America (CV 66) - Naval Cruise Book

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Captain Meyer takes helm . . 24 i

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Captain William F. MEYER assumed command of USS AMERICA on 17 April 1978. A native of Ohio, he graduated from Ohio Northern Univer- sity and received his commission through Officer Candidate School. Service with VA-96 and VA-125 was followed by a tour as Special Projects pilot for the Bureau of Naval Weapons. Captain MEYER then as- sumed duties as Operations Officer of Reconnaissance Attack Squadron FIVE and .sailed to Southeast Asia in the first combat deployment of the RA-5C aircraft. Captain MEYER attended both the Armed Forces Staff College and the Naval War College. His commands have included RVAH-9, Commander, Carrier Air Wing SEVEN and USS CONCORD (AFS-5). Captain MEYER holds the Mer- itorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Medal in addition to numerous campaign and service medals. 23

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In an ageless ceremony marked by simplicity and tradition. Captain Robert B. FULLER turned over the command of USS AMERICA to Captain William F. MEYER on 17 April 1978. AMERICA was steaming east of the Azores enroute to its homeport of Norfolk, Virginia. The guest of honor, Rear Admiral C. C. SMITH, praised the accomplishments of both men and the achievements of AMERICA during the nearly- complete deployment. At the conclu- sion of the ceremony, Captain FULLER, a selectee for the rank of Rear Admiral, was frocked and presented with the title and uniform of that rank. J-,:.l■ ' -• a CTal: ; ' y ■ 25