EW3 Ronald Scott Owens
October 31, 1975 – October 12, 2000

Kevin Shawn Rux was born on October 31, 1969, to Sandra Flanagan. He graduated from May-Port High School in Mayville, North Dakota, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy on October 25, 1988.

After completing Basic Training in Orlando, Florida, and advanced training at the Naval Technical Training Command in Pensacola, Florida, Kevin reported aboard the USS Taylor (FFG 50) on July 5, 1989. He returned to the Naval Technical Training Command in January 1991 before being assigned to the USS Deyo (DD 989) on October 22, 1991. Beginning November 2, 1994, he attended the Naval Technical Training Center Detachment at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. On January 10, 1995, he reported to Submarine Base New London in Connecticut, where he served until January 9, 1998. He then reported to the USS Cole (DDG 67) on December 15, 1999.

Kevin was killed in the line of duty on October 12, 2000, when a terrorist bomb detonated along the port side of the USS Cole while the ship was refueling in Aden, Yemen. The explosion claimed the lives of 17 American sailors, including Kevin, and injured 39 others, marking the deadliest attack on a U.S. Navy vessel since the USS Stark incident in 1987.

Kevin also lost his best friend, EW2 Scott Owens, in the same attack. Although Kevin was buried at sea, a memorial marker honoring him stands at the West Virginia National Cemetery in Grafton, West Virginia, Plot: Sec 1, Site 1498.

Coming from a proud family of Navy veterans, Kevin’s connection to the sea ran deep. Both his father and uncle served career-long Navy tours, and Kevin carried that tradition forward with dedication and pride. He loved sharing stories of his travels, often with a twinkle in his eye and a laugh that reflected his sense of adventure.

Kevin is survived by his wife, Olivia Rux; his mother, Saundra A. Flanagan; and four brothers—Ken, Tom, Tim, and Mat. He was predeceased by a sister.

Memorial Monument dedicated to the 17 Sailors who died while serving in USS COLE (DDG 67) at Naval Station Norfolk.

Petty Officer Rux was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Navy Unit Commendation, and promoted to Electronic Warfare Technician First Class. His additional decorations include the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Navy “E” Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal (two awards), National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, and Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon.

“Fair winds and following seas, Petty Officer Rux — your service and sacrifice will never be forgotten.”