Gallery (FFG 26) - Naval Cruise Book

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OFFICER CDR Cassidy Commander CASSIDY was born in Norfolk, VA on 18 June 1950, the son of former Captain and Mrs. K. M. Cassidy, USN (Ret), lie attended Miami University (Ohio) and the University of Tennessee receiving a BS in Biological Science. Following his commissioning in 1973, he served in USS EL PASO (LKA 117) as Second Division Officer, Auxiliaries Officer and later as Combat Information Center Officer. In 1978, he was assigned to the United States Naval Academy as a Navigation and Seamanship Instructor. While assigned to USNA, Commander CASSIDY worked on his MBA at George Washington University, Washington, DC. Upon com- pletion of Destroyer school in 1980, he was assigned as Chief Engineer in the USS EDWARD MCDON- NELL (FF 1073). His split tour assignment was to COMDESRON TWENTY-FOUR as Combat Systems Material Officer from 1982-1984 where he participated in the Lybian Ops and Operation URGENT FURY. He then reported to Chief of Naval Operations (OP 953) as the Strategic and Tactical Coordinator for War Gaming. Following his tour of duty, Commander CASSIDY reported to USS BELKNAP (CG 26) in 1986 as the Executive Officer. During this tour USS BELKNAP was forward deployed to Gaeta, Italy to serve as Flagship for COMMANDER SIXTH FLEET. He reported to Surface Warfare Officer School (PCO PXO Department) in October 1987 as an instructor. In September 1990, he was temporarily assigned to COMNAVCENT Staff as the Surface Operations Officer in support of Operation DESERT SHIELD. While assigned to SWOS, he completed his Masters Degree in International Affairs at Salve Regina University and graduated with distinction from the Naval War College. Commander CASSIDY ' s personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Service Medal (Gold Star in lieu of second award), the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Southwest Asia Service Medal (Bronze Star in lieu of second award) and various service ribbons. Commander CASSIDY is married to the former Debbie Stringfield of Knoxville, Tennessee. They have four daughters, Marianne, Meredith, Michelle and Mackenzie.

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COMMANDING Commander I IUTCHISON was a 1472 graduate of the Lychburg College in Virginia. He was commis- sioned an Ensign upon graduating from Officer ( andidate Scliool in November, b ' 72. His initial tour was in USS RICHARD E. KRAUSS (DD 849) where he served as Electronics Maintenance Officer, Communications Officer and Main Propulsion Assistant from April 1973 until April 1976. He was then assigned to the pre-commissioning unit for USS DAVID R. RAY (DD 971) and remained on board as Main Propulsion Assistant until November, 1978. After attending the Department Head Course at Surface Warfare Officer ' s School, he served success- fully as Chief Engineer and Combat Systems Officer in USS SPRUANCE (DD 963) from June 1981 until January 1983. Commander HUTCHISON then served as Executive Officer in USS GEMINI (PHM 6) and Commanding Officer in USS HERCULES (PHM 2) from January 1985 until 1987. Commander HUTCHI- SON served at shore commands which include a tour as a counter-intelligence analyst at the Naval Investigative Service Headquarters in Washington, DC where he acquired a sub-specialty in Joint Intelligence and a Master of Arts in Personnel Management. In addition, he was assigned as an enlisted community manager on the OPNAV Staff. Commander HUTCHISON reported to USS GALLERY (FFG 26) m April WQ as Her fifth Commanding Officer. Commander HUTCHISON ' S personal decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal and the Navy Achievement Medal. ' 4lR|Pl CDR Hutchison ▲Gazing off into the horizon. AMorniii£ Red Sen reverie. ' WOne of the many visitors.

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EXECUTIVE OFFICER Lieutenant Commander Merlin W. LADNER was com- missioned an Ensign on 12 July, 1977 through the regular NROTC Program at the University of Mississippi. He was born in Bav St. Louis, Mississippi. Initial sea tours included duty aboard USS LYNDE D. MCCORMICK (DDG-8) and USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64). Upon completion of Naval Surface Warfare Department Head School, he reported to USS ALBERT DAVID (FF-1050) as Operations Officer. Subsequent sea tours have included Operations Officer, USS HENRY B. WILSON (DDG-7), Middle East Force Liaison Officer Kuwait for Commander, Joint Task Force Middle East. He assumed duties as Executive Officer, USS GALLERY (FFG-26) on 15 October, 1990. Ashore, he has attended the Naval War College, Command Staff Course, from which he graduated in June, 1990. His awards include the Meritorious Unit Commendation (second award), Armed Forces Expediti onary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal with Bronze Star and the Sea Service Ribbon. Lieutenant Commander LADNER is married to the for- mer Elizabeth Lemen of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. They have two children: Christian and Colleen.