Kitty Hawk (CV 63) - Naval Cruise Book

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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