Daniel Bruce Bakke

Dan was born March 20, 1955 in Washington, D.C. to Oscar and Astrid Bakke, both of whom immigrated to the United States (Brooklyn, NY) as children from Norway. He grew up in Dix Hills, NY and spent his high school years with his parents in Brussels, Belgium, where he graduated from the American High School. After completing his undergraduate degree (Hawthorne College), Dan entered the United States Air Force where his remarkable intellect and his need for speed found their purpose as a Weapons Systems Officer in the legendary F-4 Phantom.

His career in the USAF was stellar. In 1981, then Lieutenant Dan “Chewie” Bakke was commissioned as an Air Force officer after completing Officer Training School. Dan capitalized on his love for flying as a licensed pilot by graduating from the USAF Undergraduate Navigator Training Course at Mather AFB, CA, in 1982. Having graduated at the top of his class, he was chosen to attend the F-4D Phantom Fighter Training Course at Homestead AFB, FL where he became a Fighter Weapon Systems Officer. Upon graduation, Dan was assigned to the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron (The Hooters) at Taegu AB, South Korea where he became an instructor in the F-4E Phantom. In 1984 Dan was assigned to the 68th Tactical Fighter Squadron (The Lancers) at Moody AFB, GA where he served as both an Instructor WSO and a Standardization and Evaluation Flight Examiner. He continued his career as an Instructor WSO in the F-4E after being assigned to the 336th Fighter Squadron (The Rockets) at Seymour Johnson AFB, NC from 1988 to 1990. In December of 1990 Dan was selected as one of the first Weapon Systems Officer to transition to the F-15E Strike Eagle which was the USAF’s newest and most advanced fighter. After F-15E transition training Dan was assigned to the 335th Fighter Squadron (The Chiefs) where he flew more than 80 combat missions and over 320 combat hours during Operation DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM, SOUTHERN WATCH, and DENY FLIGHT. The crew of Dan Bakke, and Tim "TB" Bennett (together known as the killer Bs) were awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism for downing an Iraqi helicopter, making them the only F-15E aviator credited with an air-to-air kill. In July of 1993, Dan was selected to serve in the Pentagon, Washington DC as a member of the prestigious Headquarters Air Force CHECKMATE division where he developed near-term operational strategy for the Chief of Staff of the Air Force. Upon completion of his CHECKMATE assignment, Dan was once again assigned to Seymour Johnson AFB, NC where he culminated his career as the Operations Officer of the 334th Fighter Squadron (The Eagles). Dan reached the pinnacle of a fighter aviator’s career by assuming command of the 333rd Fighter Squadron (The Lancers) in June 1999 and relinquished command in January 2001 at which time he also retired from the USAF as a Master Instructor Weapon Systems Officer and Flight Examiner with over 3000 flying hours in the F-4D, F-4E, and F-15E. His Air Force resume also included the USAF Squadron Officer School and the USAF Air Command and Staff College. Besides the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism, Dan was awarded three Meritorious Service Medals, six Air Medals, two Aerial Achievement Medals, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Achievement Medal.

Dan is survived by his wife, Rita (Moltzen) whom he married 1986 in what he described as his most notable accomplishment, their beautiful daughter, Jeanna Lynn Juliet, his brothers, Steven and wife C J, Kenneth and wife Beverly, Robert and wife Sally, brothers and sisters in law, and his many loved nieces, nephews, and extended family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar Bakke and Astrid Josephsen.

Arrangements are being made for Dan’s interment at Arlington National Cemetery. When it becomes available from the Department of Defense, the date and graveside service information will be found at dignitymemorial.com.