Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) - Naval Cruise Book

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COMMAND

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OFFICER Commander Gregory R.Peairs was commissioned and entered the naval service in June 1972, upon graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree (Electrical Engineering), attained the Midshipman rank of Battalion Commander and graduated with distinction. His first assignment was to USS WADDELL (DDG 24) as EMO EWO from July 1972 to February 1974. During this period, the crew of USS WADDELL took part in Operation End Sweep off of North Vietnam. In March 1974, Commander Peairs reported to VT-1 followed by VT-4 at NAS Pensacola, Florida, as a Student Naval Aviator. There he earned a Master of Science Degree in Aeronautical Systems from the University of West Florida. In January 1976, he was designated a Naval Aviator and reported to VA-122 as a replacement pilot flying the A-7E Corsair II from April to November 1976. Commander Peairs first fleet aviation squadron was VA-97 from November 1976 to May 1979. He served as the squadron ' s Weapons Training Officer, Training Officer and ISO, and he completed Light Attack Weapons School. For his first shore duty he reported to VA-122 as an Instructor Pilot from July 1979 to August 1982 for the Flying Eagles. Additionally, he ser ' ed as a Department Head and LA WE Instructor at the Light Attack Weapons School. In August 1982, he reported to VA-25 as a Department Head. After f ing the A-7E for a vear, he transitioned with the squadron to tlie F A-18 Hornet. During his assignment to the FIST , he participated in the first deployment of the F A-18 aircraft on board USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) in February 1985. He served as squadron Adminish ' ative, Operations and Maintenance Officer. Upon leaving sea duty, Commander Peairs reported to the staff of Commander, Light Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet, where he served as the F A-18 Training and Readiness Officer, Assistant Operations Officer and Simulator Officer. As Simulator Officer, he was responsible for evaluation and validation of all Navy Marine F A-18 Simulator modifications. Additionally, while attached to COMLATWINGPAC, he ser ' ed as an Instructor Pilot in VFA-125. In January 1988 Commander Peairs transferred to VFA-125 where he served until November 1988. Commander Peairs returned once again to VFA-25 in November 1988 as Executive Officer during the squadron ' s WESTPAC IO deployment aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64). He assumed command in May 1990 and ser ' ed as Conimanding Officer during the 1990 deployment on board USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62), participating in Operation Desert Shield. During his tour in VFA-25, the squadron won Naval Forces Pacific Battle E twice, the Michael J. Estocin Award, the CNO Safety Award and the Bmce Carrier Memorial Award for Maintenance Excellence twice. Commander Peairs then entered Navy Nuclear Propulsion Training in Janurary 1992 in preparation for his current position as Executive Officer , USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72). Commander Peairs has accumulated more than 4,000 flight hours and 750 carrier landings. He is authorized to wear the Meritorious Service Medal, Na 7 Commendation Medal (one gold star). Navy Achievement Medal, Vietnam Campaign Ribbon (one star). Southwest Asia Defense Ribbon (one star) and other unit decorations. Commander Peairs is a native of Sacramento, California. He currently resides in Alameda, California. .u ! j Ne!»Eri(ijCo4BLj

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MASTER CHIEF ool in Pittsburgh, Ktinsas in |une 1972 he joined oand thon Avi.ition Fundamental Training at ! T I C USS CORAL SliA (CVA 43) homcported at NAS Western Pacific tiurmg tlie Vietn m Conflict. His ts; ation Guam; Air Operations Crash Rescue Team, a; Air Operatic)ns Fire Department, Naval Station in Fire Science from the Army ' s Hngineering School |Nc val AirStation Meridian, Mississippi; USS JOMN earn; USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) as Air Departmi and thei .NJa ' a! Station Bremerton, Washin ..IXM LINCOI N (CVN 72) from Naval Air Std ' sadingC hiei overseemg th ' scheduling and traimn jdrons in suppH rt of Operation Desert Storm, VVhil ipman m Kit L mcoln ' s second WHSTPAC to the Itch. Ithe Western Pacific, ,- tlantic and Indian CXean.s, awarded the Navv Achievement Medal (two Jnit Cttmmendation, Navv li , C ood Conduct i), .A.rmed Forces F ' xpeditionarv Medal, Vietnam lanitarian Serv ice Nh dal, S(. uth vest .Asia Service Aviatitm VV.irfare Specialist i]ualifiecf. jura lynne 1 iov . ' ard of Pittsburgh, Kansas. I h li cea.