Hassayampa (AO 145) - Naval Cruise Book

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COMMANDING OFFICER R. E. BOX JAN 7 1978 Captain Roger E BOX, a native of Michigan, began his career at the US. Naval Academy in 1952 Upon commissioning in 1956, he proceeded to flight training at Pensacola. Florida and was designated a Naval Aviator in October 1957 Captain BOXs first tours of sea duty were served in VF-173, VF-174, and VF-84 He next attended the Naval Test Pilot School at Patuxent River, Maryland. Upon graduation, he became F-8 F-4 projects Pilot in the Weapons Systems Test Division until October 1964. Following his tour at Patuxent River, Captain BOX helped place USS AMERICA (CVA 66) in commission and served as Assistant Navigator for the next two years. He returned to tighter aviation in 1966 as a member of Fighter Squadron 21 and made two combat deployments in Southeast Asia, aboard USS RANGER. In 1969-70, while attending the US Air Force War College at Maxwell AFB, Captain BOX earned his Masters degree in Business Administration from Auburn University He then reported to Fighter Squadron 121. and in May 1971 became the Officer-m-Charge of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN). Under his direction, TOPGUN became an independent unit and achieved command status with Captain BOX as the first Commanding Officer. In August 1972 Captain BOX arrived aboard USS KITTY HAWK in the Gulf of Tonkin and assumed command of Fighter Squadron 114 In September 1973 he reported to the Naval Missile Center. Point Mugu, as the Flight Test Officer In that capacity, he was involved in a variety of F-14 and F-4 flight test projects From February 1976 until April 1977 he commanded Carrier Air Wing FOURTEEN aboard USS ENTERPRISE. Captain BOXs combat decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, 13 Air Medals, and the Navy Commendation Medal with a Combat V Captain BOX is married to the former Ruth Ellison of Colfax, Washington They reside in La Jolla, California with their two children, Laura and Jay

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COMMANDING OFFICER W.L.CHATHAM JULY 7 1976 TO JAN 7 1978 CAPTAIN W. LEWIS CHATHAM, USN Captain W. Lewis CHATHAM graduated from Rice University, Houston, Texas in June 1956 and having completed ROTC training received his commission. He entered flight training and was designated a naval aviator in August 1957. Captain CHATHAM ' S operational background includes eight deployments to the Western Pacific on board the carriers RANGER, HANCOCK, ORISKANY and MIDWAY. Operational flying tours were served with Fighter Squadron 141, Attack Squadron 112, 216. and 56 and Air Wing Five. Other assignments include a tour as a member of the United States Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, tours as a flight instructor in A4 and A7 aircraft while assigned to Attack Squadron 125 and 122. Assistant Strike Operations Officer on board USS ORISKANY (CVA-34) and a tour as Head Operations Briefer for the Chief of Naval Operations. Captain CHATHAM has commanded Attack Squadron 56 during combat operations in Southeast Asia and served as Commander. Attack Carrier Air Wing FIVE, homeported in Yokosuka, Japan prior to reporting to USS HASSAYAMPA. Captain CHATHAM has 5,000 flight hours in 30 types of aircraft and logged over 1,000 carrier landings. He flew 366 combat missions during the Vietnam conflict. His awards include four Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, ten Air Medals, thirty-five strike flight Air Medals, four Navy Commendation Medals with Combat V and the Navy Achievement Medal. Captain CHATHAM, the son of Mr and Mrs. Ray L. CHATHAM of San Antonio, Texas, is married to the former Ann Reynolds SIMKINS. The CHATHAMs and their children Sean, Greg, Melissa and Geoff reside in Sun Valley, Idaho. Captain CHATHAM leaves HASSAYAMPA to take command of the USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63)

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