Constellation (CV 64) - Naval Cruise Book

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EXECUTIVE OFFICER USS CONSTELLATION COMMANDER D.J. TAFT Commander Denis J. Taft graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1958. He was designated a Naval Aviator in November 1959 and assigned to VP-46. In July 1963 he reported to VP-31 as a P-3A instructor pilot. Commander Taft reported to the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in July 1964. From June 1965 to October 1 967 he attended the Cranfield Institute of Technology in England, earning a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Commander Taft next reported to VAH-123 for training in the A-3 Skywarrior. In July he joined the VAH-10 Vikings and made two Southeast Asia deployments, aboard USS HANCOCK and USS CORAL SEA. Commander Taft graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School in June 1971. He was then assigned to the Flight Test Division of the Naval Air Test Center as head of the Flight Qualities and Performance Branch. In July 1974, after completing EA-6B training in VAQ-129, Commander Taft reported to the Scorpions of VAQ-132 as Executive Officer. He assumed command of VAQ-132 in July 1975. Commander Taft was assigned to the staff of Commander, Operational Test and Evaluation Force for six months prior to assuming command of VAQ-129 in March 1977. Commander Taft reported to USS CONSTELLATION in August of 1978 as Executive Officer. Commander Taft has logged over 5400 flight hours in 33 different aircraft models. His awards include three Air Medals, the Navy Unit Commendation and a Meritorious Unit Citation. 18

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iiMV4uiiLij:a:-i» iaiWiw3ai Commander Carrier Strike Force Seventh Fleet Rear Admiral Ernest E. Tissot Ernest E. Tissot was born in Upland. California on December 16, 1927, the son of Ernest E. and Beulah L. Tissot. After graduating from North Hollywood (Calif.) High School, he entered the Navy in .luly 1945. While an aviation midshipman, he was designated a naval aviator in June 1948 and was commissioned ensign in December of that year. He was selected for the rank of rear admiral in March 1973. Rear Adm. Tissot has studied at Stanford University, receiving a Bachelor of Science in engineering and election to Phi Beta Kappa; at the Naval Postgraduate School, receiving a Master of Science in aeronautical engineering; at the Naval Nuclear Power Training Unit, Idaho Falls, Idaho; and at the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, VA. He has been assigned to Fighter Squadron 192, Advanced Training Unit One, Fighter Squadron 33 and has served on the staff of Commander Carrier Air Group Eight; Commander Naval Air Force, Pacific Fleet; the Chief of Naval Operations, and the Secretary of Defense. He has commanded Attack Squadron 192. Attack Carrier Air Wing 14, the landing ship dock USS Thomaston (LSD-28), and the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65). He also served as Assistant Director, Strategic and Support Systems Test and Evaluation in the Office of Defense Research and Engineering, Washington, D.C.; as Commander, Fighter Airborne Early Warn- ing Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In October 1977 he assumed command of Carrier Strike Force Seventh Fleet and Carrier Group Five. His awards include the Silver Star, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and campaign and service medals for Korean and Vietnam conflicts. In October 1967, Rear Adm. Tissot became the third naval aviator to achieve 1,000 arrested carrier landings. This was accomplished without accident over a 20 year period, flying 1 1 different aircraft types from 15 aircraft carriers. He is married to the former Mildred Ellen Patton of Oakland, California; and they have two sons, Ernest Craig and Brian Nelson. 20 mmw