Vancouver (LPD 2) - Naval Cruise Book

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'. COMMA DI G OFFICER CAPTAIN oEoRoE M. ZALUDEK, usN Now It s tlme to talk about our Sklpper Captain George M Zaludek Wlth an early deslre to both fly and command a sklp the Navy was the natural path to take Following a long and dlstlngulshed career as a Navy pllot taking command of the VANCOUVER on 10 August 1979 saw hls desires become a reality A native of Mocanaqua Pennsylvania the CO graduated from Pennsylvania State College East Stroudsburg Pennsylvania with a Bachelor of Science Degree In Education In 1956 Following flight tralnlng at Pensacola Florida he was commissioned an Ensign receiving has wings and designation as a Naval Avlator ID November 1957 Although a pllot the captain s career put plenty of salt ln his velns Hrs flrst fleet assignment was with Arr Ant: Submarine Squadron THIRTY SIX ID Norfolk Vrrglnla During this tour he earned designation as a Carrier Ant: Submarine Plane Com mander In the S 2F and S 2D aircraft making numerous deployments to the Atlantic and Mediterranean areas aboard USS LAKE CHAMPLAIN USS VALLEY FORGE and USS RANDOLPH After Flight Instructor Duty hrs next assignment put hum to sea again this time with Alr Antl Submarine Squadron TWENTY SEVEN where he served as Admlnlstratlon Officer making several Atlantic and Caribbean cruises aboard U55 RANDOLPH During the Academic Year 1967 68 Captain Z graduated with drstlnctlon from the US Naval War College Newport Rhode Island and earned has Masters Degree ln International Affairs conferred by George Washlngton Unlverslty After graduation In 1968 he served as the Aircraft Handllng Officer aboard U55 INDEPENDENCE Following that tour of duty Captain Zaludek served In the Bureau of Naval Personnel Washington DC In the Plans and Policy Dlvlslon He was awarded the Merltorlous Service Medal for hrs contributions and professional competence In the development of the Navys All Volunteer Force Program whlle serving as Special Asslstant to the Chief of Naval Personnel for Project Volunteer Whlle attached to the Staff Commander Fleet Alr Quonset Captain Zaludek served as the S 3A coordinator and Commander Naval Arr Force U S Pacific Fleet representative on the S 3A Fleet Introduction Team In june 1971 he reported to Arr Ant: Submarine Squadron THIRTY as Executive Officer From March 1974 to Aprll 1975 he served as commanding Officer of Alr Antl Submarine Squardon TWENTY FOUR Captain Zaludeks next assignment was as Chief Staff Officer Alr Antl Submarlne Wlng ONE NAS Cecil Field Florida Following graduation from the US Army War College Carlisle Pennsylvanla he served as Commanding Officer Arr Ant: Submarlne Squadron FORTY ONE at the Naval Alr Station North Island Coronado Callforma from November 1977 through january 1979 Under the Skipper s command of the VANCOUVER the shlp has steamed over 35000 mules Including deployment to the Indlan Ocean as part of the Seventh Fleet

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CO's Message to the Crew The VANCOUVER experience during the West- pacflndian Ocean Deployment, May thru November, was more than just another deployment, it was truly for the great majority of us, a Navy Adventure. We left with a feeling of pride and returned with a sense of fulfillment knowing that we were asked to do our best and to make whatever sacrifices were needed to keep the sea lanes of communications open and to make our contribution to world freedom. We did that unquestionably and so it is altogether fitting that we dedicate the pages that follow to the memory of that commitment. Hopefully as you page through the book, you will recall that service to our Navy and to our Country. I will always think of VANCOUVER and its superb crew with a deep sense of pride and appreciation! O Zixwdfg G. M. ZALUDEK CAPTAIN, USN Commanding Officer B .fs .Q-dC9 '