Ajax (AR 6) - Naval Cruise Book

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c. o, CAPTAIN RONALD W. KERSLAKE QSN Captain Ronald W. Kerslake. was born in Seattle, Washington, on June 25. 1934. He attended the University of Washington, in Seattle, under the NROTC Program. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business-Transportation in 1956 and was commissioned an Ensign in the Naval Reserve. Captain Kerslake ' s first assignment was with the Military Sea Transportation Service, Northern Pacific Sub-Area where he served in the cargo operations division and then on board the USNS JAMES C. O ' HARA (TAP 179) as Executive Officer. Military Department until August 1958. From August 1958 until November 1959 he served as Legal Officer, Bremerton Group, Pacific Reserve Fleet and then on borad USS POINT DEFIANCE (LSD 31) as the First Lieutenant until November 1961. While on board USS POINT DEFIANCE (LSD 31). he transfered into the Regular Navy. In November 1961 he became the Executive Officer. USS GALLANT (MSO 489). In January 1964 he was assigned to the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group, Thailand and then back again to the USS GALLANT (MSO 489) this time as the Commanding Officer from May 1966 until July 1968. From August 1968 until June 1969 he attended the Marine Corps Command and Staff College. Quantico. Virginia. After graduation he remained with the Education Center as an amphibious warfare instructor. In June 1971 he became the Commanding Officer, USS JAMES C. OWENS (DD 776) until October 1972. From December 1972 until August 1975 he served as the Chief Staff Officer. Amphibious Squadron THREE and then to Naval War College from August 1975 until June 1976. He then joined the Military Sealift Command Europe Staff as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations. From July 1977 until July 1979 he was assigned as Military Sealift Command Representative, Europe in Stuttgart, Germany. In July 1979 he became the Commander Military Sealift Command. Europe (Area Commander) until he received his orders to report to the USS A J AX (AR 6) as the Commanding Officer. Captain Kerslake ' s awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit. Distinguished Service Medal. Joint Services Commendation Medal. Army Commendation Medal. National Defence Service Medal. Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and Vietnam Service Medal, with five stars. He is also authorized to wear the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with device. Captain Kerslake ' s official home is Seattle. Washington. .a 10

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EXECUTIVE OFFICER Commander Joseph H. Steele III was born and raised in Wilmington. Delaware. In 1965. he graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology. He was commissioned an Ensign at the Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport. Rhode Island on December 17. 1965. In 1975. he received a Master of Science degree in Information Systems-Telecommunications Management from the U.S. Naval postgraduate School in Monterey. California. Commander Steele ' s first Navy tour began March 1966. on board the USS HANCOCK (CVA19). homeported in San Francisco. During this tour, he served as the Signals and Radio Officer. He also served as the Communications Officer on board the USS MITSCHER (DDG-35). homeported in Norfolk Virginia. Commander Steele served as the commissioning Weapons Officer and subsequently as Engineer Officer aboard USS REASONER (DE 1063). homeported in San Diego, from 1975 to 1977. he served at the Naval Communication Area Master Station Atlantic as the Atlantic Communication Area Master Station Atlantic as the Atlantic Communications Area Coordinator. Prior to reporting for duty aboard the AJAX. Commander Steele served as the Engineer Officer aboard the USS GUADALCANAL (LPH-7). homeported in Norfolk. Virginia. Commander Steele ' s decoration include the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Unit Commendation (with a bronze star), and a Meritorious Unit Commendation. He is married to the former Ann V. Vilhauer of San Diego. They have two daughters: Tracey Leigh and Sydney Elizabeth. CDR JOSEPH H. STEELE III USH EXECUTIVE OFFICER Commander Kenneth R. Michna was born in Waukegan. Illinois, and raised in North Chicago. Illinois. In 1965 he graduated from the Wabash College in Crawfordsville. Indiana with a Liberal Arts degree. He was commissioned an Ensign at the Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport. Phode Island on 11 February 1966. In 1975. he received a Master of Science degree in Operations Research from the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. California. Commander Michna s first Navy tour began August 1966 on board the USS SNOHOMISH COUNTY (LSTI126). homeported in San Diego. California. During this tour, he served as the Damage Control Assistant and latter as the Engineer Officer. He also served as the Ship ' s Engineer Officer on the USS BENEWAH (APB-35). homeported in San Diego California and also served as the Engineer Officer on board the USS HARLOD E. HOLT (FF 1074). homeported in Long Beach. California. From 1975 to 1977. he served at the Navy Personnel Research and Development Center (NPRDC) at Point Loma. California and from December 1977 to January 1980. he served as the Main Propulsion Assistant to USS RANGER (CV-61). homeported in San Diego. California. Prior t o reporting for duty aboard the AJAX. Commander Michna served as the Material Logistic Officer on the Staff of Commander Amphibious Squadron THREE. Commander Michna ' s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal. Meritorious Unit Commendation. Presidential Unit Commendation. Sea Service Ribbon. Combat Action Ribbon. Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross). Vietnam Service Medal. Navy Expeditionary Medal. National Defense, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal. He is married to the former Virginia Mutty of Newport. Rhode Island. They have two children: Steven Kenneth and Debra Louise. CDR KEHHETH R. MICHISA USH 12