthquake relief effort. If my memory serves me correctly, a byproduct of this humanitarian endeavor unveiled an unwilling media darling. Yes, if it is the same man I’m thinking of, our one and only friend from San Francisco did a commendable job of outlining the United States’ preliminary assistance intervention on a national television broadcast. Steve was a standup natural with such warm on-screen presence. Some observers chided him about having that as a second career after the navy.

Typically, Mac could not understand what all the fuss was about. He therefore, as usual, completed the mission at hand and moved on purposefully.

Captain McInerney innately bestowed the virtues of a man with sound character. His many years of unblemished service underscores the resolve attributed to any distinctive military officer. Although atypical, Steve became well-liked both as a civilian and as a commanding officer. Mac seriously administered his command in the same fashion he portrayed himself as a pulverizing player on the rugby field.

But then alternatively Stephen did have a sense of wry humor. Mac could joke and relax with the rest of us quite easily. You knew when he was in his comfort zone if you quickly caught a glimpse his trademark grin and accompanying tepid giggle. Interestingly enough though Steve could be self-deprecating at times as well.

Thankfully, it became so reassuring that after all the years of sacrifice Mac finally reached a happy plateau in life with his semi-retirement underway. Stephen relished the affordable downtime enabling him to travel most recently with Horts and T.C. on a memorable Italian junket. However, more importantly on a personal level Stevy Mac became ingratiated basking in the limelight having to enjoy the glowing achievements of his children. He beamed with pride knowing Daniel and Nicole were crossing the threshold into adulthood. I sincerely believe this brought him the most satisfaction more than anything else. What more could a caring father ask for?

Consequently, as Captain Mac sat in the rear of his abode reflectively gazing out at the Patuxent River, you got the feeling he ultimately sustained an inner peace of tranquility.

There’s something about the gravitas of a slow-moving body of water that transcends the soul of human existence. I am just so glad Stephen was able to experience such internal gratification.

Having been an admired member of the Amherst Crew of eighteen Mac will be missed collectively and individually by all who knew him as a most decent human being. His obligation to duty, honor, and compelling sense of self-sacrifice always preceded him.

One would be in remiss if I/we did not respectfully acknowledge The Republic of California and more notably The Streets of San Francisco for giving us the privilege of being acquainted for with one of their finest for forty two years.

In the wake of his departure perhaps we can reflect upon the superlative values that set Steve apart from common everyday mediocracy. Having said that, most regrettably, Ecclesiastes 9:11 poignantly reminds us that…”Time and unforeseen circumstances befall us all.”

However, rest assured Stephen Mac was an exceptional man who will not be forgotten.

26 July 2020 Francois Logay Hayes Jr. Amherst College Class of 1986

I got to know Mac freshman year at Amherst College back in 1978, first through soccer and then we joined the same fraternity sophomore year.We had so many fun times and laughs for the rest of our college years that the stories are too numerous to recount.Many of the laughs came from Mac’s Irish wit and self-effacing humor from his observations which would typically follow with his patented laugh.He had this marvelous ability to find the inanity in a situation.He was such fun to be with. He could hoot with the owls at night and soar like an eagle in the morning – no wonder he became a naval aviator.

He always was reading regardless whether it was for a course in his political science major; he just had this intellectual curiosity and was interested in learning new things.He was so kindhearted, well liked, and decent that a group of us asked him to room with us junior year but he declined by saying he came “3000 miles to Amherst to widen his scope and grow socially”.We gave him such grief about that which he always took in good nature and it never diminished our friendship because how could you get mad at Mac.

It turns out that as he was meeting new people and “widening his scope” on campus, he was developing the beliefs and moral leadership that became intrinsic in his distinguished Navy career.I read all the encomiastic tributes from his Navy colleagues and couldn’t be more proud of him but certainly not surprised of the respect and admiration for Mac.I know through his example and leadership that the Navy culture has become more inclusive, tolerant and effective.

Mac’s college buddies would get together every year for a long weekend where we would catch up, recount old stories and try to make new history.Some of the highlights of those weekends were the late night stories when Mac would get going and tell us stories of his adventures in defense of our country.Always modest, he would downplay any of his direct accomplishments – I know he accumulated many awards and recognition but it is only now that I learn that he earned a Bronze Star…. Not once, but twice.I salute his valor and service.

At those get-togethers, another quality of Mac that came through was how proud he was of his kids.He would do anything for them and was so pleased of their success.My deepest condolences go to Mac’s family, especially Daniel and Nicole and I hope you can find solace in knowing that your Dad was of the highest character and loved by all who were lucky to know him.

I really enjoyed times with Stephen. He was always upbeat & appreciative of family and friends. And when conversation came around to him he was never braggadocio. With a little more inquiry I would find he had many skills past & present & many interests. For example when he first told me he was in the Navy I asked what he did and he said he was “a pilot.”   Over the years I learned he wasn’t just any pilot , he flew pretty much everything & landed just about everywhere on everything! And he was a decorated Captain & leader. He was very proud of his children & dedicated to beING a good father.
He had a lot more he planned to achieve professionally & personally....and I know he would have been successful in his pursuits. He still had a lot of ambition & drive.I will miss being on sailboat with him and his inquisitive personality about both the San Francisco Bay and the boat.  Glad I got to know you. Your presence is still felt. God speed Stephen Mcinerney.

I’ve only known Mac a few years. We never served together in uniform, but his reputation and character preceded him. We have a few things in common, in particular we were both leaders at VAQ-129 although at different times in our careers. Mac was CO. I was Maintenance MCPO. 

I met Mac on January 16th, 2016, my first day at work on the Australia FMS team. I’ll never forget that look I got when I shook his hand as I was sporting a full and bushy beard. It was precious. I was lost in detail of exactly what to do, but Mac pointed me in the right direction. Our bond grew from there. Him being the Operator and me being the Maintenance guy, we complemented one another very well. 

Over the two years we worked side by side at NAS Whidbey, I learned many things about Mac: his distinguished career, his title as “Mayor of Anacortes,” and his passion for service. I grew to love and respect the guy as the true professional he was. It was pure delight working alongside Mac and with our team as we drew closer to bringing the RAAF to Whidbey to take possession and ownership of their new aircraft. We worked, and it worked all earning high praise for jobs we’ll done!

I left Whidbey and moved to OZ and lost contact with Mac except for the occasional trips he’d make to Amberley. It was humorous hearing his stories of the daily grind hammering out the paths forward with our RAAF friends and allies! His leadership in international relationships was phenomenal. 

I returned to Whidbey to finish my work and was saddened yet happy to learn Mac had picked up and moved to Pax River. I know he had great things to do there but regret I didn’t get to see him when I returned. I know he was missed by Team Whidbey and now everyone else, because he truly was “The luckiest SOB on the planet!”

Fair winds Shipmate! You’re one of a kind and truly missed!