Coronado (AGF 11) - Naval Cruise Book

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— ' JOINT TASK FORCE MIDDLE EAST MISSION For nearly 40 years, the Middle East Force has served United States national interests in the Persian Gulf, Red Sea and North Arabian Sea. The states of this region, and the water areas contiguous to them, are of significant economic, geopolitical, and military importance. The Gulf area contains three-fourths of the world ' s proven oil reserves and produces one-third of its petroleum pro- ducts. The ability to freely move these products is key to the industrial strength of the free world. By their continued presence, ships of the U.S. Navy demonstrate the commitment of the United States to freedom of navigation in this vital region. On February 27, 1988, ships of the Middle East Force were united with the carrier battle group and support ships in the North Arabian Sea into one task force, under one commander. This combined force was called the Joint Task Force Middle East. Within the Persian Gulf, the force is usually comprised of the flagship, several destroyers and frigates, at times a cruiser, an amphibious landing ship and six minesweepers. In the North Arabian Sea, there is a carrier battle group and support ships. The ships and men of the Joint Task Force Middle East carry out a variety of tasks within the broad mission of conducting operations in support of national objectives. These include protecting of U.S. flag merchant ships, air and sea surveillance, training and rendering assistance. For most of its history, the Middle East Force was relatively small, but with the spillover of the Iran-Iraq War into the Persian Gulf, and its consequent attacks on neutral shipping, the force was greatly expanded, as was the role of the force in protecting U.S. flag shipping, particularly re-flagged Kuwaiti tankers. Since the summer of 1987, ships of the Middle East Force, and Joint Task Force Middle East, have conducted escorts of these tankers. Now that a cease-fire has apparently taken hold in the Iran-Iraq War, U.S. forces have begun accompanying U.S. flagged shipping as opposed to escorting them. Mine countermeasure operations are ongoing, to clear the Gulf of any remaining mines and ensure the continued safe passage of shipping. As has been the case since 1949, The U.S. naval presence continues to be a positive influence in support of peace and stability in the Persian Gulf area. CORONADO welcomes GEN. George Crist, Commander in Chief, U.S. Central Command. 13

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COMMANDER JOINT TASK FORCE REAR ADMIRAL ANTHONY A. LESS Rear Admiral Anthony A. Less was born in Salem, Ohio on 31 August 1937. He entered the Naval Aviation Officer Candidate Program upon graduation from Heidelberg College in Tiffin, Ohio and was commissioned an Ensign in April 1960. He earned his Naval Aviators wings in June 1961. After attending aviation maintenance officers school in Memphis, Tennessee, Rear Admiral Less was assigned to Attack Squadron 86, flying the A-4 Skyhawk and deployed aboard USS INDEPENDENCE (CVA-62). His next assignment was to Attack Squadron 44 at NAS Cecil Field, Florida as an A-4 weapons instructor. In 1966, Rear Admiral Less was chosen as one of the initial cadre of instructor pilots in Attack Squadron 174 introducing the Corsair aircraft into the Navy. This was followed by a Vietnam combat tour, flying the A-7 with Attack Squadron 105 from the decks of USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63). Shore duty followed in 1969, when he was ordered to the Bureau of Naval Personnel where he served as an Aviation Assignment Officer. During this tour he was selected for command of an operational aircraft squadron. He reported as Executive Officer and later took command of Attack Squadron 12, flying the A-7 Corsair II aircraft. In November 1973 Rear Admiral Less reported to NAS Pensacola, Florida where he became the flight leader and first Commanding Officer of the newly commissioned Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the BLUE ANGELS . In February 1976 he commenced training in each of the aircraft that comprised Carrier Air Wing NINE, the nation ' s most modern Air Wing at that time. He assumed command of the Wing in August 1976. In January 1978 he reported to Washington D.C. to serve as the Executive Assistant to the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air Warfare. In November 1979 Rear Admiral Less assumed command of the replenishment oiler USS WICHITA (AOR 1) in which he completed a deployment to the SEVENTH Fleet, operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. He reported in August 1981 as Executive Assistant and Senior Aide to Commander in Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet in Honolulu, Hawaii. He assumed command of USS RANGER (CV-61) in June 1982 and again completed an extended deployment to the SEVENTH Fleet, operating in the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans. Rear Admiral Less was assigned as Chief of Staff to Commander, SEVENTH Fleet, in August 1983 and was selected to Rear Admiral during this tour. In March 1985 he reported to the Joint Chiefs of Staff where served as the Deputy Director for Politico-Military Affairs in the Strategic Plans and Policy Directorate until July 1987. Rear Admiral Less was selected to be Commander Carrier Group ONE and Commander Battle Group ECHO in August 1987. He commanded this Battle Group until December 1987 when he was chosen as the Commander, Joint Task Force Middle East, assuming command February 3, 1988. During his career, Rear Admiral Less has logged more than 6,000 hours in tactical jet aircraft and more than 950 arrested carrier landings. He is authorized to wear the following medals and decorations: Defense Superior Service Medal (Oak leaf cluster in lieu of second award); Legion of Merit (Gold star in lieu of second award); Air Medal with ten Strike Flight awards; Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V ; Navy Unit Commendation Ribbon; Navy Battle Efficiencey E Ribbon, and other campaign awards. Rear Admiral Less is married to the former Leanne Carol Kuhl of Memphis, Tennessee. They have four daughters; Robyn (Mrs. Paul Monger), Pam (Mrs. Chris Maxey), Tracy and Christy. 15