Denver (LPD 9) - Naval Cruise Book

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To the Crew of USS DENVER, I want you all to know how proud I am of your efforts. You displayed true pride and professionalism on each and everyday of our 2004 Deployment. While I know that it was difficult at times, you have given me your best. I want each of you to always remember that, whatever you do in the future, whether you continue your Naval career or return to civilian life, your service to your country onboard USS DENVER during the Global War on Terrorism has made a great contribution to the well-being of our country. You have been a part of the events which will shape the course of history for our nation and the entire world. Your participation in operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM in the service of your country has helped to free the people of Iraq. More importantly, you have helped to bring stability by eliminating the threat to world peace throughout the Middle East and North Africa. Our Country is forever indebted to you for your sacrifices on deployment. This book is dedicated to each of you. Best Regards, Captain T. A. Zecchin CO USS DENVER

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CAPT T. A. Zecchin Commanding Officer USS DENVER (LPD-9) Captain Todd A. Zecchin is a native of Detroit, Michigan and graduated from Western Michigan University in 1980. He was commissioned through the Aviation Reserve Officer Candidate program in August 1980. In 1981 he was presented with his Wings of Gold and reported to an initial operational assignment flying the P-3B MOD with Patrol Squadron SIX, homeported at Naval Air Station Barber ' s Point Hawaii. Captain Zecchin ' s first shore-duty assignment was as the Personnel Exchange Program pilot assigned to the Royal Air Force No. 42 Squadron at Royal Air Force St Mawgan, United Kingdom flying the British Aerospace Nimrod MR MK II aircraft. After a short stint at the Jet Transitional Training Unit in Kingsville, Texas he reported for duty at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Washington for several flying tours on the EA-6B Prowler. Initially assigned to Electronic Attack Squadron ONE FOUR ONE he deployed aboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN 71) and took part in Operations DESERT SHIELD, DESERT STORM and PROVIDE COMFORT. His next tour was as the Operations Officer at Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE EIGHT and subsequent deployment to the Arabian Gulf as a participant in Operation SOUTHERN WATCH aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). From there he proceeded to the EA-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron, Electronic Attack Squadron ONE TWO NINE as the Training Officer and Instructor Pilot. During this tour he had a period of study at the United States Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island, where he earned his Master of Arts degree in Strategic Studies. Returning to the Pacific Northwest he reported back to Electronic Attack Squadron ONE THREE EIGHT as Commanding Officer and completed deployments with Marine Air Group TWELVE, Iwakuni Japan and USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). In 1999 he led the squadron to Aviano AB, Italy where they were seconded to the United States Air Force 31st Fighter Wing and participated in Operation ALLIED FORCE. Following his Aviation Command tour he was assigned as the Executive Officer of the U.S. Navy ' s youngest conventional Aircraft Carrier, USS JOHN E KENNEDY (CV 67). Prior to reporting aboard USS DENVER (LPD 9) he was the Military Communications Electronics Board division chief in the J6 Directorate of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Captain Zecchin has amassed more than 5,000 flight hours, nearly 600 Carrier arrested landings and 150 Combat Missions. His personal decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards). Air Medal (eight awards, one with Combat V ), Navy Commendation Medal (five awards, one with Combat V ) and numerous meritorious unit and campaign service awards. ' M