Independence (CV 62) - Naval Cruise Book

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Commanding Officer Capt. Kenneth L Carlsen 11

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29 Oct 84 - 28 July 86 Commanding Officer Capt K.L Ca risen Rear Admiral Kenneth L. Carlsen graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1963 He is currently Commander, Carrier Group ONE Rear Admiral Carlsen previously served at sea as Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) and the undenway replenishment ship USS WHITE PLAINS (AFS 4) He also served as Execu- tive OHicer of the USS MIDWAY (CV 41 ), After completing flight training as a Naval Flight Officer. Rear Admiral Carlsen reported to VAP-62 in Jack- sonville, Fla. In 1971 he joined the first operational EA-6B squadron and the follov» ing year made a combat deployment to the Western Pacific aboard the USS AMERICA (CV 66) Later, he commanded VAQ-136 embarked in USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) and USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) Shore tours include the Naval Postgraduate School where he earned a Master of Science Degree in Computer Systems He was a flight instructor in VAH-123, the A-3 Fleet Replacement Squadron and served as Training Officer and Maintenance Officer in VAQ-129. He eventually assumed com- mand of VAO-129 and later served in the Office of the Chief of Naval Oper- ations as Program Coordinator for the EA-6B aircraft and the US, Navy Tactical Air Electronic Warfare Systems His most recent assignment was as Director for Warfare Systems Architecture, Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command. Rear Adm. Carlsen has earned various military awards including the Legion of Merit, two Meritorious Service Medals, seven Strike Flight Air Medals, two Navy Commendation Medals, and various Service and Cam- paign Medals. He is a native of Shenandoah. Iowa, and is married to the former Carole Adams of Norfolk. Va. Their family includes two sons, John and Paul. 10

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28 July 86 - 24 Feb. 89 Commanding Officer Capt W.R. Buzz Needham Captain William R Needham began his military career following gradua- tion from public school in Providence. R I He entered the US Naval Academy in July 1957 Upon graduation with a Bachelor of Science Degree, Capt Needham reported immediately to flight training. He received his wings in October 1962. and in April 1963. he reported to Attack Squadron FORTY FOUR in Jacksonville. Fla , for training in the A-4D Sky- hawk In October 1963. he reported to Attack Squadron ONE HUNDRED SIX, flying the A-4C, One of Captain Needham ' s most interesting assign- ments followed in August 1966. He reported to the Air Force Test Pilot School at Edwards Air Force Base. Calif Upon completion of this training with the U.S. Air Force, the Navy put his expertise to work at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, fwld.. where he served in the Carrier suitability branch of the Flight Test Division In August 1968, Capt. Needham reported to Attack Squadron FORTY TWO at Naval Air Station Oceana, Virginia Beach, Va , for training in the A-6 Intruder In tVlarch 1969, he became a member of Attack Squadron EIGHTY FIVE and saw combat action in Vietnam with Air Wing FOURTEEN aboard USS CONSTELLATION In June 1971. Capt. Needham reported to the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey. Calif., where he received his Master ' s degree in finan- cial management. After graduation in 1972, he reported to Washington, DC. working under the Chief of Naval Personnel as head of the Enlisted Strength and Advancement Section. In January 1975. after refresher training in the A-6 Intruder at Attack Squadron FORTY TWO. Capt. Needham reported for duty as the Opera- tions Officer for Carner Air Wing One embarked aboard the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY. Subsequently, he was assigned as Executive Officer and Com- manding Officer of Attack Squadron SIXTY FIVE from September 1976 to March 1979 Immediately thereafter, he was temporarily assigned to the staff of Commander, Naval Air Force. U.S. Atlantic Fleet, in preparation for assuming command of Carrier Air Wing SEVEN in December 1979. After being relieved as Commander. Carrier Air Wing SEVEN in March 1981, Capt. Needham served on the staff of Commander. Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet as the comptroller In June 1984, he became Commanding Officer of USS SYLVANIA (AFS 2) and was relieved on March 28, 1986. He assumed command of USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) on July 28, 1986.