Manuel Hernandez

Manuel Hernandez

Commander, USN. Ret.

April 5, 1974 – June 29, 2023

Manuel “Manny” Hernandez lived a beautifully rich and dedicated life. Born in Laredo, Tamaulipas, Mexico on April 5, 1974, Manny was raised in San Antonio, TX. Seeing extraordinary promise in the restless young man before them, his mentors suggested the possibility of joining the U.S. Navy. Overcoming various obstacles Manny enlisted in the Navy in 1991, and a few years later attained U.S. citizenship to further his Naval career and opportunities. While serving onboard his first duty station USS SHASTA (AE-33) homeported out of Concord, CA, he met his future spouse, Thelma Christine Hernandez, and married in 1995 in San Antonio, TX. In 1997 the couple welcomed their first son, Christian, in Newport, RI. Two sons happily followed: Julian (2004) in Newport, RI. and Sebastian (2009) in Boston, MA. Manny rapidly progressed in his Naval career, earning him the nickname “Ricochet”. A skilled Machinist Mate during his enlisted years, it was said by his fellow sailors Manny knew every system, valve, tag, and bolt in the ship’s main engineering space by name and number. Thanks to his tireless studying and unrelenting spirit, Manny catapulted through the ranks of E-1 to Commander with the passing of the years.

Manny was a living encyclopedia of countless subjects. In 2004 he graduated from Old Dominion University with a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Economics. Long days and tireless nights of study earned Manny a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government. Following his Harvard graduation (at which he enjoyed the honor of delivering a commencement speech) Manny went on to a successful tour at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and thereafter served as a National Security Affairs Fellow at Stanford University in the Hoover Institution. It was during this time he co-authored his first book with the former Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral Gary Roughead, Powering the Armed Forces: Meeting the Military’s Energy Challenges.

The pinnacle of his naval career (his family being the greatest of his achievements) came in May of 2015 when he took command of the USS SPRUANCE (DDG-111), a guided missile destroyer homeported out of San Diego, CA. From May 2015 - December 2016 Manny successfully led a crew numbering over 320 sailors. In 2016 he led a seven-month deployment to the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility where it was the first ever Pacific Surface Action Group sent to the area. During that deployment, the ship also formed part of a strike group made up of six ships deployed by the U.S. Navy to confront China in the South China Sea during a multi-week standoff, making international news. Under his command the USS SPRUANCE (DDG-111) became the first U.S. ship to pull into the port of Tonga welcomed by King Tupou VI and excited residents – a feat accomplished using paper maps, traditional nautical devices, and a host of skippers – a very proud memory for Manny.

Manny’s sense of camaraderie, mic-dropping speeches to motivate his crew, and humble dedication to the sailors he called “a Varsity team” earned him the profound respect and love of his crew. Manny’s inspiration was founded upon two quotes he kept written on his desk: “I am the good shepherd, the good shepherd lays down his life for his sheep” (John 10:11) and “Leadership is first and foremost an act of service” (Lead like Jesus, Ken Blanchard).

A decorated veteran following his retirement in 2017, Manny was honored by the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Serval Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (three awards), and various unit awards and service ribbons.

On the home-front Manny was a book enthusiast, history fanatic, and part-time antique collector. A perfect weekend for Manny might include making a huge breakfast spread for his family, spending hours searching the racks of his local thrift stores and going out for a drive while listening to Credence Clearwater Revival, one of many among his favorite bands. Manny was a year-round sweatshirt lover with a knack for “scoring a deal”, totally unaffected by the great heights to which he had attained. His favorite and most cherished activity was impromptu fishing and camping with his family, which would many times call for a frantic gathering of equipment, food, and snacks, some grilling, making Smores in front of bonfires, listening to music, telling tall tales and sea stories, and lots of hearty laughter while surrounded by his loving family.

His greatest achievement and pride in life were undoubtedly his three sons, who in turn loved him with the strongest devotion. His memory endures in the invaluable examples he passed onto them of service to God and neighbor, hard work, indomitable heart, and self-sacrifice. The place he left in the hearts of his children, family and friends is irreplaceable. He will forever be missed by all those privileged to have known him, served with him, and experienced the generous hand he lent so many.

He is survived by his beloved sons Christian Manuel Hernandez, Julian Isaac Hernandez, and Sebastian Balthazar Hernandez.

Please pray for the eternal repose of his soul.