George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 9 text:

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

Page 8 text:

Captain Robert G. Sprigg - Commanding Officer USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) Born in San Francisco, California, Captain Robert G. Sprigg is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy, class of 1969. Following graduation, he underwent flight training in Pensacola, Florida; Meridian, Mississippi; and Beeville, Texas, earning his wings in 1971. In May 1971, he reported to VT-7, NAS Meridian, as a flight instructor. In 1973, he reported to Attack Squadron 94, serving aboard USS CORAL SEA (CV 43). In 1976, Captain Sprigg attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he earned a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Following graduation, he reported to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 5, China Lake, California, where he was assigned as F A-18 Project Director until returning to Lemoore for his department head tour with the “Royal Maces” of Attack Squadron 27. Captain Sprigg was selected for test pilot training at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, Patuxent River, Maryland, graduating in June 1983. He was subsequently selected for command and reported aboard Strike Fighter Squadron 113 as Executive Officer in February 1984, before becoming Commanding Officer in September 1985. Captain Sprigg attended Naval Nuclear Power School in 1987. In 1988 he reported on board USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) where he served as Executive Officer from November 1988 until November 1990. In April 1991, Captain Sprigg assumed command of USS CAMDEN (AOE 2) while deployed to the Arabian Gulf in support of Operation Desert Storm Providc Comfort. In addition to the normal duties in support of the NIMITZ Battle Group, CAMDEN provided logistical support to eight ships of foreign navies who were part of the multinational force deployed in the Arabian Gulf. Captain Sprigg’s numerous awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with Gold Star, Navy Expeditionary Medal (three awards), Meritorious Unit Commendation (three awards), and the Humanitarian Service Medal. His flying experience includes over 3,200 flight hours in tactical jet aircraft and over 500 arrested landings in more than 20 different aircraft. Captain Sprigg is married to the former Paula Marie Voegtle. They currently reside in Norfolk, Virginia. Command 5

Page 10 text:

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