Dennis C. “Jens” Jensen died April 10, 2009, at his home in Oak Harbor, four months after being diagnosed with lung cancer. He was born in Spirit Lake, Iowa, on May 29, 1923, to Dennis C. and Winifred L. (Bone) Jensen. During the depression, Dennis enlisted in the National Guard at age 15 to support himself, since he could find no jobs in the area. He served two years in the Federalized Guard until he was caught at age 17. Jens was honorably discharged and immediately enlisted in the U.S. Navy with two years’ credit. He was trained as a communications technician. Jens was one of several communications staff on duty in Hawaii on Dec. 7, 1941, which sent the flash message on the attack of Pearl Harbor.

Jens served in the battle of Midway, the Aleutians, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, the Philippines and Borneo. During the Battle of Midway, he served with Torpedo Squadron 18. He was sent to Whidbey Island Naval Air Station when it opened and flew aboard PBY’s with VP-45. From Whidbey, he was sent to the Aleutians.

Jens was transferred to a Heavy Bomber Squadron VP-106 and sent to Hutchinson, Kan. He was assigned duty as a Communication/Navigator/Bombardier until the end of the war. He retired following the Korean War. Jens was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and seven Air Medals.

Jens remained in government services and was transferred to the National Security Agency (NSA) and was stationed with the 6th Fleet Atlantic and Admiral Carney’s staff in Japan. While in Japan, he met Keiko and they were married. Jens retired from the Navy in December 1955 as a CTC.

While living in Asia, Jens had his first yacht commissioned. It was a 30-foot Colin Archer. Later he moved up to a 36-foot Cheoy Lee off Shore. He and Kay lived aboard their boats for more than ten years, sailing throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and the south Pacific.

Their travels took them to South Africa for 18 months, where Jens was employed by the South African Merchant Marine. This was before the end of apartheid. It reminded him of some parts of the southern U.S. during the late ‘50s and ‘60s.

Leaving South Africa, Jens and Kay sailed to the Mediterranean and then to Denmark, where they purchased a 1919 Stone Fisherman boat. He and Kay converted the vessel from diesel, back to a sailing boat and sold it. They traveled on to England and purchased yet another boat. They sailed from Gibraltar across the Atlantic and headed to the Virgin Island and on to the states. Kay’s passport had expired and the authorities refused to allow her access to the states. She was finally cleared when proof of military spouse was obtained.

Jens and Kay sailed on to Puerto Rico, where they struck an underwater reef and their vessel capsized and sunk. A helicopter from the Puerto Rico Coast Guard rescued them and their small dog. They lost everything. With the assistance of a member of the rescue team, they borrowed enough money to get them to Panama City, Fla.

They moved up to Mobile, Ala., where Jens was hired as a Senior Coast Guard Radio Operator for WLO. Kay also gained employment at the same facility, working as an abstractor for world wide currency. They retired when Jens reached 65 years of age.

During Desert Storm, Jens was recalled to active duty as a radio operator with the U.S. Merchant Marines. When he was once again released from duty, Jens and Kay moved to Whidbey Island, settling in Oak Harbor.

Dennis Jensen is survived by his wife of 44 years, Keiko “Kay” Jensen at the family home; and by three children, son Dennis C. Jensen and wife Marta of Greenbank, daughter Sally and Rocky Garbiso of California, and Patti and Gerry Mosel, both of Encinitas, Calif. He will be greatly missed. Special thanks to the Whidbey General Hospital Hospice nurses who were invaluable and kind in their care of Jens and Kay. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any veterans in need program.

Cremation was held with private family inurnment to follow at a later date. Arrangements are entrusted to Burley Funeral Chapel, Oak Harbor.