Chaplain Bio
Chaplain Tom Panariello is a Navy veteran and served as an Aviation Electrician with Antisubmarine Warfare Squadron VS-38. During multiple WESTPAC deployments on board the USS Constellation, CV-64, he served as a flight deck troubleshooter for his squadron.
Upon leaving the Navy, Tom spent 40 years in the technology industry holding both engineering and managerial positions. During those 40 years he has also served bi-vocationally in various ministry roles. He is a graduate of DeVry University and Global University, Berean School of the Bible. Prior to retiring, he most recently served as Assistant Pastor at River of Life Church, Doylestown, PA overseeing Pastoral Care.
August 2026 - Unique Identification
In 1980, the VS-38 Sea Control Squadron, which I was a member of consisted of 12, Lockheed S3-A Viking aircraft. These jet-powered planes were used for anti-submarine warfare and were based on the aircraft carrier USS Constellation.This jet was a 4-seater plane. It was famously called the "Swiss Army Knife" of the Navy due to it’s versatility.
As is the case for all Navy squadrons, each plane was uniquely identified with a number prominently displayed. The numbers were placed in three main areas: the nose, the vertical tail fin, and the wings. The CO’s plane was numbered “700.” The other planes were also numbered and assigned to pilots based on seniority.
Amongst many other reasons, the numbering of our aircraft was essential in uniquely identifying the planes for tracking pilot performance, aircraft reliability, and preventative maintenance intervals.
The unique identification didn’t stop at the aircraft level. Every electrical or electronic component that we worked on in the AE shop was also numbered with a unique serial number, Control Logic Assembly, AHRS Gyro, Inertial Navigation Controller, etc. This allowed us to maintain maintenance records to identify repeat failures, implement timely preventative maintenance procedures, track replacement components, etc.
It’s interesting to note that from a spiritual sense believers in the Lord Jesus Christ are also uniquely identified -
Ephesians 1:13-14 - “And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.”
John 1:12: "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." Believers are uniquely identified as literal family members of God.
Have you been uniquely identified today? The urgency of this question can not be overemphasized. There is a heaven to gain and a hell to lose. We all have the same opportunity to be called God’s own and to be assured of where we will spend eternity - for whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved…
Please know, there is a Chaplain at DAV86 available to meet, talk or just grab a cup of coffee with.
Chaplain Tom Panariello