08/30/2026
We are saddened to share the passing of our long-time member Gene O’ Neal, at 94 years old 🙏
Gene got his start in the US Air Force, which introduced him to his lifelong passion: airplanes. He then earned his A&P at Northrop Institute in Inglewood, CA. His first job as an aircraft mechanic was at American Airlines. There, he worked on airplanes like the Douglas DC-6 — equipped with radial engines, something he’d return to once he retired.
In 1965, he began his 34-year career with McDonnell, soon to be McDonnell-Douglas. He became a field service representative for the company, specializing in the F-4 Phantom II. His career was well-traveled: it included a stint to England with Spey-equipped Royal Navy Phantoms, Vietnam, as well as Atsugi, Japan, where he was the company’s Far East Tech Rep.
His passion next led him to his involvement with designing the new F-18 Hornet. His mechanical expertise proved invaluable for the team when designing the airplane for maintainability in mind. He witnessed the first flight of the Hornet, and was the tech rep chosen to accompany the first deployment of the new multirole fighter, aboard the USS America.
Retiring in 1999, Gene’s journey then took him to the warbird world. He volunteered at our Wing for decades, and held multiple staff positions. He was also involved with B-29 “FIFI,” and helped restore B-29 “Doc,” both of which he toured with.
Gene remained a source of wisdom, expertise, and inspiration right up to the very end. He’d come out to the Wing on his own and still volunteer with us. He’d set up a booth at our airshow, to inspire others to become aircraft mechanics. His passion was infectious — when we’d have a Super Hornet parked on our ramp for the airshow, he’d jump into action excitedly describing all the improvements from the legacy Hornet!
From all of us at the CAF So Cal Wing, we’re going to miss you. Blue skies and tailwinds to a friend, mentor, grandpa, and more. To Gene’s friends and family, please accept our sincerest condolences. 💐
