Page 18 · Command & Leadership

16 Captian Alan M. Haefner EXECUTIVE OFFICER USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) Captian Alan M. Haefner is a native of Wilmington, Delaware. Upon graduation from the University of Ne Haven with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice, he attended Officer Candidate School in Newport Rhode Island, receivING his commission in 1974. After attaining surface warfare qualification during his initi assignment on board USS TARAWA (LHA-1), he entered flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator i LOTT. Captian Haefner’s initial aviation assignment was with the “Golden Falcons” of HS-2 where he made twi deployments to the North Arabian Sea on board USS RANGER (CV 61) in support of the Iranian Hostage Crisi In June 1984, Commander Haefner reported to Commander, Naval Military Personnel Command (NMPC-440) where he served as Special Placement Officer for Graduate Education Programs. Assigned to the ‘“Taskmasters”’ HS-10 in October 1984, he served as a Flight Instructor in the SH-3 Sea King and the squadron's Training Officer. In January 1986, Captian Haefner reported to the “Chargers” of HS-14 and served as the squadron’s Administrative, Operations and Maintenance Officer respectively. During his tour, he deployed twice on board USS RANGER (CV 61) in support of Seventh Fleet surge operations and to the North Arabian Sea for Earnest Will Operations. In Jul 1988, he assumed the duties as Flag Secretary to Commander, Anti-Submarine Warfare Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. | Captian Haefner reported to the “Eightballers” of HS-8 as the Executive Officer in March 1990 and was on station on board USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) at the start of Operation Desert Shield. Upon assuming command of HS-8 in June 1991, he led the squadron through the unprecedented forward deployed CV-swapout of USS MIDWAY (CV 41) and USS INDEPENDENCE (CV 62) and then the full transition from the SH-3H Sea King to the SH-60F Sea Hawk helicopter and air wing integration. In 1993, Captian Haefner graduated with honors from the Australian Joint Service Staff College in Canberra, Australia. He assumed the duties as Executive Officer of USS CONSTELLATION (CV 64) in December 1993. Captian Haefner has accumulated more than 3,500 flight hours. His decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star, Navy Achievement Medal and numerous other unit and service awards. Captian Haefner is married to the former Lorraine Clavet of Wilmington, Delaware. They reside in San Diego wilt three children, Kimberly, Melissa and Michael.