John Stennis (CVN 74) - Naval Cruise Book

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Captain Thompson, a native of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota entered the Aniiy in 1 973 and earned his Army Aviator Wings at the age of 1 9. Serving as a helicopter gunship pilot, he was assigned to the 82nd Airborne Division until 1977. In 1978. he completed a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics from Embi-y-Riddle Aeronautical University and began his naval career by entering Aviation Officer Candidate School at NAS Pensacola, Florida. Captain Thompson was commissioned an Ensign in February 1 979 and subsequently began his flight iiaining. I pon completion of flight training at NAS Kingsville, Texas, Captain Thompson was awarded his wings of gold in August 1980. In the spring of 1981, Captain Thompson completed A-7E fleet replacement training with VA 122 at NAS Lemoore, California and was assigned to the Warhawks of VA 97. While assigned to VA 97, he completed two deployments aboard USS Coral Sea (CV 43). In 1 984 Captain Thompson received orders as an instructor pilot to the F A-18 Fleet Rep lacement Squadron (FRS). VFA-125, located at NAS Lemoore, California. Following a rewarding three year tour with the Rough Raiders of VFA 1 25, he was assigned as an F A- 1 8 Weapons Training Officer with the Rock Rivers of VFA 161. In January 1 989 Captain Thompson reported as a Department Head with the forward-deployed Golden Dragons of VFA 192, home based at NAF Atsugi. Japan. While assigned to the Golden Dragons, he completed two deployments aboard USS Midway I C ' 4!). including one combat deployment in support of Operations the Executive Officer of Naval Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), NAS Miramar, California Following his tour at TOPGUN. Captain Thompson joined | the Warhawks of VFA 97 in October 1 993 as Executive Officer. He subsequently assumed command of VFA 97 in November 1 994 and led the Warhawks, to include one deployment abomi USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), until December 1995. In March 1996 Captain Thompson assumed command of TOPGUN. a tour which required relocating the Navy Fighter Weapons School to their current home at NAS Fallon, Nevada, and the ultimate integration of TOPGUN into the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center (NSAWC), where he servedas the Director of Captain Thompson departed NSAWC in August 1997 for the National War College (NWC) in Washington. DC. Upon graduation from NWC and awai-ding of a Master ' s Degree in National Security Strategy in May 1 998, he reported as Deputy Director of the CINC Liaison Division (N83) on the Chief of Naval Operations staff. Captain Thompson reported as Deputy Commander, Carrier Air Wing Nine in June 1 999 and subsequently completed one deployment aboard USS John C. Steunis (CV 74). Captain Thompson assumed command as Commander, Carrier Air Wing Nine on 7 August 2000. Amassing over 5500 militar y flight hours, and 950 arrested landings. Captain Thompson has qualified as a pilot in the UH- 1 H. AH- IG, OH-58, 0-2. A-4, A-7, F A- 1 8, F- 1 4 and F- 1 6 aircraft. Captain Thompson ' s decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Air Medal (three Strike Flight Awards, one individual with V device), Navy Commendation Medal with V device (four awards). Army Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, Battle Efficiency E Award, Army Good Conduct Medal, Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal (two awards). Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal (three awards), Kuwait Liberation Medal along with numerous other unit and service awards. -! ield ' Storm. : ompson departed Japan in July 1 99 1 and reported to ! VIS (CVN74)

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1,CDR SCOTT

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Captain Donald P. Quinn, a native of East Rochester, NY, attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating in 1979 with a B.S. in Oceanography. He reported to Pensacola, FL for tlight training and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in June of 1980. After receiving his wings, CAPT Quinn reported for initial A-6 training in VA-128 at NAS Whidbey Island, WA. Following training he deployed to the Western Pacific Indian Ocean in USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) in 1981 with the Knightriders of VA-52. He also deployed in USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70) for her maiden voyage; an around-thfcwgrld cruise in 1983. — p In 1 984, he reported for instructor duty in VA- 1 28. While there, he was selected to serve as the Flag Lieutenant for Commander, Medium Attack Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. In September 1986, CAPT Quinn reported to VA-185, serving as the Administrative Officer and Safety Officer. During his tour, the Nighthawks were established and changed homeport to Yokosuka, Japan. They deployed to the Indian Ocean and the Western Pacific in USS Midway (CV 41), participating in Operation EARNEST WILL. In 1989, he reported to the Naval War College, Newport, RI for the Command and Staff Course. While there he also earned a Masters Degree in Management from Salve Regina University. In 1990, CAPT Quimi reported to VA-42 in Virginia Beach, VA, for A-6 refresher training. He then reported to the Fighting Tigers of VA-65, serving as Administrative Officer and Maintenance Officer. While there, he deployed to Southwest Asia and the Mediterranean in USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), participating in Operations DESERT STORM and PROVIDE COMFORT In August 1992, CAPT Quinn reported for joint duty at the Atlantic Intelligence Command in Norfolk, VA. He led the Target Development Branch conducting target system analysis in support of US ACOM operations. CAPT Quinn reported to VAQ- 1 29 in July 1 994 for EA-6B tran sition training. Following training he joined VAQ- 1 39 as Executive Officer, assuming command on 3 August 1996 in the Persian Gulf. During his tour the Cougars won the ' Battle E , Safety S and 1996 CNO Radford Award as the best EA-6B squadron in the Navy. Following his tour, he reported to the staff of Commander, Electronic Attack Wing, | U.S. Pacific Fleet. I CAPT Quinn then commanded VAQ- 1 29, the EA-6B Fleet Replacement Squadron, from October 1998 to May 2000. He has accumulated over 4000 flight hours and 900 airested landings. His personal awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal and Navy Commendation Medal. . .. CAPT Quinn is married to the former Jean Marie Mazzo of East Rochester, NY. They have been blessed with four children: Matthew, Kevin, Caidin and Brian. ENDURING FREEDOM