Nimitz (CVN 68) - Naval Cruise Book

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E .ww 'x l , l i I iin EA-6B Prowler W W ,,,, ,,,,, - q.. ' . ... I-vi-Q. S-3A Viking X I H I f ,. r 3 'aff' Y '- 'f ' I, ff, . z.1tt,,f,. , ,.,, f ... V MN!! E-2C Hawkeye SH-3l-I Sea King The EA-6B Prowler is a four-seat all-weatherjet designed specifi- cally for use in tactical electronic warfare. Powered by two Pratt 81 Whitney J52-P-408 turbojet engines and having a level flying speed in excess of 500 knots, the Prowler uses sensitive receivers and high power jammers as an effective combination to deny the enemy use of much of his radar and radio equipment. The sophisticated, com- plex electronic systems of the EA-6B make the Prowler one of the most expensive aircraft in the Air Wing. The EA-6B is flown from NIMITZ by DET-Y of VMAQ-2 based at Cherry Point, North Carolina. The S-3A Viking, the Navy's newest carrier-based antisubmarine warfare aircraft, provides an ideal balance of ASW systems integra- tion and computer technology to enable it to collect, process, inter- pret and store data. A jet-powered, twin engine aircraft, the Viking carries surface and subsurface search equipment including sono- buoys, high-resolution radar, infrared and magnetic anomaly detec- tor. With a crew of four, and an endurance time of more than seven hours, the Viking is used primarily for search missions in the vicinity of the carrier task force. The Viking, homeported at Naval Air Station, Cecil Field, Florida, is flown from NIMITZ by VS-24. The E-2C Hawkeye is a carrier airborne early warning all-weather defensive aircraft with a distinctive rotating radar dome. Specialized computers, radar and communications equipment in the E-2C are used to provide strike and traffic control, area surveillance, search and rescue guidance, navigational assistance and communications relay. The E-2C, nicknamed the Hummer , is powered by two 4,600 hp Allison turboprop engines, which drive two four-blade full-feather- ing reversible constant-speed propellers. The Hawkeye is flown from NIMITZ by Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 124, based at Naval Air Station, Norfolk, Virginia. The SH-3l-I Sea King is a gas turbine-powered helicopter used for anti-submarine warfare, rescue and assistance missions, and transfer of cargo and personnel between ships at sea. Capable of staying airborne for more than five hours, the Sea King is equipped with sonar, magnetic anomaly detection, sonobouys, and multi- channel relay equipment. Sea King helicopters are airborn during all flight operations from the ship. HS-9, homebased at Naval Air Sta- tion, Jacksonville, Florida, flies the Sea King from the USS NIMITZ. nv 9

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REAR ADMIRAL JAMES E. SERVICE, U.S. NAVY COMMANDER BATTLE FORCE SIXTH FLEET Rear Admiral Service was born in Grosse Point, Michigan and graduated from Abington High School, Abington, Pennsylvania in 1949. He joined the U.S. Navy as a Naval Aviation Cadet shortly after the start of the Korean War while attending Pennsylvania State University. Upon completion of Flight Training in April 1952, he was commissioned an Ensign and ordered to Fighter Squadron FIFTY-ONE via the Navy Jet Training Unit. Upon joining the squadron at Naval Air Station Miramar, San Diego, Califor- nia, he deployed in USS VALLEY FORGE to the Korean theater where he flew more than sixty-five combat mis- sions. As a LTJG he next served as an Instructor Pilot in the All Weather Flight School at Corpus Christi, Texas. In 1957 he joined Attack Squadron ONE FIFTY-ONE and was des- ignated a Special Weapons Delivery Pilot. Following a de- loyment to the Western Pacific, he reported to USS TICON- DEROGA QCVA 145 as a Catapult!Arresting Gear Officer in 1959. From 1961 to 1963, Admiral Service served as Senior Project Test Pilot at Naval Aviation Test Facility in Lakehurst, New Jersey engaged in experimental work on land-based catapults and arresting gear. He then attended the U.S. Naval Postgraduate' School in Monterey, California receiv- ing a Baccalaureate Degree in Political Science. He was then selected for promotion to Commander and ordered to Heavy Photographic Squadron SIXTY-ONE based on Guam where he flew more than seventy RA3B reconnais- sance flights in the Vietnam Conflict. Upon completion of this two year tour he reported to USS RANGER QCVA 61j in the Tonkin Gulf and continued his participation in combat operations. During this tour as Assistant Air Officer in USS RANGER, he was selected for command. He undenivent refresher training in the A3 Sky Warrior and took command of Heavy Photographic Squadron SIXTY-TWO at Naval Air Station, Jacksonville, Florida. He served a second command tour following this at Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washing- ton with Heavy Attack Squadron ONE TWENTY-THREE. He was then ordered to USS INDEPENDENCE QCVA 621 as Executive Officer until May 1972. Next, he attended the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, engaging in postgraduate level training Communications from Ship- pensburg State College. After his promotion to Captain, he commanded the Fast Combat Support Ship USS SACRAMENTO QAOE1 J, based in Bremerton, Washington. Upon completing a deployment to the Western Pacific, he was selected for major sequen- tial command of an aircraft carrier. In June 1975, he report- ed for duty in USS INDEPENDENCE as Commanding Offi- cer for over twenty-two months. He was then assigned to Washington, D.C. as Executive Assistant to the Vice Chief of Naval Operations. During this assignment he was select- .sm ed for promotion to flag rank and reassigned as Director, Aviation Manpower and Training TOP-595 on the Staff of Deputy Chief of Naval Operations for Air Warfare. Rear Admiral Senfice assumed command of Carrier Group EIGHT in May 1980. After putting the INDEPEN- DENCE Battle Group through its training paces, he de- ployed with the Group to the Indian Ocean where he was present when the hostages were released. He assumed his present position as Commander Battle Force Sixth Fleet in June 1981 and broke his flag in USS FORRESTAL ifCVA- 59j. He shifted his flag to USS NIMITZ QCVN 68j in early August 1981. Admiral Service's personal decorations include two Le- gions of Merit, the Bronze Star, seven Air Medals and the Navy Commendation Medal. Rear Admiral Service is married to the former Natalie Harpst of San Diego, California. They have three sons, Mark, Bruce and David. The Service family resides in Car- mel Valley, California. 11