Page 14 · Command & Leadership
Page 14 of the USS Constellation (CV-64) 1994–95 WESTPAC cruise book — from the section “Command & Leadership.”
Page text (machine-read)
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Captain Gilman E. Rud | COMMANDING OFFICER | USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) Captain “Gil” Rud is a native of Portland, North Dakota. Graduating from North Dakota Stat University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics, he attended Aviation Officer Candidate School receiving his commission in August 1967. He earned his Wings of Gold in December 1968 at Beeville, Texas. Assigned as a light attack pilot, subsequent carrier aviation flying tours included: VA-216, VA-215, CVW- 14, VA-97, VA-147 and command of VA-92 — “The World Famous Golden Dragons.” Captain Rud is a veteran of the Vietnam War having flown combat missions while attached to VA-215 and VA-97. Significant tours ashore included: instructor pilot with VA-122, the West Coast A-7 Corsair II re- placement training squadron; Officer Program Director at Navy Recruiting District San Antonio, Texas and head of the Aviation Junior Officer Assignment Branch, Naval Military Personnel Command. From November 1985 through November 1988, Captain Rud was the commanding officer and flight leader of the Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. As Blue Angel Number One, he flew in more than 200 air shows and was responsible for transitioning from the A-4 Skyhawk to the F/A-18 Hornet. From August 1989 through February 1991, Captain Rud served as the commanding officer of USS WABASH (AOR 5). During his tenure, USS WABASH steamed more that 55,000 miles conducting 284 underway replenishments. From March 1991 through February 1993, Captain Rud served as Deputy Commander and Chief of Staff for Joint Task Force FIVE, the Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Command's counterdrug task force. In May 1993, Captain Rud assumed command of USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64). Captain Rud is a graduate of the Armed Forces Staff College, Norfolk, virginia. He has accumulated more than 5,600 flight hours and 775 carrier landings. His decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal, five strike/Flight Air Medals, Navy Commendation Medal and numerous other unit, campaign and service awards. Captain Rud is married to the former Barbara Carroll of Montgomery, Louisiana. They have three children, Valerie, a Navy Lieutenant Junior Grade; Ryan, a junior at the University of California at Berkley, and Sally, a high school student. 12