Denver (LPD 9) - Naval Cruise Book

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Executive Officer Executive Officer 5

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Executive Officer CMDR Joseph B. Wilkinson Jn Commander Joseph B. Wilkinson Jr. was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He attended the U.S. Naval Academy and graduated with the class of 1972. His first tour was onboard the USS BAGLEY (FF-1069) where he served as Gunnery Officer, First Lieutenant and Navigator. During his tour, BAGLEY operated throughout the Pacific and Indian Ocean. From there he went to De- partment Head school in Newport, Rhode Island. He then transferred to the commissioning crew of the USS DAVID R. RAY (DD-971) where he served as Weapons Officer. Commander Wilkinson received orders to the USS THOMASTON (LSD-28), where he was Operations Officer and again saw duty in the Pacific. Upon request, he was then transferred to the office of the Chief of Naval Opera- tions where he served as Head of Ship ' s Manpower Require- ments. In 1983 he returned to the west coast and reported aboard the USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA-3) as Combat Systems Officer. He assumed his present duty as Executive Officer of the USS DENVER (LPD-9) in January 1986. Commander Wilkinson ' s awards include the Navy Commendation Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal. He has also received various campaign awards. He is married to the former Arlene M. Sakowich of Woonsocket, Rhode Island. 4 Executive Officer

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Command Master Chief BMCM LC Hatch Master Chief Hatch began his Naval Career in 1955. His first assignment was to the security force for CT Base in Komekeysa, Japan. In 1958 he reported to his first ship, USS MANATEE (AO 58). as a member of the deck department. He advanced to Third Class Petty Officer onboard USS MANATEE before transferring in March 1961. His next as- signment was to the Master-at-Arms Force, Naval Facility, Midway Island. After one year at Midway Island, he re- turned to sea; first on USS GUNSTON HALL (LSD 5) for a brief tour, then to USS HENRICOE (APA 45). On board USS HENRICOE Master Chief Hatch advanced to Second Class Petty Officer. In November 1965, he transferred to the boat pool, ASW school, San Diego, CA. Fiere he wa» ddvan«.ed to First Class Petty Officer. In November 1967, he reported aboard USS BEXAR (APA 237) as LPO of third division. Af- ter his tour on board USS BEXAR, he was assigned staff duty with Commander U.S. Naval Forces Pacific. While attached to staff duty, he advanced to Chief Petty Officer. In No- vembe r 1974, BMCM Hatch received orders to USS ALAMO (LSD 33). While onboard USS ALAMO, he achieved the rate of Senior Chief Petty Officer. In January 1987, he assumed duties as Craft Master of a 100-ton crane at Amphibious Construction Battalion One. In 1979, he made his first tour onbard USS DENVER assigned to the deck department. He advanced to Master Chief during this tour and served as Commander Master Chief before accepting orders to Sima in 1982. After a three year tour at Sima, BMCM Hatch re- turned to USS DE ' VER ir.d assumed his present billet as Command Master Chief. 6 Command Master Chief