Tuscaloosa (LST 1187) - Naval Cruise Book

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Commanding Officer 16 May 86-19 Aug 88 Commander H.C. Schlichting, Jr. Commander H. C. Schlichting, Jr., was born in New Braunfels, Texas, where he graduated from South West Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He received his commission in June of 1969, through the Reserve Officer Candidate CROC1 program, after spending six years enlisted service in the Naval Reserve from high school through college. CDR Schlichting has served on USS MUNSEE CATF 1071 and USS COCOPA QATF 1011 as Supply, Deck, Operations and Executive Officer. Following completion of Department Head School he served on USS CHARLES R. WARE CDD 8651 and USS ROBERT A. OWENS CDD 8271 as weapons Officer. Following a short tour at AFEES Houston, he reported for duty in the Amphibious Navy as Operations Officer on USS MOBILE KLKA 1151. He completed, a tour as Leadership Management and Education Training Instructor at the Basic Surface Warfare School in Coronado, California. While ashore, he earned a Master's degree in Business Administration from National University. He went back to sea as Executive Officer on board USS BRISTOL COUNTY CLST 11981. His next assignment was at the American Embassy, Nassau, Bahamas as the Naval Liaison Officer, and as the Department of Defense representative to the Bahamas, Turks and Caicos. Decorations worn by CDR Schlichting include the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Navy Commendation Mega? Navy Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Commendation, National Defense Medal, and Vietnam Service e a . CDR Schlichting is married to the former Janie Moeller of New Braunfels, Texas. They have two children, Trey, 17, Lennea, 16, are currently living in Chula Vista, California prior to their next move to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.

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5 The Ship's Insignia The insignia of the USS TUSCALOOSA incorporates the rich heritage of the city and county for which she is named, the proud history of the previous TUSCALOOSA, and the strength of the NavyfMarine Corps amphibious team. The black Indian figure is in honor of the city and county of Tuscaloosa which were named for the Choctaw Indian warrior, Tuscaloosa. Tusca- loosa means black warrior in Choctaw and the city is located on the Black Warrior River. The red cross on the white field is taken from the state flag of Alabama. The tusks on the sides of the emblem represent the former TUSCA- LOOSA CCA-371 which was affectionately known as Tusky . The note Extra Three Percent is from that ship, and her reputation for meeting commitments by can-do spirit. The blue color is selected for the blue waters which will pass under the keel of the USS TUSCALOOSA during her lifetime. The red highlights the role of the Marines in the NavyfMarine Corps amphibious team.

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Commanding Officer 19 Aug 88- Present Commander H. J. Gannon Commander Gannon graduated from the University of Maryland in June 1969, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Engineering. He entered the Navy through the Reserve Officer Candidate QROCJ program, graduating from Officer Candidate School that October. His first assignment was as Gunnery Officer in USS HARLD J. ELLISON CDD 8641 from December 1969 until May 1972. Commander Gannon was then assigned to the Officer Promotions Branch, Bureau of Naval Personnel in Washington, D.C. and he earned a Master of Science degree in Computer Systems!Management Information Systems from American University. After completing the Surface Warfare Officer's School Department Head Course from January to July 1975, he served as Operations Officer in USS NEWMAN K. PERRY CDD 8835. From January 1977 until March 1980, he was an instructor at NROTC Unit, College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Massachusetts. Following training in the Split Tour Engineering Officer Course, he served as Engineer Officer in USS CANISTEO QAO 991 from August 1980 until May 1982. He was then assigned to the staff of the Supreme Allied Commander, Atlantic as the ADP Requirements Officer through September 1983. In November 1983, Commander Gannon reported aboard USS SHREVEPORT QLPD 125 as Executive Officer. He returned to Washington, D.C. in October 1985 for duty as the Plans and Programs Branch chief in the Information Technology Division, Directorate for Information and Resource Management, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. During this period, he earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Marymount University. Commander Gannon's awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and Meritorious Unit Citation. He is married to the former Susanne Nadine Frantz of East Rockaway, New York. They reside in San Diego, California with their daughters Colleen and Erin.