Essex (LHD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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Commander Thomas R. Williams Chief Staff Officer, COMPHIBRON FIVE Commander Williams was raised in Matthews, Georgia. He graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy in March 1979. Commander Williams first sea tour was aboard USS DECATUR (DDG 3 1 ) as Auxiliaries Officer, Boiler Division Officer, and Main Propulsion Assistant from 1980 through 1982. Subsequent to this he was the recommissioning Boiler Officer aboard USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62) from 1982 through 1984. After completing the SWOS Department Head course, CDR Williams reported to USS ALAMO (LSD 33) as Engineering Officer in 1985. Departing ALAMO in 1987. he was Engineer Officer aboard USS BUCHANAN (DDG 14) from 1987 to 1989. From 1989 to 1990, CDR Williams attended the Navy War College in Newport, Rhode Island where he earned a Master of Arts degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. While at the War College he also attended Salve Regina College and earned a Master of Arts degree in International Relations. In 1990, CDR Williams began a two year tour as a Navy Operations Action Officer at U.S. Central Command during which he served eight months in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia in the USCINCCENT Joint Operations Center during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Following his tour at U.S. Central Command, CDR Williams served Executive Officer aboard USS FORT FISHER (LSD 40) from August 1992 through March 1994. He began his current assignment as Chief Staff Officer for COMPHIBRON FIVE in April 1994. CDR Williams ' sea duty has included seven deployments to the Western Pacific. Central America, the Mediterranean, the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Gulf. In addition to various unit awards, CDR Williams personal decorations include the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards) and the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards). Commander Williams is married to the former Miss Regina Gail Rodriguez of Key West. Florida. They have one son, Thomas Hardy Williams. MMCS(SW) Frank Jarnot Command Senior Chief Senior Chief Jamot was born and raised in Buffalo, New York. He attended Cheektowaga Central School until May of 1976. He joined the Navy in June of that year. Upon completing boot camp in Orlando, Florida, he received orders to USS ENGLAND (CG 22), homeported in San Diego. California. From October 1977 to July 1980. Senior Chief Jamot served aboard the ENGLAND and during his tour of duty he advanced to the rank and rate of Machinist Mate Second Class (MM2). From July 1980 to June 1982, SeniorChief Jarnot was assigned to the Light Photographic Squadron. VFP- 63, out of Naval Air Station Miraniar, California. In 1 982, he volunteered for the Re-activation of the Battle Ship Program and received orders to USS NEW JERSEY (BB 62). homeported out of Long Beach, California, from August 1982 to July 1985. In 1984, he was named NEW JERSEY ' S Sailor of the Year and advanced to MMl, at which time he became Surface Warfare qualified. From August 1985 to September 1987, Senior Chief Jamot was assigned to SIM A Valve Shop, 3 ID, in San Diego, serving as Leading Chief Petty Officer of Team Z. In 1987, he was selected for Chief Petty Officer. From September 1 987 to October 1 99 1 . Senior Chief Jamot was assigned to USS JUNEAU (LPD 10). homeported in San Diego. While assigned to this tour of duty, he was involved in the Alaskan oil spill with two deployments. It was on Juneau that he was advanced to Senior Chief Petty Officer in March of 1991. From October 1991 to October 1994, Senior Chief Jamot was assigned to Naval Surface Force Pacific Readiness Group in San Diego.

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Captain Gary W. Stubbs Commander, Amphibious Squadron Five The son of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. R. Stubbs, Captain Stubbs was raised in Cadisle, Pennsylvania and graduated from Duke University 1968 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science (international relations). Captain Stubbs entered flight training immediately after graduation, receiving his commission via Aviation Officer Candidate School in September 1968 and earning his wings in December 1969. Returning to the training command. Captain Stubbs served as a Flight Instructor in VT-9, NAS Meridian for two years and then proceeded to VA-128 Whidbey Island, Washington for A-6 Replacement Pilot Training. His first fleet assignment was with VA-52 deploying aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CVA 63) to the Western Pacific. Following this tour, he attended the Naval Postgraduate School for 1 5 months, obtaining a Master ' s Degree in Computer Systems Management. This subspecialty was immediately utilized in a two-year Washington, DC. tour as an Information Systems Analyst for the Chief of Naval Personnel. Returning to fleet duty on the east coast in 1979, Captain Stubbs served as Operations and Maintenance Officer of Attack Squadron 85, twice deploying aboard USS FORRESTAL (CV 59) to the Mediterranean and North Atlantic. His next assignment was to the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island where he graduated in November 1982. Captain Stubbs remained on the faculty at the Naval War College instructing the International Officers Course and serving as head of computer operations at the Center of War Gaming. After refresher training in VA-42 he joined the Thunderbolts of VA- 1 76 in July 1 984 as Executive Officer and assumed command in January 1986. After command. Captain Stubbs reported to the Commander, Naval Military Personnel Command, Washington DC where he served as Head Air Combat Units Placement. In his final operational flying tour with the A-6E Intruder, he commanded Attack Squadron 1 28, the west coast A-6 Fleet Replacement Squadron at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington. From June 1 99 1 to January 1 993, Captain Stubbs served as Commanding Officer of USS GUAM (LPH 9), deploying to the Mediterranean in support of Operation Provide Promise. Captain Stubbs wears the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Navy Achievement Medal and has graduated with distinction from both the Naval Postgraduate School and the Naval War College. Captain Stubb ' s wife is the former Christine Anne Ruby of Whittier, California and they are proud to be the parents of Brian, completing his fourth year of missionary aviation training and Tracie, who is attending Messiah College.

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MPHIBRON Fl CDR P. COYLE MAJ C.H. lONA LCDR McMillan LCDR C.D.SMITH LT C.A. CRAIGLE LT C. HUENEFELD LT S.J. lATROU LT G.W. KLUZAK