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Colts Neck, NJ - Naval Weapons Station Earle Commanding Officer Capt. Fuzz Harrison, USN, released the following statement of condolence today regarding the death of former state Senator and Assemblyman Joseph Azzolina, Jr.

"On behalf of the men and women of Weapons Station Earle, I want to express our deepest condolences to Capt. Azzolina's family, friends and colleagues on their loss.

"Joe was a patriot who courageously championed for Monmouth County residents, and was always the best of friend to the Sailors stationed here at Earle. His accomplishments in promoting the U.S. Navy throughout the state of New Jersey will not be forgotten.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time."

The NWS Earle Sea Cadets: Extend their prayers and sympathy to all on the death of Capt. Joseph Azzolina, said NWS Earle Sea Cadet Corps leader Lt. Richard Baumann.

“He was instrumental in originating our Sea Cadet Corps here at Earle in 1964,” Lt. Baumann continued, “it was his idea and his drive that got it started. He named C.J. Strattan at the first leader of the Corps, but it was really Joe Azzolina who was the driving force.”

Baumann pointed out that hundreds of young men and women joined every branch of the military service as a direct result of their experience in the Cadet Corps, noting that more than 50 have joined a branch of service in the past decade that he has led the cadets. “We have had one former NWS Earle Sea Cadet who advanced to Captain in the Coast Guard,” he said, “but many, many more who were enlisted, who were lieutenants, and all of whom have a deep respect and love for their country, something instilled in them by their experience in a unit that might never have been had it not been for Joe Azzolina.”

In addition to those who joined the military, there are many others who entered law enforcement fields, Baumann said, recognizing the discipline of the Cadet Corps and the idealism and discipline of law enforcement agencies.

The NWS Earle Sea Cadets have been requested to present a color guard at Captain Azzolina’s funeral services, Lt Baumann said, “and nothing could honor us more. We have had color guards at Presidential appearances and for every New Jersey Governor for at least the last 15 years, “ he said, “but standing guard for Capt.. Azzolina will be a special honor for each of us.