Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 23 text:

CO -. ■ tv

Page 22 text:

CAPTAIN STEVEN JOHN TOMASZESKI COMMANDING OFFICER USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) ( A Native of Jersey City, New Jersey, Captain Tomaszeski is a 1 968 graduate of Saint Peter ' s Preparatory School and a 1 972 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He holds a Master ' s degree in Personnel Management from Central Michigan University. He served initially as a surface line officer in the nuclear cruiser USS LONG BEACH (CGN-9) asTalos Missile Fire Control Officer during two Western Pacific deployments to the Tonkin Gulf. In February 1 975, Captain Tomaszeski entered naval tlight traini ng and was designated a Naval Aviator in July 1 976. Captain Tomaszeski ' s aviation sea tours have included two assignments in Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron NINE (HS-9 ) on board USS NIMITZ (CVN-68 ) and his command tour in HS-5 on board USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69). His most recent sea duty has been as Executive Officer of USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67 ) and as Commanding Officer ofthe amphibious assault ship USS NEW ORLEANS ( LPH- 1 1 ). He has tlown over 3400 hours and has completed seven major deployments. Captain Tomaszeski assumed command ofthe aircraft canier USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63 ) in July 1 996. Captain Tomaszeski ' s significant shore duty tours have been as a fleet replacement pilot instmctor in HS- 1 ; Flag Secretary and aide to the Commander, Sea-Based Antisubmarine Warfare Wings Atlantic; Canier Helicopter Requirements Officer for the AssistantChiefofNaval Operations (Air Waif are); Commanding Officer HS- 1 , the Atlantic Fleet s Carrier Helicopter Fleet Replacement Squadron; and Chief of Staff to the Commander, Naval Base San Diego. Captain Tomaszeski ' s personal decorations include the Legion of Merit (2 awards). Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards ), the Navy Commendation Medal ( 2 awards ), Navy Achievement Medal and the Battle Efficiency Ribbon ( 2 awards ). Captain Tomaszeski is married to the former Elizabeth Ann O ' Connor of Jersey City, New Jersey . They are the proud parents of Michael, a Florida State University Seminole, and James and Maiy, Coronado Higli Schot)l Islanders. Their family has enjoyed homeport assignments in Long Beach, C A ; Pensacola, FL; Jacksonville, FL; Washington, D. C; Norfolk. VA; and San Diego, CA. 18 r„. ,- CO

Page 24 text:

COMMANDER MARK JOSEPH HIMLER FORMER EXECUTIVE OFFICER USS KITTY (CV-63) j A native of Latrobe, Pennsylvania, Commander Himler graduated from the University of Pittsburgh in April 1 976. He entered the Aviation Office r Candidate School in Pensacola, Florida receiving his commission in October 1 976. Following flight training in . Pensacola, Florida, he was designated a Naval Flight Officer in July 1 977 and then reported to Attack Squadron FORTY-TWO 1 for replacement training in the A-6 Intruder. Upon completion of the Fleet Readiness Squadron he reported to the Sunday Punchers of Attack Squadron SEVENTY-FIVE and completed two deployments to the Mediterranean aboard USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Commander Himler reported to Attack Squadron FORTY-TWO in May 1 98 1 and served as a Flight Instructor and system Weapons Phase Head. In June 1 984 he reported to the Warhorses of Attack Squadron FIFTY-FIVE and participated in Operations Prairie Fire and El Dorado Canyon against Libya while deployed to the Mediterranean aboard USS CORAL SEA (CV 43). In November 1 986 he was assigned to the staff of MEDIUM ATTACK WING ONE and served as the A-6 N ATOPS Model Manager and Wing Safety Officer. In November 1 988 he reported to the Tigers of Attack Squadron SIXTY-FIVE where he served as Maintenance and Operations Officer completing one deployment to the Mediterranean aboard USS CORAL SEA (CV 43). In November 1990, Commander Himler reported to the staff of the Assistant Chief of Naval Operations (Air Warfare) as A- 1 2 AX Assistant Requirements Officer. In December of 1 991 , Commander Himler took command of Strike Weapons and Tactics School Atlantic providing functional level tactics and weapons related training to F- 1 4 and A-6 Intruder Aircrew and Ordnancemen at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia. He reported to Va 36 in August 1 992 and served as Executive Officeruntil September 1993, when he assumed command. Commander Himler presided at the disestablishment of the squadron in March 1 994. In April 1 994 he reported to the staff of Cruiser Destroyer Group Two embarked aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73 ) as Staff Air Operations Officer. From June 1995 until December 1996, Commander Himler was assigned as the Executive Officer, USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63 ), homeported at Naval Air Station North Island, California. Personal decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, and Air Medal, five Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals, and various service ribbons. He has accumulated nearly 4()()0 hours and 900 landings in the A-6 Intruder. Commander Himler is married to the former Carla Kent of Pine City, Minnesota. They reside in Coronado, California with their daughter Laura 20 ' ,- ,. i- ' xo