Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - Naval Cruise Book

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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

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COMMANDER THOMAS CHARLES BENNETT EXECUTIVE OFFICER USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63) Commander Bennett is a navitve of East Liverpool, Ohio, and a 1 976 graduate of Mount Union College. He received his commission through the Aviation Officers Candidate Program in Pensacola, Florida in September 1 976 and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in July 1 977. In May 1 983 he completed NFO to Pilot transition training in Meridian, Mississippi and was designated as a Naval Pilot. Following completion of Electronics Warfare Training at Corry Station, Pensacola, Florida in December 1 977 he reported to V A W- 1 29 for E A-6B training. Commander Bennett reported to V AQ- 1 3 1 Lancers in September 1 978. He served in various Division Officer assignments and made deployments aboard the USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65 ), USS AMERICA (CV-66 ), and finally USS INDEPENDENCE (CV-62 ). Upon completion of A-6 Intruder training at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington he was assigned to V A- 1 96 in February 1 984 where he served as the Personnel Officer, Assistant Operations Officer and finally the Assistant Maintenance Officer. While assigned to VA- 1 96, he made two deployments on board CONSTELLATION (CV-64). In August 1988 he served as Operations and Maintenance Officer deploying on board USS CORAL SEA (CV-43 ). In December 1990, Commander Bennett reported to the staff of Commander, Medium Attack Electronic Combat Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet as the Staff Safety Officer. He reported to VAQ- 140 in December 1 99 1 as the Executive Officer and later fleeted up as the Commanding Officer in April 1993. Commander Bennett reported as Deputy Inspector General and Operations Officer, U.S. Space Commandin October 1 994. In December 1 996, he reported to his current assignment as Executive Officer, USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63). Commander Bennett has over 3800 hours in the EA-6B and A-6 aircraft, and more than 1 ,000 arrested landings. His personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal ( 2 awards ) and various campaign and service ribbons. Commander Bennett i s married to the former Peggy Sigman of Camarillo, California. They currently reside in Coronado, California with their two children Ryan and Patricia. 22 r XO