Essex (LHD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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COMMANDING Captain Anthony L. Winns

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SQUADRON FIVE aptain Larry W. Nelms was born in Farmington, Missouri. He holds a Bachelor of Science de- gree from Southwest Missouri State Uni- versity in Zoology and Chemistry and a Master of Science degree from the Naval Postgraduate School. He entered the Navy through the Aviation Officer Candidate Pro- ram and was designated a Naval Aviator 1 May 1972. His first assignment was with Helicop- r Anti-Submarine Squadron FOUR, The lack Knights, embarking in USS ICONDEROGA (CVA 14), USS KITTY AWK (CV 63) and USS RANGER (CV 61). I December 1975, he reported to Helicop- n Anti-Submarine Squadron TEN as an istructor pilot and COMNAVAIRPAC H-3 ATOPS evaluator. His next tour, in Au- ust 1978, was as Air Boss aboard USS enver (LPD 9) where he earned his Sur- ice Warfare Officer (SWO) designation, ollowing the USS DENVER, Captain Nelms Hended Naval Postgraduate School where e received a Master of Science degree in anpower. Personnel and Training Analy- is. In December 1 982, he reported back to elicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron OUR, where he served as Administrative, Maintenance and Operations Officer while deployed aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70). Subsequently, he served in Washing- ton D.C. as Chief of Naval Operations Flag Idministrative Aide to OP-12 (Total Force Programming and Budgeting Division). Captain Nelms reported to Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron TWO, the World Famous Golden Dragons, as Executive Officer in December 1986 and assumed command in May 1988. Th e squadron was awarded the Battle E and CNO Safety award during his tour. Following his command tour, he re- ported to COMNAVAIRPAC in November 1989 serving as Helicopter Training and Readiness Officer. In March 1991, he re- ported to USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) as Executive Officer. During his tour, the ship replaced the USS MIDWAY (CV 41) in Yokosuka, Japan. In August 1992, CaptainNelms attended the Industrial Col- lege of the Armed Forces (ICAF), in Wash- ington D.C. Following ICAF, he reported to COMNAVAIRPAC as Assistant Chief of Staff for Aircraft Carrier Training and As- sessment (N7). Captain Nelms was Commanding Of- ficer of USS CLEVELAND (LPD 7) from January 1 995 to November 1 996. The ship was awarded the Battle E and Safety Award during his tour. He reported as Operations Officer (N3), AMPHIBIOUS SQUADRON THREE in January 1997. He reported as Commanding Officer (Com- modore) of Amphibious Squadron Five on May 15 1997. Captain Nelms ' personal awards in- clude the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Ser- vice Medal (3 awards). Navy Commenda- tion Medal (3 Awards), Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, and Kuwait Liberation Medal (Ku- wait).

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OFFICER aptain Anthony L. Winns is a native of Jacksonville, Florida. Graduat- ing with distinction from the United States Naval Academy, he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in June 1 978. He completed initial flight training at NAS Pensacola, Florida and advanced naviga- tortraining at MatherAFB, California where he was designated a Naval Flight Officer in January 1980. Following initial P-3 training at Patrol Squadron THIRTY-ONE (VP-31), Captain Winns was assigned to Patrol Squadron SIX (VP-6) at NAS Barbers Point, Hawaii in July 1980. Flying the P-3B MOD aircraft, he served as Legal Officer and Aircraft Division Officer. He completed two de- ployments to NAS Cubi Point, Philippines and detachments throughout the Pacific and Indian Oceans. In January 1984, Captain Winns was assigned to the Naval Military Personnel Command in Washington, D.C. During this tour, he served in the Aviation Junior Of- ficer Assignment Branch as Fixed Wing Initial Assignment Officer and VP Com- munity Shore Duty Detailer. In April 1986, Captain Winns reported aboard USS FORRESTAL (CV 59), homeported in Mayport, Florida, as Op- erations Administration Officer. He quali- fied as Fleet Officer of the Deck Underway and Tactical Action Officer, and deployed to the Mediterranean and Caribbean Seas, and the North Atlantic Ocean. Following this tour, Captain Winns attended the Na- val Postgraduate School in Monterey, Cali- fornia. He graduated with distincti on in December 1989, earning a Master of Sci- ence Degree in Financial Management. After refresher training in Patrol Squadron THIRTY (VP-30), Captain Winns reported to Patrol Squadron FIFTY-SIX (VP-56) at NAS Jacksonville in June 1 990. During this assignment, he served as Special Projects Officer and Administra- tive Officer, and deployed to Keflavik, Iceland. In March 1 991 , Captain Winns reported to the Staff of Commander, Patrol Wing ELEVEN, where he served as CNO Spe- cial Projects Officer. He served as Execu- tive Officer and Commanding Officer of Patrol Squadron ELEVEN (VP-11) from August 1992 to July 1994. Patrol Squad- ron ELEVEN deployed to Sigonella, Sicily and Roosevelt Roads, Puerto Rico and was awarded the coveted Battle E , Golden Wrench (4th consecutive), and numerous unit awards. From August 1 994 to March 1 995 Cap- tain Winns was assigned to the Roles and Missions Staff of the Chief of Naval Op- erations in Washington, DC. He served as Executive Officer aboard USS GUAM (LPH 9) from August 1995 to December 1996 and deployed to the Mediterranean Sea. Captain Winns reported aboard USS ESSEX (LHD 2) in December 1996 as the ship ' s Executive Officer and assumed command as Commanding Officer in May 1997. Captain Winns has been awarded three Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, the Navy Achievement Medal, and various unit, campaign and service awards.