USS Monterey (CG 61) - Naval Cruise Book

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RDMIL 110 jko Grathcc---1,1 Rear Admiral Michael R. Groothousen is from Houston, Texas. A 1975 graduate of the U.S. Na- val Academy, with a degree in Ocean Engineer- ing, he was designated a Naval Aviator in August of 1976. Following Fleet Replacement Pilot training in the A-7E Corsair, he made cruises onboard USS America (CV 66) and USS Independence (CV 62) before reporting to Commander Training Air Wing Three as TRAWING LSO. In January 1982, Rear Adm. Groothousen reported to Commander, Carrier Air Wing Eight embarked on USS Nimitz (CVN 68) as Wing LSO. Upon transition to flying the F A-18 Hornet he reported to VFA-106 as one of the initial cadre of Hornet Instructor Pilots on the east coast. With VFA-132, Rear Adm. Groothousen de- ployed to Iwakuni, Japan. During his tour, the squadron was awarded the Estocin Award and became the first Hornet squadron to capture the prestigious Fox One Award. After graduating from the Armed Forces Staff College he served as Deputy Chief of Missile Warning within NORAD and U.S. Space Com- mand. He reported as Executive Officer of VFA- 137 during Operation Provide Comfort onboard USS Forrestal (CV 59). On September 18, 1992, he assumed command of VFA-137 and carried out the Kestrels homeport reassignment from NAS Cecil Field, Fla., to NAS Lemoore, Calif. Following Naval Nuclear Power Training, he served as Executive Officer of USS George Wash- ington (CVN 73) from May 1996 to September 1997. During his tour, GW won the coveted Battle E Award, each departmental E and earned the Golden Anchor Award. In December 1997, he assumed command of USS Shreveport (LPD 12) in Constanta, Ro- mania. While he was in command, Shreveport deployed to the Black Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf, and St. George ' s Bay followed by a complex drydock availability. Shreveport sub- sequently completed all readiness assessments and Engineering Certification (ECERT) in record time preceding her award of the 1998 Battle E Award. Following tours as Operations Officer on the staff of Commander, Carrier Group Four and Chief of Staff for Commander, U.S. Second Fleet NATO Striking Fleet, Rear Adm. Groothou- sen commanded USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), from March 2002-July 2004. During this time, Truman Air Wing 3 participated in 01F, won the Jig Dog Ramage Award for best ship air wing team of the Navy while Truman ' s crew swept AIRLANT Battle E Competition and was award- ed the Battenburg Cup as best ship in the At- lantic Fleet. He then served as Assistant Deputy Commandant for Aviation Headquarters, U.S. Marine Corps. He is currently serving as Com- mander, Standing NATO Maritime Group TWO. Having accumulated more than 3,500 flight hours, Rear Adm. Groothousen has flown from the decks of 14 different U.S. Navy aircraft car- riers. His personal awards include the Legion of Merit (five awards), Bronze Star, Defense Meri- torious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Joint Service and Navy Commen- dation Medals. 10