User talk:Marcd30319/Marcd30319 original Carrier Strike Group Seven

COMCARSTRKGRU SEVEN Official web site
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg7/Pages/default.aspx

Commander
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg7/Pages/bio1.aspx

Captain Steve Baxter Commander

Captain Steven Baxter, a native of Lincoln, Rhode Island, graduated from the Community College of Rhode Island in 1979 and Providence College in 1983. After enlisting in the Naval Reserve in 1979, he served with the VP-92 Minutemen at NAS South Weymouth, Massachusetts, as an aviation anti-submarine warfare technician (AX). Commissioned in 1983 via Aviation Officer Candidate School, he was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1984. Following electronic warfare school, he reported to the VAQ-129 Vikings at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington for training as an Electronic Counter-Measures Officer (ECMO) in the EA-6B "Prowler".

In October 1985 he was assigned to the VAQ-134 Garudas, completing two deployments to the Bering Sea, Pacific and Indian Oceans aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) before returning to VAQ-129 as a flight instructor in January 1989. While in VAQ-129, he was selected as "ECMO Flight Instructor of the Year" in 1990. While on shore duty, Captain Baxter voluntarily deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield to instruct Navy and Marine Corps Prowler squadrons on improved High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) employment tactics.

In 1991, he reported to the VAQ-140 Patriots aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). While in VAQ-140, Captain Baxter completed a Mediterranean/Arabian Gulf deployment. During this tour, he was selected for the AN/ALQ-99 Systems Excellence Award in recognition of significant contributions to the increased utilization of the EA-6B tactical jamming system.

Following his "Super-JO tour" in VAQ-140, he attended the Naval War College and was awarded a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in 1994.

Captain Baxter returned to sea with the VAQ-132 Scorpions embarked in USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), making another Mediterranean/Arabian Gulf deployment, serving in the Electronic Warfare and Maintenance Officer billets.

Following his department head tour, he reported to the Pentagon in 1997 for joint duty in the immediate office of the Secretary of Defense. As Deputy Chief for "SECDEF Cables", Captain Baxter led a joint team of officers and NCOs in providing the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense with communications, intelligence and administrative support twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week.

In March 2000, he joined the VAQ-136 Gauntlets aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) as Executive Officer and assumed command in May 2001. As part of Carrier Air Wing FIVE in Japan, VAQ-136 is the only permanently forward deployed EA-6B squadron in the Navy and Marine Corps. During his command tour, the Gauntlets were selected as the EA-6B Maintenance Squadron of the Year and were Golden Anchor award winners for retention excellence.

Following command, Captain Baxter reported to NAS Fallon, Nevada, in September 2002 as Deputy Director of the OSD sponsored Joint Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Joint Test and Evaluation (JUAV JT&E) program, tasked with development of tactics, techniques and procedures for UAV integration in time-sensitive targeting.

In January 2005 he joined the staff of Commander, Carrier Strike Group SEVEN embarked in USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) as Assistant Chief of Staff / Operations (N3) and Strike Group Deputy Information Warfare Commander. While attached to CCSG-7, he made a Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In February 2007, he reported for a second joint assignment as Division Chief with the Joint Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center of Excellence at Creech AFB, Indian Springs, Nevada. A US Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) organization, the JUAS COE is responsible for development of joint UAS employment and training for the Department of Defense and other government agencies.

Captain Baxter has accumulated over 3000 flight hours in the EA-6B and more than 770 carrier landings. His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal (Strike Flight), Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal and various unit and campaign awards.

Chief of Staff
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg7/Pages/bio2.aspx

Captain Steve Baxter Commander

Captain Steven Baxter, a native of Lincoln, Rhode Island, graduated from the Community College of Rhode Island in 1979 and Providence College in 1983. After enlisting in the Naval Reserve in 1979, he served with the VP-92 Minutemen at NAS South Weymouth, Massachusetts, as an aviation anti-submarine warfare technician (AX). Commissioned in 1983 via Aviation Officer Candidate School, he was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1984. Following electronic warfare school, he reported to the VAQ-129 Vikings at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington for training as an Electronic Counter-Measures Officer (ECMO) in the EA-6B "Prowler".

