Michael Wells Arnold: A Note From His Family

The family of Michael Arnold, the 59-year-old Lorton man who was killed at the Washington Navy Yard, released this statement regarding his passing: 

Michael Wells Arnold

We appreciate your loving support, respect and ask for privacy at this very difficult time.

Michael was known for his very calm demeanor, which sparked to life when discussing his lifelong passions:  ships, planes and trains.

He was born in1954 in Tacoma, WA at Fort Lewis Army Base. He attended the University of Oklahoma ROTC, and was commissioned  in the US Navy in 1976. After five years of active duty, stationed in Hawaii, he proudly served in the Naval Reserves until 1994, when he retired as a Commander.

While in the Reserves, Michael worked for Advanced Technology (1983-1989).  In 1989, Michael joined NAVSEA, working at the Washington Navy Yard first on the LHD program where he was instrumental in the change over to a gas turbine engine in the USS Makin Island (LHD 8), a WASP-class amphibious assault ship used by the Marine Corps.  Most recently he worked as the Acquisition Manager on the LHA Program.

Michael was an avid pilot. He took great joy in building his own plane, which he was assembling in his basement.  

His wife, Jolanda said his goal was to fly his Sonex 2-seater before his 60th birthday. On the weekend before his death, Michael spent all day, Saturday and Sunday, working on his plane. 

“He was so excited. He was having the time of his life.”

Michael was a wonderful husband and loving father of two sons.