Carl Vinson (CVN 70) - Naval Cruise Book

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CDR T.W. Lafleur LCDR A.A. Manzi LCDR T.L. Phillips LCDR L.H. Wong LT MR. Gray LT D.L. Myers OSCS (SW) M.L. RMCS J. P. Zulawski MSC M.C. Bernales NCC R.J. Policy .MMC N.A. Valdez Seaman YNl J.F. Loughlin RMl J.P. Parr OS2 J. H. Morris OS2 J.D. Skallberg 0S2 D.C. Smith RM3 E.N. Norton OS3 R.E. Quick 0S3 C.C. Urquhart RM3 W.A. Vamer OSSN G.M. Johnson RMSM J.C. Martin 1 i - r DESRON-31 I 27

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CAPTAIN THOMAS A. MERCER U.S. NAVY COMMANDING OFFICER, USS CARL VINSON Captain Thomas A. Mercer, born in Pensacola, Fla., graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1962. After short tours as an instructor at the Naval Academy and service on board USS RANDOLPH (CVS- 15), CAPT Mercer entered flight training and was designated as a Naval aviator in February 1964. After A-4C training with VA-44, he reported in August 1964 to VA-172 for a three-year tour, during which he completed two Mediterranean cruises and one Southeast Asia combat deployment on board USS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CVA-42). In August 1967, he reported to the U.S. Naval Post Graduate School in Monterey, Calif., where he received his Master ' s Degree in aeronautical engineering in September 1969. Subsequently, CAPT Mercer underwent training in the A-7E Corsair II at NAS Lemoore and reported to VA-195 as the squadron was transitioning to the CORSAIR in March 1970. With VA-195 he made two combat deployments to Southeast Asia on board USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). After a IVi year tour at the Bureau of Naval Personnel as the Light Attack Placement Officer, he completed refresher training in the A-7E and then joined VA-82 as Executive Officer in July 1975. The squadron deployed on board USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) for its initial refresher training and a deployment to Northern Europe. In November 1976 he assumed command of VA-82 while embarked aboard NIMITZ on its first Mediterranean deployment. Following this tour, CAPT Mercer attended nuclear power training in Orlando, Fla., and nuclear prototype training in Idaho Falls, Idaho, prior to reporting to USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) in July 1979 as Executive Officer. In September 1981 he assumed command of USS GUADALCA NAL (LPH-7) in Palma, Majorca, and completed two Mediterranean deployments and three major exercises to Northern Europe and the Caribbean, detaching from GUADALCANAL off Lebanon in March 1983. He assumed command of USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) on July 30, 1983, as CARL VINSON was deployed in the North Arabian Sea. Among his awards are the Distinguished Flying Cross (three awards), four individual Flight Air Medals, 25 Strike Flight Air Medals and six Navy Commendation Medals. He has logged over 3,500 hours in the A-4C and A-7E aircraft and has made 900 carrier landings. CAPT Mercer is married to the former Delta Rebecca Krauss of Pittsburgh and they reside in Alameda with their son. Bill. Their other son, Thomas Jr., is a midshipman at the Naval Academv. ' •■esr II COMMANDING OFFICER I 29