Coral Sea (CV 43) - Naval Cruise Book

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CA RRIE R A IR WING THIR TEEN ---l

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Commander Carrier Air Win THIRTEE Captain William H. Switzer III Captain William H. Switzer Ill is a native of Charleston, West Virginia. After receiving his Bachelor of Science in Industrial Management from West Virginia Institute of Technology, he entered the Navy in July 1965 through the AOCS program. He was commissioned an Ensign in October 1965 and designated a Naval Aviator in March 1967. Following F-8 Crusader replacement training in VF-124, Captain Switzer reported to VF- 191 in February 1968. During this tour he flew combat missions over Vietnam while deployed to the Western Pacific aboard USS TICONDEROGA QCVA- 14l and USS ORISKANY QCVA-34l. In January 1970, Captain Switzer reported to VT-24 at NAS Beeville, TX, and served as the tactics phase flight instructor in the F-9 Cougar. After a 10-month tour in the training command, he was selected as a member of the Navy's Flight Demonstration Team, Blue Angels, flying the F-4 Phantom. He flew with the Blue Angels from 1971-72. Upon completion of refresher training in the F-4 at VF-121, Captain Switzer was assigned to Fighter Squadron FIFTY-ONE in July 1973. During this tour he served as Operations Officer and made two Western Pacific cruises aboard the USS CORAL SEA QCV- 43l. ' From July 1975 to August 1977, Captain Switzer served as the Flag LTfAide to Commander in Chief, U.S. Naval Forces Europe QCINCUSNAVEURQ in London, England. After I completion of training in the F-E 14 TOMCAT in.VF-124 he reported to Commander Carrier Air Wing FIFTEEN in January 1978 and served as the Operations Officer. He made one deployment aboard USS KITTY HAWK QCV-631. In January 1980, Captain Switzer reported to Fighter Squadron TWENTY-FOUR as Executive Officer, then Commanding Officer of the Fighting Renegades, assuming command in May 1981. He made two extended deployments aboard USS CONSTELLATION QCV-641. Captain Switzer then served as COMFITAEWWINGSPAC Operations Officer from July 1982 to November 1983. Captain Switzer assumed command of Carrier Air Wing FIFTEEN in May 1984 with 87 aircraft and nine squadrons onboard USS CARL VINSON QCVN-715. During the next 22 months he led them on deployments to the Western Pacific, Sea of Japan and Indian Ocean. Captain Switzer's decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, eight Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V , Presidential Unit A Citation, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm and various other campaign and service medals for the Vietnam conflict. He has over 5200 flight hours, 1100 carrier arrested landings and 150 combat missions. Captain Switzer is married to the former Pamela Morrison of F Okolona, Mississippi. They reside in Virginia Beach, Va., with their two daughters, Tara and Chelsea.

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l I I I I :I II il II 'I I II I .I Ii I v I 1 r I I I I I . I I I I In I I I M Kenneth C. Burgess Martin T. Fox Charles T. Nash Gary L. Podenak Randy G. Weakley Stephen E. Morrow James L. Stalnaker Gary D. Sumner Dennis A. Fedor Timothy E. Ryan Edwin F. Bergen Wayne C. Blanks Richard D. Clayton Gene E. Knigge David J. Robertson Roy G. Roman Kenneth W. Lawton Robert S. Bloberger David A. Gibson Timothy J. Mize Charles D. Tankersle Michael A. Campbell Jeffrey P. Springer Lanny G. Deboard Y 327