Iwo Jima (LPH 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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COMPHIBRON EIGHT CAPTAIN J. C. VAN SLYKE, JR. Captain James C. Van Slyke. Jr.. a narive of Downers Grove, Illi- nois, graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy in November 1961. His first assignment was aboard the USS BUCK (DD 761 ) as the Communication Officer. In February 1964 Capt. Van Slyke attended U.S. Naval Postgradu- ate School as a student in the Engineering Science curriculum. After completing his schooling he was Operations officer aboard USS PLATTE (AO 34) during 1965-1967. After completion of Destroyer School in 1968. he was assigned as Operations Officer of USS EPPERSON (DD 719) until October 1969. He then assumed command of USS MEEKER COUNTY (LST 980). After leaving the Meeker County he attended the Armed Forces Staff Col- lege in 1971. His next assignment as a strategic planner for the Joint Strategic Target Planning Staff. During this tour, which lasted from August 1971 to July 1974, he earned a Masters Degree from Creighton University. Capt. Van Slyke was then selected to participate in the Navy ' s Personnel Exchange Program, subsequently being assigned as Senior Staff Officer for Surface Operations at the headquarters of Com- mander, Maritime Forces Pacific in British Columbia, Canada. In February I9 ' ' 6 Capt. Van Slyke was named Executive Officer of USS EL PASO (LKA I I 7). where he served until February 1978. In April of 1978 he assumed command of USS SPIEGEL GROVE (LSD 32) He served as Commanding Officer of the amphibious landing ship un- til April 1980. In August 1980 he became Commanding Officer of Navy Recruit- ing District Albuquerque, where he served for two years. Capt. Van Slyke reported to Commander Amphibious Group Two in late 1982 for duty as Assistant Chief of Staff for Operations and Plans. In 1983 he became Chief Staff Officer for Commander Amphibi ous Group Two. In December 1984 he assumed command of USS NASHVILLE (LPD 13). serving there until March 1987. Capt. Van Slyke assumed duties as Commander Amphibious Squadron Eight in April 1987. His awards included the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star. Merito- rious Service Medal. Joint Services Commendation Medal. Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation, Meritorious Unit Commendation and other campaign and service medals. Capt. Van Slyke is married to the former Gwynne Larson of Lo» Angles, California. They have two children, Jimmy and Susan, and re- side in Virginia Beach. Virginia.

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COMMANDING OFFICER CAPTAIN WILLIAM B. HAYDEN Captain William B. Hayden was born in Oakland. California, but grew up in Bethesda. Maryland. He attended Dartmouth College un- der a ROTC scholarship and graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He went on to earn a Master of Aerospace Engineering De- gree from Cornell University in June 1967. He was designated a Naval Aviator in September 1968 and report- ed to VT-31. Kingsville. Texas, for SERGRAD instructor duty. Next, he transferred to VFI3I. Miramar. California, where he completed E-4 readiness training. In March I9 ' ' 0. Capt. Hayden reported to VF-143, making two WESTPAC deployments with the Pukin Dogs aboard USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65). While overseas, he was selected for test pilot training and later graduated with distinction from the USAF Test Pilot School in December 19 3. His next assignment was to Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 4 at Point Mugu. California where he became Project Officer for the first Air Combat Maneuvering Range. Following Navy acceptance of the ACMR. Capt. Hayden became Assistant Chief Project Officer for Air-lo-Air Tactics and also served as test pilot for CNO Proiect HAVE IDEA until May I9 ' 6. After completing replacement pilot framing in the F-I4A. Capt. Hayden reported to VF 14 aboard the USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67). He made two MED depkjymenis aboard the carrier, first serving as Operations Officer and then as Admin Personnel Officer for the Tophatters. In November I9 8. he reported to VF-IOI as Maintenance Officer and later as Executive Officer. In November 1979. he executed orders to VF-33 as Executive Officer and returned to JFK for another MED deployment where the Swordsmen won the Admiral Joseph Clifton Award as best fighter squadron in the Navy. Capt. Hayden assumed command of VF-32 in April 1981 and accepted new reconnais- sance configured Tomcats before deploying with Air Wing 6 in USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62). The Swordsmen won the Battle E for their performance during the deployment. In September 1982. Capt. Hayden reported to Nuclear Power School in Orlando. Florida. Upon complet ion of nuclear power training, he reported to USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69) as Executive Officer in March 1984. Following two years on IKE. he reported to Washington DC. as Executive Assistant to the Deputy Assistant Sec- retary of the Navy for Tactical Programs. He detached from the Pen- tagon in December 1986 to commence training enroute to command of USS IWO JIMA (LPH 2). He assumed command of the amphibious assault ship on April 24 . 1987. Capt. Hayden ' s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, one individual Air Medal, seven Strike Flight Air Medals and the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V. He has flown over 4000 hours in 20 different aircraft. Capt. Hayden is married to the former Margaret Kit Church of Annapolis. Maryland. They reside in Virginia Beach while their sons. Will and Malt, attend college in New England.