George Washington (CVN 73) - Naval Cruise Book

Page 456 text:

Captain Dana R. Potts was Kaiserslautern, Germany and a graduate of Texas A M University. While at A M he earned a Bachelor of Science in Computing Science and was commissioned an Ensign in August 1978. After being designated a Naval Flight Officer in September 1980, Captain Potts reported aboard VF 171 for F4 replacement training. Upon completion he was assigned to VF 161, the “Rock Rivers aboard USS MIDWAY (CV 41). Homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, he served from December 1981 to December 1984 making multiple deployments to the Indian Ocean and North Pacific. Captain Potts reported to VF 101 in February 1985 to transition to the F14A. Following transition, he remained at VF 101 as an instructor and served as Senior Schedules Officer and Assistant Operations Officer. In November 1987 he reported to VF 103 where he served as Assistant Operations Officer and Operations officer. During this tour he completed a unique deployment on board USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) in which the ship changed homeport from Norfolk to San Diego. In December 1988 Captain Potts transitioned to the F-14 A (PLUS) and began workups and the initial carrier qualification for this aircraft on board USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Captain Potts reported to Commander, Tactical Wings Atlantic in November 1989 as Anti Air W arfare officer and Assistant Operations Officer. During this assignment he planned and orchestrated the Air To Air Missile Operational Advisory group and acted as Flag representative for the F-14 air to ground program and F-22 Navy Advanced Tactical Fighter. In November 1991 Captain Potts reported to Carrier Air Wing THREE as Operations Officer and completed a Mediterranean COMMANDS?. CAEEIBA Alt' tflNG SEVENTEEN CAEYAIN DANA ft. POTTS deployment on board USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). This deployment included Adriatic and east Mediterranean operations in support of PROVIDE PROMISE and PROVIDE COMFORT. In August 1994, Captain Potts was assigned to VF 154 aboard the USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62). Forward deployed in Atsugi, Japan, he assumed command in November 1996. He made multiple deployments including support of Korean contingency operations, to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH, and to the Philippine Sea during the Taiwan crisis. He reported as special assistant to Commander Fleet Logistics Western Pacific, Atsugi Japan in February 1997. He then reported to the National War College in August 1997 and graduated the following June. Captain Potts then reported as the Military Staff Assistant for Naval Aviation, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Director. Operational Test and Evaluation. Captain Potts then reported as the Deputy Commander of Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN in September 2000. He then assumed command as Commander of Carrier Air Wing SEVENTEEN in April 2002. During his aviation career. Captain Potts has accumulated over 3,400 flight hours and over 1000 carrier landings. His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Strike Flight Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal. Navy Achievement Medal, and various other service awards.