George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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Captain Herb Coon - Commander Carrier Airwing SEVEN A native of Atlanta, Georgia, CAPT Herb Coon graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1971. Following commissioning through the NROTC program in September 1971, he reported to NAS Pensacola, Florida, for flight training, and was subsequently designated a Naval Flight Officer in September 1972. His first assignment was to the Staff of Commander, Carrier Air Wing FOURTEEN, where he completed an extended deployment to the Western Pacific aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN-65) prior to fleet replacement training with the Golden Intruders of VA-128. Upon completion of training in May 1975, he joined the Eagles of VA-115, which was homeported in Yokosuka, Japan. CAPT Coon was next assigned to Training Squadron EIGHTY-SIX (VT-86) for flight instructor duty in July 1977. Returning to Whidbey Island, Washington, in October 1979. CAPT Coon joined the Knightriders of VA-52. Embarked aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63), he completed extended deployments to the Western Pacific and Indian Ocean before transferring to the staff of Commander. Medium Attack Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing Pacific in May 1982. In November 1983, CAPT Coon was assigned to USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV-67) as the aircraft handling officer. His subsequent assignment was to the staff of Carrier Air Wing ONE in November 1985, where he served as the operations officer for a Mediterranean deployment aboard USS AMERICA (CV-66). Following refresher training with the Greccn Pawns of VA-42, CAPT Coon reported to the Flying Tigers of VA-65 in August 1988, where he served as executive officer and commanding officer. During this tour, CAPT Coon lead the “Fighting Tigers' through a compressed training cycle and highly successful combat deployment to Southwest Asia onboard USS THEODORE ROOSEVELT (CVN-71). Upon relinquishing command in August 1991, CAPT Coon was assigned to the Naval War College and subsequently to the Armed Forces Staff College. His most recent assignment w. deputy director. Assessment Division (N81) in the office of Chief of Naval Operations. The Recipient of the Navy League's 1992 John Jones Inspirational Leadership Award. CAPT Coon’s deco ns include the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross. nze Star, Meritorious Service Medal (with gold star). Individu; ir Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (with thre ld stars) and various unit and campaign decorations. CAPT Coon is married to the former Beth Bark Rome, a GA. They reside with their three children, Elizabeth. reyand Katherine in Virginia Beach, Virginia. 540 Carrier Air Wing SEVEN

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Carrier Air Wing SEVEN 539

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Captain Ronald McElraft - Carrier Airwing CAPT maid D. McElraft, a native of Virginia, as designated a naval flight officer in M 1992 after graduation from aviatie officer candidate. NAS Pensacola. 1 ida. Initial rational assignments included du at NAS Miramar, California flying th -4 Phantom with the Vigilantes fVF-151. While at VF-151 he c ployed to Southeast Asia aboard USS NGER (CV-61) conducting combat rations during the final months of th- Vietnam War. Follow assigments were in Fighter Squ on ONE FIVE FOUR aboard USS IDWAY(CV41), homeported Japan, and as an instructor at Training s uadron EIGHTY SIX (VT-86), Pc acola, Florida from 1980-1983. After transitioning to the F-14 Tomcat in 1 S3, CAPT McElraft had tours with the Renegades of VF-24 as a department h ad and with the Wolf Pack of VF from 1988-1991 as executive officer. id commanding officer. While comm nding officer, he deployed aboard USS RANGER to the Arabian Gulf during ( peration “Desert Storm.” CAPT N j El raft is a graduate of the National Dei ise University and has completed joint assignments at Headquarters, Uni cd States Space Commnad. Colorado Springs, Colorado and Joint Task Force. outhwest Asia, Saudi Arabia. CAPT cElraft’s personal awards include the lver Star, Bronze Star. Defense Me orius Service Medal, two individual a ! five Strike Flight Air Medals, Na Commendation Medal (two award with combat “V”, Navy Achievcmc Medal and several unit, service and mpaign awards. He has completed deployments and has more lhan 1,100 carrier arrested landings. CAPT cElraft joind Carrier Airwing SI EN as deputy commander in January 1 94. Deputy Commander SEVEN Carrier Air Wing SEVEN 541