John F Kennedy (CV 67) - Naval Cruise Book

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1 i ja i i .a :4r

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I Rear Admiral James A. Lair was born in Los n|;effes, California. He enlisted in the Marine torps in 1957 and following his release at- nded Loyola University. Rear Admiral Lair .itered the Navy through the Naval Aviation adel Program and earned his wings and com- lission in December 1961. Following Re- lacement Pilot Training with VS-41 in May, 962. he reported to VS-38 aboard USS ENNINGTON (CVS 20). where he made iree Western Pacific deployments. Rear Ad- lirai Lair next attended the Naval Postgradu- e School and graduated in June 1968 with a achelor of Arts degree in International Rela- ons. Transitioning to the A-4 Skyhawk. Rear Ad- iral Lair reported to CVW-16 as Air Wing SO and made a combat cruise aboard USS ICONDEROGA(CVA 14). Following a tran- tion to the A-7E Corsair II. he reptirted to VW- 1 1 as Air Wing LSO and made a second )mbat crui.se aboard USS KITTY HAWK :VA 63). Rear Admiral Lair attended the school of ommand and Staff at the Naval War College id received an MS in International Relations bm George Washington University in June 72. After a tour as an Instructor Pilot with |A-I22 at NAS Lemoore. California, he re- •)rted to V A-22 aboard USS CORAL SEA (CV () and served as Maintenance and Operations fficer. While with VA-22 he participated in e evacuation of Saigon and in the recovery of e merchant ship SS MAYAGUEZ. Rear Admiral Lair then served as Executive Fficer and Commanding Officer of Attack |uadron 146 from August 1976 to February •80, making two Western Pacific deployments Joard USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64)., Allowing his command tour, he reported t jL ' -96 as Tactical Air Analyst in the Strike ■• arfare Branch. A e then commanded CVW-6 on aboaid USS DEPENDENCE (CV 62) from July 1981 to wembcr 1982. From July 1 983 to April 1985. ;ar Admiral Lair commanded USS kLOOSAHATCHEE(A098). InApril 1985. reported to SACLANT as the Executive si.stant to the Assistant Chief of Staff and in k ' 1986 to COMNAVAIRLANT as the As- Itant Chief of Staff for Readiness and Jrain- tear Admiral Lair commanded USS AFRICA (CV 66) from February 1987 until igust 1988. He then became Chief of Staff for immanderSIXTH Fleet until July 1989. Rear Imiral Lair was then Director, Tactical Readi- |is Division in the Office of ilie Chief of Naval )i.Talit)ns lor Naval Warfai Iff Aifmiral Lair has accumulated over 7(XK) hi hours and l. (X) carrier landings. He has n awarded the Legion of Merit with two ilStais. Defense Meritorious Service Medal. rilorious Service Medal, two individual Air dais. 22 Strike Flight Air Medals, and four ivy Commendali»»n Medals with Combat V . c Admiral Lair is married to the lornier .i|iiclineSu ow of New Castle. Pennsylvania. Ic have two daughters. Andrea and Jennifer, .J.1 a son. Jarrod. Commander Carrier Group Two lo •.••■ Rear Admiral James A. Lair