Coronado (AGF 11) - Naval Cruise Book

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USS CORONADO (AGF 11) SHIP ' S HISTORY USS CORONADO (AGF 11) is the second U.S. Navy ship named after that city in southern California bearing the name of the famous sixteenth century Spanish explorer, Francisco Vasquez CORONADO. The current USS CORONADO (AGF 1 1) was originally one of 12 Austin class amphibious transport docks, and one of six of that class fitted with an additional superstructure deck for flagship duties. CORONADO was designed an AGF (Command Ship) prior to assuming duties as Commander Middle East Force Flagship from November 1980 to June 1983. CORON ADO ' S keel was laid on 3 May 1965 at the Seattle Shipyard of the Lockheed Shipbuilding and Construction Company. In July 1970, CORONADO departed Bremerton, WA, enroute to her homeport, Norfolk, VA, and arrived 20 August after a port call in her namesake city. After completing shakedown training CORONADO commenced operations with the U.S. Atlantic Fleet. From 1971 until redesignation as a Command Ship in 1980, CORONADO conducted extensive amphibious operations and deployed on numerous occasions to the Caribbean and Mediterranean Seas, as well as conducting one Northern Europe deployment. Highlights of this period included the first HARRIER operations on an LPD, involvement in evacuation operations in Cyprus and Lebanon in 1974 and 1976 respectively, and various awards for battle and departmental excellence. From January 1984 to March 1985, CORONADO completed a fourteen month complex overhaul at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard which resulted in significantly upgraded command and control capabilities which were fully utilized in performing duties as flagship for the Commander of the U.S. SIXTH Fleet during an extended eleven month deployment. While serving as COMSIXTHFLT flagship from September 1985 to July 1986, CORONADO visited various ports in Israel, France, Gibraltar, Spain, Morocco, Tunisia, Yugoslavia, Romania and Italy. CORONADO also conducted Eastern Mediterranean contingency operations and participated in four different periods of battle group operations in the vicinity of Libya. Indicative of the high tempo of CORONADO ' s operations in the 1970 ' s and 1980 ' s, CORONADO conducted it ' s 11,000 safe helicopter landing March 27th of this year. CORONADO has successfully met past challenges and is busily preparing to assume new duties as Third Fleet flagship later this year.

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USS CORONADO AGF 1 1 COAT OF ARMS BLAZON SHIELD: Cheeky of six or and azure, on a chief of the last three mulletes argent. CREST: On a wreath of the colors, or and azure, upon a nnound vert a coronet of the first with chapeau of the second and jewelled proper. MOTTO: On a scroll or, doubled azure, the words SEMPER DUCTOR (Always a Leader) in azure. SYMBOLISM SHIELD: The three silver stars in chief, a position of honor on the shield, represent the Vice Adnniral who serves as Commander of one of the U.S. Navy ' s four numbered fleets. Silver is used to signify integrity and strength. The divisions of the field, counter-changed gold and dark blue represent the U.S. Navy and the supported fleet commander. CREST: The City of Coronado and the explorer after whom it is named are symbolized by the jeweled coronet on the mound. The blue lining of the coronet refers to the Pacific ocean where the ship serves as flagship. California, where the City of Coronado is located, is represented by the grassy mound used on the state flag. SEAL The coat of arms in full color as In the blazon, all upon a white oval background enclosed by a dark blue border edged with gold chain and bearing the name USS CORONADO at the top and AGF 1 1 below all in gold.

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COMMANDING OFFICER CAPTAIN EARLE G. SCHWEIZER, JR. USN CAPT Earle G. Schweizer, Jr., was born in San Diego, California, the son of Comnnander and Mrs. E.G. Schwelzer, USN (Retired). Upon graduation from high school in June 1955, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. After successfully competing for a fleet appointment and graduation from the Naval Academy Preparatory School, CAPT Schweizer entered the U.S. Naval Academy. He was commissioned an Ensign upon graduation in 1960. His first assignment was aboard USS BRADFORD (DD 545) where he served as First Lieutenant and 1st Division Officer. He next served aboard the USS HENRY W. TUCKER (DD 875) as Weapons Officer until February 1964. In March 1964 he reported to the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, earning a Degree in Mechanical Engineering. From November 1966 until May 1969, he served as C hief Engineer on USS MAHAN (DLG 11), spending two deployments in the Western Pacific and the Gulf of Tonkin. CAPT Schweizer assumed command of the USS ENERGY (MSO 436) in July 1969 and served as Commanding Officer until December 1970. In February 1971 he became a DD 963 Assistant Project Officer on-site at Litton Ship Systems, Culver City, California. In September 1972, CAPT Schweizer assumed additional duty as Resident Supervisor of Shipbuilding, U.S. Navy, Culver City, serving in this position until January 1974. From March 1974 until June 1976, he was Executive Officer of USS JUNEAU (LPD 10). He next reported to USS CARON (DD 970) Precom Unit as Officer-in-Charge in July 1976. From September 1977 until July 1979, CAPT Schweizer served as both Commissioning Commanding Officer and Commanding Officer, USS CARON (DD 970), the eighth of the SPRUANCE Class Destroyers. In August 1979, he attended the National Defense University, Industrial College of the Armed Forces graduating in June 1980. He received his M.S. in Administration from George Washington University in 1980. Prior to assuming command of USS CORONADO, CAPT Schweizer was assigned to the Naval Sea Systems Command in the Mine Warfare Project and as the AEGIS Fleet Introduction Division Director in the AEGIS Shipbuilding Project. On 1 June 1984 CAPT Schweizer assumed command of Command Ship CORONADO (AGF-1 1) mid-way thru a complex overhaul at the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. His decorations include two Meritorious Service Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, and Service Medals from Vietnam and Korea.