In October 1985 he was assigned to the VAQ-134 Garudas, completing two deployments to the Bering Sea, Pacific and Indian Oceans aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) before returning to VAQ-129 as a flight instructor in January 1989. While in VAQ-129, he was selected as "ECMO Flight Instructor of the Year" in 1990. While on shore duty, Captain Baxter voluntarily deployed in support of Operation Desert Shield to instruct Navy and Marine Corps Prowler squadrons on improved High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile (HARM) employment tactics.

In 1991, he reported to the VAQ-140 Patriots aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). While in VAQ-140, Captain Baxter completed a Mediterranean/Arabian Gulf deployment. During this tour, he was selected for the AN/ALQ-99 Systems Excellence Award in recognition of significant contributions to the increased utilization of the EA-6B tactical jamming system.

Following his "Super-JO tour" in VAQ-140, he attended the Naval War College and was awarded a Master of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies in 1994.

Captain Baxter returned to sea with the VAQ-132 Scorpions embarked in USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), making another Mediterranean/Arabian Gulf deployment, serving in the Electronic Warfare and Maintenance Officer billets.

Following his department head tour, he reported to the Pentagon in 1997 for joint duty in the immediate office of the Secretary of Defense. As Deputy Chief for "SECDEF Cables", Captain Baxter led a joint team of officers and NCOs in providing the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense with communications, intelligence and administrative support twenty-four hours a day, seven days per week.

In March 2000, he joined the VAQ-136 Gauntlets aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CV 63) as Executive Officer and assumed command in May 2001. As part of Carrier Air Wing FIVE in Japan, VAQ-136 is the only permanently forward deployed EA-6B squadron in the Navy and Marine Corps. During his command tour, the Gauntlets were selected as the EA-6B Maintenance Squadron of the Year and were Golden Anchor award winners for retention excellence.

Following command, Captain Baxter reported to NAS Fallon, Nevada, in September 2002 as Deputy Director of the OSD sponsored Joint Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Joint Test and Evaluation (JUAV JT&E) program, tasked with development of tactics, techniques and procedures for UAV integration in time-sensitive targeting.

In January 2005 he joined the staff of Commander, Carrier Strike Group SEVEN embarked in USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76) as Assistant Chief of Staff / Operations (N3) and Strike Group Deputy Information Warfare Commander. While attached to CCSG-7, he made a Western Pacific/Arabian Gulf deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In February 2007, he reported for a second joint assignment as Division Chief with the Joint Unmanned Aircraft Systems Center of Excellence at Creech AFB, Indian Springs, Nevada. A US Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) organization, the JUAS COE is responsible for development of joint UAS employment and training for the Department of Defense and other government agencies.

Captain Baxter has accumulated over 3000 flight hours in the EA-6B and more than 770 carrier landings. His awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal (Strike Flight), Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal (3), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal and various unit and campaign awards.

Senior Enlisted Leader
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg7/Pages/Bio3.aspx

YNCS(SW/AW) Anthony Tate Senior Enlisted Leader

YNCS(SW/AW) Anthony Tate joined the Navy in July 1989 following graduation from Central High School in Waterloo, Iowa. After basic training at Recruit Training Command Orlando, FL and Yeoman “A” School at Meridian, MS, he was assigned to Precomissioning Unit USS INGRAHAM (FFG-61).

Next, he served at Personnel Support Activity Great Lakes 1992 until 1995, followed by a tour on board USS BLUE RIDGE (LCC 19) in Yokusuka, Japan from 1995 to 1997. There he was advanced to Yeoman Second Class and earned his Enlisted Warfare Specialist Qualification. In May 1997, he reported to VFA-151 in Lemoore, CA embarked on board USS CONSTELLATION (CV-63) from 1997 to 1999. There he was advanced to Yeoman First Class and earned his Enlisted Aviation Warfare Qualification. His next duty assignment was Personnel Support Activity Detachment, Oklahoma City, from 1999 to 2002 and promoted to Chief Petty Officer.

YNCS(SW/AW) Tate reported to Patrol Squadron FOUR in Kaneohe Bay, HI, spending three years on board and deploying to Kuwait and Japan. In February 2006, he began a three-year tour as a Recruiter at Navy Recruiting District Dallas, qualifying as Recruiter in Charge and Zone Supervisor and advancing to Senior Chief Petty Officer.

In April 2009, he reported to Commander, Carrier Strike Group SEVEN, and assumed duties as the Senior Enlisted Leader.

