Naval aviator with almost one thousand carrier landings, 255 combat missions over North Vietnam, qualified in helicopters as well as fixed wing aircraft, single and multiengine, land and sea. Graduate of the USC School of Aviation Safety, former squadron safety officer, Commanding Officer USS Saratoga and Commander Naval Safety Center. Last Navy career assignment was as Deputy Chief of Naval operations for Air Warfare, the Navy’s top aviator. Over the course of his career he earned a number of decorations including two Distinguished Service medals, two Silver Stars, six Legions of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, 28 Air Medals and numerous other decorations and service ribbons. He stays current in Navy and Naval Aviation matters through active membership in the Association of Naval Aviation, the Tailhook Association, the Skyhawk Association, the Golden Eagles and the Naval Historical Foundation. For service as president of the latter he was awarded the Navy Distinguished Public Service Award.After retirement from active service he served, inter alia, as Deputy Chair of the NASA Aerospace Advisory Panel where he was awarded the NASA Distinguished Service Award. Later he chaired a GSA study of the safety programs of non-DOD government aircraft. Author of over 100 articles published in both the professional and general press. “Gear UP, Mishaps Down,” is his first book length work, the result of a period of study as a Ramsey Scholar with the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum.Read more about this authorRead less about this author