George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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LT Mark Felice LT Bradley Heidler LT Christopher Kaiser LT Thom McCann LT James McGuire LT Patrick Owens LT Gregory Pekari LT Timothy Pfannenstein LT Gregory Pratt LT Mick Van Rooy LT Elefterious Schurman LT Timothy Veschio

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The Topcats of Sea Control Squadron 31 embarked in George Washington with six S-3B Viking aircraft for her maiden deployment and excelled in all of their varied functions as CVW-7’s sea control squadron. The Topcats tested the versatility of the S-3B by performing surface search and control (SSC) in support of Operations Sharp Guard, Southern Watch and Vigilant Warrior, flying Electronic Warfare missions over Bosnia in support of Operation Deny Flight, and providing airborne inflight refueling services. At the midpoint of cruise, the squadron sent a detachment to NAS Sigonella, Sicily for coordinated ASW training with surface and submarine assets within the GW Battle Group. The Topcat team showed its depth during their detachment to NAS Sigonella. While part of the squadron was conducting ASW training, the rest of the command contin- ued to cover its missions around the ship without a Hch. This can do attitude was a hallmark of this historic Bfit; among squadron members it’s called “Topcat Fevcifl The Topcats' professional attitude from the skftcr down to the most junior airman was reflected in the impressive accomplishment of 24 years and 98,000®urs of mishap-free flying, the longest standing record irAic Atlantic fleet. All the hard work by the squadron over the las®car was recognized by others, as the command was hon®ed as the recipient of two awards: the Captain “Arnold By Isbell” award for ASW excellence and the Type WiiS’s Conventional Weapons award. CDR Greg Cooper LCDR William Forge LCDR Michael Sherlock LCOR John Simpson LCDR Steve Yoxheimer LT Charlie Baxter LT Dennis Bougher LT Bill Blacker LT T. Keefee Bush LT Michael Cunningham LT Dennis Doering LT Mark Ehlers 680 VS-31 ’Topcats'

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CW03 William Faulk CW02 Jerry Brewster AFCM Ronnie Long AECS(AW) Scott Brooks AWC(AW NAC) Kevin Burns ATC(AW) Craig Clayton AOC(AW) Michael Goodman ATC(AW) James Hansen YNC Samuel Home AEC(AW) Jose Ocana AMEC(AW) Toby Pyron AMHC(AW) Kenneth Ravenscroft 682 VS-31 ‘Topcats