Long Beach (CGN 9) - Naval Cruise Book

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CAPT. ROBERT W. HECHTMAN, U.S.N. COMMANDER, DESTROYER SQUADRON 35 Captain Robert W. Hechtman, USN was born in Stockton, California, on 11 October 1983, son of Mr. Mrs. Waiter I. Hechtman, Jr. He graduated from the California State Polytechnic University. In September 1961, Capt. Hechtman was commis- sioned as an Ensign at the Officer Candidate School, Newport, Rhode Island. He was subsequently advanced to the rank of Captain on 1 May 1983, and on 6 May 1983, Capt. Hechtman assumed command of DESTROYER SQUADRON THIRTY-FIVE. Capt. Hechtman ' s earlier assignments included a tour of duty in the USS CARTER HALL (LSD-3), followed by a tour as ASW Officer on the USS JOSEPH STRAUSS (DDG-16). Following a tour as Weapons Officer of the USS OSBOURN (DD-846), Capt. Hechtman served as Project Coordinator in the ASW Ship Acquisition Project Officer in Washington, D.C. until June 1972. In March 1973, he reported to the precommissioning un it of USS SOUTH CAROLINA (CGN-37) as prospective Operations Officer and subsequently served in that position following the ship ' s commissioning in January 1975. In November 1978, he reported to the USS JOUETT (CG-29) as Executive Officer. Capt. Hechtman was in command of the USS BADGER (FF-1071) from December 1980 to January 1981. He was Commanding Officer to the USS BENJAMIN STODDERT (DDG-22) from May 1981 to May 1983 prior to reporting to DESTROYER SQUADRON THIRTY-FIVE. During his Naval career, Capt. Hechtman has earned the following awards: Navy Commendation Medal with two gold stars; Navy Unit Commenda- tion Medal; Meritorious Unit Commendation; Humanitarian Service Award; Navy Expeditionary Medal; Combat Action Ribbon; National Defense Service Medal; Republic of Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal (1st class); Armed Forces Expedition- ary Medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Vietnam Campaign Medal; and the Vietman Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross). Capt. Hechtman is married to the former Barbara Wheeler of Long Beach, California. They have one son, Robert, and they make their home in Honolulu, Hawaii.