Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - Naval Cruise Book

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22 I COMCARGRU THREE

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OSCS W.E. Borders MSCS E.R. Javelosa ETCS GJ. Niel AGCS A.H. Nowicki MMCS P.M. Wagner RMC L.L. Ballard OSC R.W. Dillard ISC M.K. Dunham EWC J.S. MacArthur RMC P.P. Nikolao MSC D.F. Macaraeg MSI L.E. Alcantara OSl J.F. Carbone OSl R.L. Cochran OSI LA. Figueroa RMl C.F. Gill YNl D.C. Manin RMl R.L. May YNI T.P. Wadley 0S2 M.A. Cyr RM2 E.J. Holsberg YN2 M. James MS2 C.I. Nightingdale MS2 R.V. Velasco MS3 A.L. Casanada RM3 R.A. Mayes RM3 K.J. McCurry YN3 K.P. McKenna RM3 J.T. Stevens MSSN R.C. Harmon YNSN J.E. Trundy MSSN J. Wright CCDG STAFF 1 21

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REAR ADMIRAL JOHN R. BATZLER U.S. NAVY COMMANDER, CARRIER GROUP THREE COMMANDER. BATTLE GROUP CHARLIE FEB-MAY 1S85 Rear Admiral John Richard Batzler, son of Mr. and Mrs. WiUiam E. Batzler, was born in Battle Creek, Mich., on Dec. 9, 1932. A graduate of La Jolla High School, La Jolla, Calif., he also attended the University of California at Berkeley, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in mathematics. Commissioned an ensign in the U.S. Navy in June 1955, RADM Batzler reported for flight training in Pensacola, Fla., and received his wings in January 1957. As a photo reconnaissance pilot with VFP-63, he completed deployments to the Western Pacific aboard USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA-31) and USS ORISKANY (CVA-34). RADM Batzler served for one year at the U.S. Naval Academy as a mathematics instructor and three years at the Naval Air Test Center, Patuxent River, Md., as a graduate Navy test pilot and project pilot in the Weapon Test Systems Division. Reporting to Fighter Squadron 31 in November 1965, he served as Maintenance and then Operations Officer aboard USS SARATOGA (CV-60). A west coast tour with Fighter Squadron 96 followed, where RADM Batzler served as the squadron ' s Operations Officer while completing his first combat tour to Southeast Asia on USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65). U.S. Naval Postgraduate School followed, culminating in a Masters Degree in computer systems management in 1969. In 1970, he reported to Fighter Squadron 24 as Executive Officer and became Commanding Officer in July 1971. Following a year of nuclear propulsion engineering training in June 1973 and a short tour on the staff of Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Pacific Fleet, he reported to USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) as Executive Officer in January 1975. In January 1977, RADM Batzler assumed command of the Pearl Harbor-based USS ASHTABULA (AO-51). In February 1979, RADM Batzler became the Commanding Officer of USS NIMITZ (CVN-68). The highlight of this tour was the shooting down of two Libyan SU-17 Fitter aircraft by NIMITZ-based VF-41 TOMCATS. After his change of command on NIMITZ in February 1982, he was promoted to flag rank and was assigned to the organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff as the Deputy Director for Operations (Reconnaissance, Space, Electronic Warfare, and C3 Countermeasures). RADM Batzler assumed command of Carrier Group THREE on board USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) June 25, 1984. RADM Batzler has flown more than 50 different Navy aircraft, and his combat experience includes more than 270 missions in Vietnam. RADM Batzler ' s awards include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, numerous Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal and various service and campaign ribbons for participation in the Vietnam conflict. RADM Batzler is married to the former Carolyn Wright of Exeter, Calif. They have three children: Michael, Karen, and Gregory Shane.