Member of Very First U.S. Navy Seal Team Buried In Molino Friday

March 9, 2008

An original member of the elite U.S. Navy SEALs was laid to rest Friday in Molino. Chief Petty Officer James R. Perkins of Molino died February 29 at the age of 77.

Perkins joined the Navy in 1947 and became part of the Navy’s Underwater Demolition Team. When the Sea, Air, Land Team, better known as the SEALs was formed in 1962 by then President John F. Kennedy, Perkins signed up and became an inaugural member of the force.

The U.S. Navy SEALs were established as a small, elite maritime military force to conduct Unconventional Warfare. They carry out the types of clandestine, small-unit, high-impact missions that large forces with high-profile platforms (such as ships, tanks, jets and submarines) cannot. SEALs also conduct essential on-the-ground Special Reconnaissance of critical targets for imminent strikes by larger conventional forces.

Perkins served three tours in Vietnam before retiring in 1970 and moving to Northwest Florida back in 1974.

Jimmy and Bobby Perkins, his two sons, also served in the military. Now four of his grandchildren are serving in the military…three in the Army and one in the Air Force. Another one is a deputy with the Escambia County Sheriff’s Department.

Perkins was laid to rest at the St. Elizabeth Catholic Church on Elizabeth Street in Molino Friday morning. His is survived by his wife Maxine Perkins, two siblings, five children, 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

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Written by William Reynolds · Filed Under News