Durham (LKA 114) - Naval Cruise Book

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Commanding Officer Captain Tliomas L. Blackmon, U.S. Navy Captain Thomas Lesto Blackmon was bom in Four Oaks, North Carolina He graduated from Four Oaks High School in 1956 and attended North Carolina State University at Raleigh, North Carolina, graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science Degree. He was commissioned Ensign in March 1961, after attending OCS in Newport, Rhode Island From March 1961 until July 1964, he served aboard USS Dupont (DD 941) as MPA, DCA and Engineering Officer. He then attended U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, and completed the Engineering Science Program in May 1965, at which time he was transferred to USS Fort Snel- ling (LSD 30) as Engineering Officer. In November 1967, he assumed command of USS Summit County (LST 1146) and upon completion of this tour, in November 1969, was trans- ferred to the Staff CINCPAC where he served as an Opera- tions Staff Officer in the Command and Control and Opera- tions Security Branches. In November 1972, he was transferred to the HQ MACV where he served in the Current Intelligence and Indications Branch. In y ril 1973, he assumed command of USS Grapple (ARS 7) and in July 1975, he was transferred to the Naval Amphibious School, Coronado as a Prosjjective Commanding Officer Executive Officer Leader- sfiip and Management Training Department Director. In July 1981, he was assigned as the Readiness Officer COMPHIB- GRUEASTPAC and subsequently served as ACOS for Opera- tions and Plans at COMPHIBGRU ONE. He reports for duty fi-om COMPHIBGRUEASTPAC where he served as ACOS for Operations and Plans. Captain Blackmon ' s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (with two stars) and the Joint Ser- vice Commendation Medal. His unit, campaign and service awards are the Navy Unit Commendation, the Navy Expedi- tionary Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Battle Efficiency Ribbon (2 awards), the Armed Forces Expedition- ary Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal (with 3 engagement stars), the Sea Service Ribbon (with 2 stars), the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation (with palm) and the Vietnam Ser- vice Medal. Captain Blackmon is married to the former Sadie Clark of Lewiston, North Carolina They have two children, Thomas Jr., and Steven. The Blackmons reside in Bonita, CaUfomia

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USS DURHAM (LKA114) WESTERN PACmC DEPLOYMENT

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Executive Officer Commander David W. Hagstrom, U.S. Navy Commander Hagstrom reported to the Durham in Sep- tember 1984. Previous tours included ASW Officer on USS Fanning (FF 1076), Battery Control Officer onboard USS Bainbridge (CGN 25), Chief Engineo onboard USS St. Louis (LKA 116) and COMNAVSURFPAC Force Planning Office