He is authorized to wear the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (Three Gold Stars), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (Two Gold Stars), and various other awards.

About Us
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg7/Pages/AboutUs.aspx

ABOUT US

USS Ronald Reagan CVN 76

http://www.public.navy.mil/airfor/cvn76

USS Chancellorsville CG 62

http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/cg62/Pages/default.aspx DESTROYER SQUADRON SEVEN

CARRIER AIR WING FOURTEEN

http://cvw-14.ahf.nmci.navy.mil/

History
http://www.public.navy.mil/surfor/ccsg7/Pages/History.aspx

HISTORY
Commander, Carrier Strike Group SEVEN, home ported at Naval Air Station, North Island, Naval Base Coronado, California, is under the administrative and operational control of designated Fleet and Task Force Commanders of the U.S. Pacific Fleet. Established on 22 March 1956 at Naval Air Station Alameda, California, as Commander, Carrier Division SEVEN, the command first deployed to the Western Pacific Ocean onboard USS BON HOMME RICHARDE (CVA31) in 1957.

Commander, Carrier Strike Group SEVEN has been commanded by 36 Rear Admirals and two Captains. The command has completed 34 deployments to the Western Pacific Ocean and Arabian Gulf embarked in 20 Aircraft Carriers, including KEARSARGE, HANCOCK, SHANGRI-LA, LEXINGTON, RANGER, TICONDEROGA, ORISKANY, KITTY HAWK, CONSTELLATION, MIDWAY, CORAL SEA, SARATOGA, AMERICA, ENTERPRISE, NIMITZ, JOHN C. STENNIS, and RONALD REAGAN.

While home ported at Naval Air Station, North Island, Naval Base Coronado, California, Commander, Carrier Strike Group SEVEN is under the operational and administrative command of Commander, THIRD Fleet. During deployment with an assigned Strike Group, operational control is transferred to other fleet commanders depending upon the area of operation. Inheritor of a proud tradition, Commander, Carrier Strike Group SEVEN is as ready today as it was at its founding to meet the challenges ahead.

The Legend of the CARGRU 7 Axe
The origins of this mighty instrument lie deep in Greek history. When peace had finally fallen upon their ravaged land, the brave sailors of the Trojan fleet gathered their worn swords and beat them into plowshares. Yet they also sought some means of honoring their fallen compatriots. Consequently, a few of the remaining spears and shields were smelted in the hottest furnaces of Troy, tempered by the most skilled craftsman, and cast into an axe head of epic proportions. A call then went forth upon the land to locate a sturdy oak which might be formed into a handle for this sacred memorial. After days of searching, a young woodsman located just such a tree deep in the virgin forests in which he plied his trade. From that tree he hewed a shaft of incredible strength, and with a warm, luxuriant finish. This powerful handle was soon joined with the mighty axe head to form a moving testament to those Trojans who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The "Trojan Blade" (as it had come to be called), was soon coveted by the emerging nations of a growing civilization, and possession of it was the cause of many a pitched battle around the world over the following years. Historians are unable to trace its exact path during the 17th and 18th centuries, but its colorful tale is picked up once again in 1853, when the Emperor of Japan presented it to Commodore Matthew C. Perry to honor him on the occasion of his opening of the Meiji Empire to the rest of the world. Since that time, this fabulous trophy has remained in the possession of the U.S. Navy and has been carried into battle by some of its most distinguished commanders.

Its home with the Pacific Fleet was established during the fighting in that theater during World War II; ADM "Bull" Halsey credited his success against Yamamoto's navy to the spiritual strength that he was able to draw from the "Trojan Blade". He subsequently refused to see it transferred from the Pacific and there it remains, now by direction of the CNO. In April 1956, RADM Lester K. Rice took command of Carrier Division Seven, and was presented the "Trojan Blade" by ADM Halsey in recognition of that auspicious occasion. Ever since, the spiritual fire that Halsey found so vital has similarly inspired the leaders of the finest carrier group in the U.S. Navy. The names Clifton, Hardisty, and Arthur are proudly emblazoned upon the tremendous axe as evidence of the great hands through which it has passed.

This mighty axe - born of fire and tested by battle - remains with Carrier Strike Group Seven today. A strong testament to those men who, over the centuries, have given their lives in defense of principles they held dear.