George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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Commander William L. McKee - Executive Officer USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) Commander William L. McKee was born in Worthington, Ohio. Graduating with honors, he received a commission from the Naval Academy in June 1975. After flight training, CDR McKee reported to the “Hellrazors” of VA-174 for training in the A-7E Corsair. He joined the “Ubangis” of VA-12 on board USS INDEPENDENCE in April 1977. In 1980, CDR McKee reported to VA-45 at Cecil Field. He was one of the initial cadre of personnel to move with the squadron to NAS Key West. While serving with the “Blackbirds”, he was the First “Attack Pilot” to serve as Adversary Program Manager. In 1983, CDR McKee began participation in the foreign exchange program, flying Harrier GR3 aircraft with the Royal Air Force. After training in the United Kingdom, he served two years with 3 (F) Squadron in Gutcrsloh, West Germany. Following his exchange tour, CDR McKee attended the Armed Forces Staff College in Norfolk, Virginia. In July 1986, he joined the “Valions” of VA-15, where he helped the squadron transition to the F A-18 Hornet. CDR McKee served as Operations and Maintenance Officer of the Valions. In December 1988, CDR McKee reported for duty in Washington D.C., where he served as an aide to Secretary William Ball III, Director of Operations in the Office of Legislative Affairs, and on the personal staff of Sen. John Glenn under the Legis Fellows Program. After Refresher Training, CDR McKee reported to the “Sunliners” of VFA-81 as Executive Officer, and in August 1990, deployed aboard USS SARATOGA (CV-60) during Operation Desert Shield, subsequently flying combat missions over Iraq and Kuwait during Operation Desert Storm. He assumed command of VFA-81 in September 1991, leading the “Sunliners” through another successful Mediterranean deployment which commenced in June 1992. He relinquished command in November 1992 and began nuclear power training in Orlando, Florida. He reported aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN-73) as Executive Officer in June 1994. CDR McKee has amassed more than 5,000 flight hours in a variety of aircraft. His decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross (with Combat “V”), Meritorious Service Medal (with Gold Star), seven individual and two strike flight Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal (with two Gold Stars and Combat “V”), Navy Achievement Medal and various campaign and unit awards. CDR McKee and his wife, B.J., reside in Virginia Beach with their three daughters, Heather, 14. Kaylcigh, 9, and Meredith, 4. Command 7

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Captain David M. Crocker - Executive Officer USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) In April 1983, Captain Crocker reported to Commander, Carrier Group ONE for duty as Flag Lieutenant. He deployed to the Pacific and Indian Oceans, seeing duty on board USS CORAL SEA (CV 43), USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70), USS MIDWAY (CV 41), and USS CONSTELLATION (CV 61). Two years later he was once again assigned to HS-15 where he served as the Maintenance Officer from April 1985 to January 1987, deploying as an element of CVW-6 on board USS FORRESTAL (CV 59). Captain Crocker reported to HS-17 as Executive Officer in April 1987. He assumed command in August 1988. During his tenure, HS-17 deployed twice to the Mediterranean on board USS CORAL SEA. He reported to the Chief of Naval Operations (OP-05) in October 1989 where he served as the ASW Helicopter Requirements Officer. In May 1990, he was selected for the nuclear power program pursuant to his assignment as Executive Officer on board USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). Selected for deep draft command, CAPT Crocker departed George Washington in July 1994. A native of Fargo. North Dakota, Captain David M. Crocker was commissioned via the Reserve Officer Training Corps in May 1974 following graduation from Iowa State University. He was awarded a Master of Science degree from the University of West Florida while undergoing flight training. He was designated a Naval Aviator in September 1975. Captain Crocker was assigned to HS-15 from June 1976 to May 1979, during which time he deployed twice to the Mediterranean Sea on board USS AMERICA (CV 66). He was next assigned to HS-1 for instructor duty. In September of 1979, he was selected for the Naval Test Pilot School, graduating as a member of Class 78 in December 1980. He then reported to the Rotary Wing Aircraft Test Directorate as a test pilot and was subsequently selected as a Weapon System Acquisition Manager (WSAM). Captain Crocker’s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (with three gold stars). Navy Achievement Medal (Gold Star in lieu of Second Award), the National Defense Service Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation and Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. Captain Crocker is married to the former Jeanne Murphy of Sheldon, Iowa. The Crockers and their two sons, Benjamin and Eric, reside in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 6 Command

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ABCM(AW) Douglas M. Ausderau - Command Master Chief USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) Master Chief Douglas M. Ausderau, a native of Niagara Falls, N.Y., enlisted in the U.S. Navy in February 1971 and entered recruit training at Naval Training Center Great Lakes in August 1971. After graduating from Aviation Fundamentals and Aviation Fuel Systems “A” school in January 1972, Master Chief Ausderau reported aboard the USS AMERICA (CV 66) in Norfolk, Va. While on board AMERICA, Master Chief Ausderau participated in operations in the Tonkin Gulf during the Vietnam War. In August 1975, Master Chief Ausderau departed AMERICA for duty at NAS Barber’s Point. Hawaii. In October 1978, Master Chief Ausderau reported aboard USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) in Norfolk, Va. where he deployed to the Mediterranean Sea in September 1979. During that time the ship was diverted to the Indian Ocean in January 1980 and remained at sea for 144 days in response to the Iranian hostage crisis. In April 1980, USS NIMITZ took part in the hostage rescue attempt, “Operation Evening Light, before returning to its homeport in May 1980. Master Chief Ausderau reported to the Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek in Norfolk. Va. where he was stationed from January 1982 to February 1984. He then reported to USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) until December 1986. In January 1987, Master Chief Ausderau reported to the Senior Enlisted Academy in Newport, R.I. as a student where he graduated with academic honors that March. Master Chief Ausderau became a staff member and facilitator at the Senior Enlisted Academy until July 1990. In September 1988, Master Chief Ausderau received an Associate of Science degree from the University of the State of New York. He has since completed his Bachelor of Science degree in sociology and is working toward his B.A. in human resources administration from St. Leo College. Master Chief Ausderau reported aboard Precommissioning Unit GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in August 1990 as the Air Department Leading Chief Petty Officer. In May 1993, he assumed the duties of the ship’s Command Master Chief. Master Chief Ausderau’s awards and decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal for heroism, the Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Battle “E,” Good Conduct Medal (four awards), Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (two awards), Vietnam Service Medal (three awards). Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sea Sendee Deployment Ribbon (three awards). Expert Rifle Medal and Sharpshooter Pistol Ribbon. Master Chief Ausderau is married to the former Colleen Marie Trainor. He and his wife currently reside in Chesapeake, Va., with their two sons, Douglas, Jr. and Jason. 8 Command