12/26/74-10/26/96
Paul J Stock, III (or PJ as he was known to family and friends) was born 12/26/1974 in St. Petersburg, Florida. He split his growing up years between Florida and Kansas. At the age of 12 he fell in love with jets and after seeing the movie Top Gun he exclaimed, “I’m going to do that someday!”
He has three younger siblings. His sister Christina lives in Waco, TX with her family, a brother Anthony who served 14 years in the US Army, 1st Cav, including tours to Iraq and Bosnia, and a sister Jennifer who is a middle school science teacher.
Anthony and Jennifer reside in Phoenix, AZ. Paul’s mother, Carla, lives in Ft. Worth and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force having served during the Vietnam Era. Paul’s father, Joseph (now deceased) also served in the U.S. Air Force.
Paul’s grandfather, Carl, lives in Belton, MO and is a retired Senior Master Sergeant with the U.S. Air Force. Our family is largely military with all branches represented.
After Paul attended one semester of community college in Kansas, he elected to enter the US Navy. His aptitude scores allowed him to enter the prestigious nuclear school for service on a submarine. While he could have excelled at this, his love was flying so he opted for machinist school in Memphis, TN with his plan to eventually separate from the NCO ranks, finish his college degree so he could apply for OCS/Top Gun School.
His first duty station was Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia Beach, VA. There he served on both the USS John Stennis and the USS John F Kennedy (which included a North Atlantic goodwill tour to England and Ireland). His words to his mother upon returning to home port in Virginia and stepping off the Kennedy was, “Just you watch and see, I’m gonna fly a F-14 off her one day.”
But that day never came.
Paul began applying for a military college separation program with accompanying ROTC while stationed in Tennessee and was told repeatedly he had to fulfill the required 4 years before approval in that program. (Never was a Navy seaman NCO allowed permission for separation of duty station to attend college before 4 years served. Paul challenged this requirement on a monthly basis, determined to finish a college degree and then petition for admission to OCS and coveted Top Gun school).
However, Paul’s work ethic, multiple achievement awards and tenacity caught the attention of his senior supervisors and the Naval base Admiral in Virginia. His military records went before the Naval Board and approval was granted with only 2 years active duty.
At the time of the request hearing and decision Paul was on temporary assignment to Reno, NV and was to find out his approval was granted when he arrived back at his home base. Before he could fly home, he was killed in a vehicular accident on 10/26/1996.
His rank was increased to Petty Officer 3rd Class posthumously on Nov 21, 1996.
A note from Paul’s mother Carla Wicks:
My son knew he always wanted to fly F-14’S from his first watch of Top Gun. He was 14 years old. When his aptitude scores qualified for Nuclear School, he turned that down to pursue Navy training with Top Gun School in his sights. While only enlisted for several months, he began to petition the Navy for out-processing to finish his college degree and return to the ranks commissioned. He was determined and constantly requesting this departure for school, not awarded until 4 years served.
Paul had achieved some very high awards in his first years and while away at temporary duty his CO and the board agreed they would allow him to return to college after only serving 2 years.
He was to be given his signed paperwork upon return to his permanent duty station.
He never knew all he dreamed about and persevered to accomplish was about to be achieved because the night before his flight he was killed in a vehicular accident where the driver of the car fell asleep. These fatalities are the most difficult.
I am proud of the time he spent in the Navy and he was admired by all who knew him.
Endnote
AMS3 – Aviation Structural Mechanic (Structures)
Duties included:
- Airframe repair (fuselage, wings, stabilizers)
- Hydraulic system maintenance
- Landing gear and flight‑control rigging
- Corrosion control and preservation
- Composite and metal structural repair
- Daily, preflight, and post‑flight inspections
This directly supports aircraft safety and mission readiness.
Leadership Role as a PO3
As a Petty Officer Third Class, PJ Stock was a junior NCO responsible for:
- Training and supervising E‑1 to E‑3 sailors
- Leading maintenance tasks and work center operations
- Maintaining technical logs, records, and inspection documentation
- Supporting flight operations, launches, and recoveries
- Upholding Navy standards of conduct and professionalism
This reflects the true expectations of a PO3 in Naval Aviation
Work Environment
AMS3 sailors typically serve in:
- Aircraft squadrons
- Carrier Air Wings
- Aircraft carriers and amphibious ships
- Naval Air Stations
They work in demanding environments such as:
- Flight lines
- Hangars
- Flight decks
- Maintenance shops
Petty Officer Third Class Paul J. “PJ” Stock, III honorably served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic (Structures), designated AMS3. In this role, he ensured the structural integrity, hydraulic reliability, and flight‑control safety of naval aircraft.
As a junior non-commissioned officer, he trained and supervised junior sailors, supported flight operations, and upheld the highest standards of Naval Aviation maintenance. His service reflects technical excellence, leadership, and dedication to the mission of the United States Navy.
TOPGUN Selection
Before his passing, Petty Officer Third Class Paul J. “PJ” Stock, III had been selected to attend advanced training associated with the Navy’s elite TOPGUN program. This recognition reflected his exceptional skill as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, his professionalism, and the trust placed in him by his command.
Only the most capable and dedicated sailors are considered for TOPGUN-level training, and Paul’s selection stands as a testament to his talent, work ethic, and commitment to Naval Aviation.
Legacy
Paul Joseph “PJ” Stock, III’s legacy is one of loyalty, heart, and quiet strength. From his earliest years, he carried a deep sense of responsibility to the people around him — a trait that naturally led him to serve his country in the United States Navy. As an Aviation Structural Mechanic, PJ brought discipline, skill, and pride to his work, contributing to the safety and readiness of the aircraft and crews who depended on him.
His life, though far too short, left a lasting imprint on everyone who knew him. PJ was remembered for his humor, his kindness, and the way he could make others feel seen and valued. His service reflects the courage of a young man willing to step forward, learn a demanding trade, and give his best to something larger than himself.
The loss of “PJ” in 1996 forever changed the lives of his family — especially his mother, Carla Wicks, whose journey as a Gold Star Mother continues to honor his memory. Through her advocacy, her writing, and her unwavering love, PJ’s story lives on, touching others and reminding the world of the sacrifices made by those who serve.
His legacy endures in the hearts of his family, in the pride of his Navy brothers and sisters, and in the enduring truth that a life lived with courage and kindness never fades.
His memory stands as a testament to service, sacrifice, and the enduring bond between a mother and her son.
This is the legacy of Paul J. Stock, III:
A sailor who served with pride.
A son who loved deeply.
A man whose life continues to inspire.
And a name carried forward with honor.