George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

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Captain Malcolm Parker Branch was born in Denver, Colorado. He attendee the University of Wisconsin on a Naval ROTC scholarship, graduating with ho: and commissioned an Ensign, USN, in 1969. Captain Branch then reported te the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California, where in 1970 he received a Masters of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Following graduate study. Captain Branch began flight training, receiving his Wings of Gold in February 1972. He subsequently served in and deployed with three A-7E Corsair II squadrons: VA 27 from 1973 to 1975, pad|cip tina in the evacuation of Saigon: VA192 from 1981 to 1984. during which tim composite air wing detacl 27 again, serving as E tured the Battle “E”, Safety his tour. Between squadrto in electronic warfare f%«g Officer of the Light as Officer-in-Charge of the largest lie of the Philippines: and VA The “Royal Maces cap-ance Excellence during •erational Test Director Group 7: Commanding ations Officer for Com- mander. Carrier Groi Following a 19-montn training period in the Nuclear Power Program. Captain Branch was the commissioning Exeajfcye Officer of the aircraft carrier USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73). Subsequently, Captain Branchcommanded USS MOUNT WHITNEY (LCC 20), the Fighting Flagship of CommandeTseconoHeet. during her transformation to the Navy's prototype joint afloat command and control platform. He returned to USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) in April 1995 to become her third Commanding Officer. Captain Branch’s decorations include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star in lieu of second award. Navy Commendation Medal, and various unit commendations and campaign awards. He has flown more than 3,000 hours in 19 different tactical aircraft and accumulated more than 600 carrier landings. He is a proven subspecialist in Aeronautical Engineering. Captain Branch is married to the former Nancy Watson of Elm Grove, Wisconsin. Command 5

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 Capt. Malcolm P. Branch ■ V

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Captain Ronald D. McElraft, a native of Virginia, was designated a naval flight officer in May 1972 after graduation from Aviation Officer Candidate School, NAS Pensacola, Florida. Initial operational assignments included duty at NAS Miramar, California, flying the F-4 Phantom with the “Vigilantes” of VF 154. While at VF 154 he deployed to Southeast Asia aboard USS RANGER (CV 61) conducting combat operations during the final months of the Vietnam War. Follow-on assignments were in VS-151 aboard USS MIDWAY (CV 41), homeported in Japan, and as an instructor at VT 86. Pensacola, Florida from 1980-1983. After transitioning to the F-14 Tomcat in 1983, Captain McElraft had tours with x «. ■ the Renegades of VF 24 as department Capt. Ronald D. McElraft head and with the ..W0|f Pack» of VF , from 1988-1991 as executive officer and commanding officer. While serving as commanding officer of VF 1, he deployed aboard USS RANGER to the Arabian Gulf during Operation “Desert Storm.” Captain McElraft is a graduate of the National Defense University and has completed joint assignments at Headquarters, United States Space Command, Colorado Springs, Colorado, and Joint Task Force. Southwest Asia, Saudi Arabia. Captain McElraft’s personal awards include the Silver Star, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two individual and five Strike Flight Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal (two awards) with combat “V”, Navy Achievement Medal and several unit, service and campaign awards. He has completed 10 deployments and has more than 1,100 carrier arrested landings. Captain McElraft joined Carrier Air Wing SEVEN as deputy commander in January 1994 and assumed command of the air wing in April 1995. 6 Command