America (CV 66) - Naval Cruise Book

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Capt. R. W. Leeds Captain Rene Sam Leeds is the son of Mr. Mrs. William E. Leeds of Overland Park, Kansas. Captain Leeds received an Engineering degree at GMI in September 1956. He entered flight training in No- vember 1956 and received his wings in April 1958. His first fleet assignment was to VF-191 flying the Grumman F-11 Tiger on board the USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA- 31). In 1960 he served one year at the Naval Missile Center in Aerospace Flight Operations and then attended Post Gra- duate School for three years where he received a Masters in Physics. Captain Leeds rejoined the fleet in 1964 and served with VF-21, VF-121, and VF-11 flying the F4 Phantom II. During this peri- od he completed two combat cruises as Maintenance Officer of F-21. Returning to VF-121 in September 1967. Captain Leeds was tactics phase leader. Reas- signed to the east coast, he was Oper- ations Officer in VF-11 on board the USS FORRESTAL (CVA-59(. In early 1971 he was assigned as F-14 fleet introduction coordinator at NAS Miramar and was in charge of the training and logistics pro- grams for the F-14 build-up and introduc- tion. In October 1972. Captain Leeds as- sumed command of the newly commis- sioned squadron VF-1, flying the F-14 Tomcat. VF-1. commissioned the first Navy fighter squadron in 1925, was active through WW II and was recommissioned for the F-14. In April 1974 he was as- signed to the Staff of the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air Warfare as the F- 14 coordinator in Washington. In July 1976, Captain Leeds received orders as Commander. Carrier Air Wing ELEVEN on the USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63). Captain Leeds next commanded the USS ASHTA- BULA (AO 51) from 25 August 1978 through 15 July 1979 and conducted the ship during her busy WESTPAC cruise. Captain Leeds assumed command of AMERICA on 23 August 1979 at Augusta Bay. Sicily during deployment to the Mediterranean. Captain Leeds ' awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal, and numerous air medals and campaign ribbons. Captain Leeds is married to the former Sara Ann Scott of Forrestville. California. « 22 i.

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Captain William F. Meyer was born in Hamler, Ohio, on July 21, 1932. He graduated from Ohio Northern University with a Bachelor of Sci- ence Degree in Civil Engineering and commenced Officers Candidate School on January 19, 1955. Com- missioned on May 6, 1955, he com- pleted flight training and was as- signed to A-96. In April 1958, he was assigned as flight instructor with VA-125. After a tour as special projects pilot for the Bureau of Naval Weapons at North American Aviation, he received re- fresher training prior to becoming Operations Officer of Reconnais- sance Attack Squadron 5. During this tour. Captain Meyer deployed to Southeast Asia aboard the USS RANGER and participated in the first deployment of the RA-5C aircraft. After attending the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia, Captain Meyer became Readiness Officer on the staff of Reconnais- sance Attack Wing ONE. In Septem- ber 1969, he joined RVAH-9 as Ex- ecutive Officer and subsequently as- sumed command of the Squadron. Captain Meyer then attended the Naval War College in Newport. Rhode Island, before assuming com- mand of Carrier Air Wing SEVEN. After assignment as Staff Oper- ations Officer on Carrier Division FOUR, he assumed command of USS CONCORD (AFS 5). After com- pletion of the Senior Officer Ship Material Course in Idaho Falls, Ida- ho, Captain Meyer was assigned as Chief of Staff for Service Group TWO. On 17 April 1978, Captain Meyer assumed command of the USS AMERICA (CV 66). In addition to various campaign and service awards. Captain Meyer wears the Meritorious Service Med- al, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal and Navy Achievement Med- al. Captain Meyer is married to the former Carol Reams of Ada, Ohio. The Meyers have two children: Cathy Elizabeth and Gregory Wil- liam. 21

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Commanding Officer USS America