America (CV 66) - Naval Cruise Book

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Prior to assuming command of USS AMERICA (CV-66), Captain Mazach was assigned as Chief of Staff, Cruiser-Destroyer Group Eight. Captain Mazach’s decorations include the Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal with two gold stars. Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V and various other unit citations and campaign ribbons. He is married to the former Pat Waggoner of Nashville, Tennessee. They have two daughters. Leigh and Meg. Captain Mazach was selected to the rank of Rear Admiral (lower half) in 1990, prior to leaving USS AMERICA. His next duty assignment will be as Deputy Director J-3, USEUCOM. Stuttgart, Germany.

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Raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Captain Ma ach attended Vanderbilt University under the NROTC Program. He graduated in June 1966 and was commissioned as an Ensign, United States Navy. He immediately entered flight training at NAS Pensacola and was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1967 at NAS Chase Field, Texas. In June 1968, Captain Mazach became one of the original members of VA-87 after replacement pilot training in the A 7B Corsair at VA-174. While attached to the Golden Warriors, he completed one Vietnam deployment aboard USS TI-CONDEROGA (CVA-14) and a portion of a Mediterranean deployment aboard USS ROOSEVELT (CVA-42). Captain Mazach then received orders to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in December 1970, where he served as a detail-er in the Aviation Assignment Section. In July 1973, he reported to VA-105 after completing replacement pilot training in the A-7E at VA-174. While attached to the Gunslingers, he completed two deployments to the Mediterranean aboard USS SARATOGA (CV-60), serving as Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer. His next assignment was to the Air Command and Staff College. Maxwell Air Force Base, in June 1976. Upon graduation in June 1977, Captain Mazach once again reported to VA-174 for A-7E replacement pilot training and then to the VA-15 Valions as Executive Officer in December 1977. He assumed command of VA-15 on 19 April 1979. In June 1980, Captain Mazach was again ordered to Washington, D.C., as the Head, Aviation Lieutenant Commander and Junior Officer Assignment Section, Naval Military Personnel Command, where he served until February 1982. In July 1982, Captain Mazach assumed duties as Commander, Carrier Air Wing Three, where he served until April 1984. .Off ( Captain Mazach was then assigned to COMNAVAIRLANT as the Air Wing Training Officer, until January 1986 when he departed for the Senior Officer Ship Material Readiness Course and training prior to assuming command of USS SEATTLE (AOE-3) in June 1986. Captain John J. Mazach Commanding Officer r. 14 October 1989 - 8 February 1991

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Captain Kent W. Ewing is a native of Dayton, Ohio. A 1961 graduate of Georgia Military Academy, he attended the University of California at Los Angeles, graduating in 1965. He holds a Master's degree in management from the University of Southern California and is also a graduate of the JFK School of Government at Harvard University. Captain Ewing was designated a naval aviator in 1966 and reported for duty with Training Squadron 3 as a basic flight instructor. After a tour of duty at Naval Air Station Alameda, California. He was assigned to A-4F training at Attack Squadron 125 in Lemoore, California. In August 1969, he reported to Attack Squadron 164. He made two combat deployments aboard USS HANCOCK (CVA 19) and flew more than 200 missions in Southeast Asia. From 1971 to 1973, he was assigned as Laser Systems and Threat Missile Project Officer at the Naval Missile Center, Point Mugu, California, where he was recognized as the Navy League Junior Officer of the Year. Following completion of Test Pilot School in May 1974, he served with Flight Test and Strike Aircraft Directorate at Naval Air Test Center Patuxent River, Maryland. Among his projects were the YT-34C, TA-4F and YA-7E. He test flew the TAV-8A Harrier carrier certification and INSURV trials, making the first night shipboard launch and recovery aboard USS FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT (CV 42) in June 1976. In October 1976, he joined Attack Squadron 86. deploying aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68). In July 1979, he reported as Executive Officer and later assumed command of Attack Squadron 66 aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). His squadron completed the historic nine-month Indian Ocean deployment during the Iranian hostage crisis, on-line for 156 days. In May 1982, he reported to the staff of U.S. SIXTH Fleet in Gaeta, Italy as Strike Warfare Officer and temporary assignment as Special Assistant to the Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe in Naples. He then commanded Carrier Air Wing 17 aboard USS SARATOGA (CV 60) from March 1984 to August 1985, followed by assignment as Tactical Air Analyst in the Office of the Secretary of the Navy. He commanded USS SYLVANIA (AFS 2) from October 1987 until May 1989. Prior to assuming command of USS AMERICA (CV 66) in February 1991, he served as Assistant Chief of Staff for Readiness on the staff of Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. Captain Kent W. Ewing Commanding Officer 8 February 1901.- Present Captain Ewing's awards include the Legion of Merit, three Meritorious Service Medals, 15 Air Medals, four Navy Commendation Medals, the Joint Service Commendation Medal and numerous unit and foreign campaign awards. He has flown more than 6,000 flight hours during his career, with more than 1,150 carrier landings. Captain Ewing is married to the former Ann Graves of Colton, California. They have two children, Alexis and Taylor.