Page 244 · Cruiser-Destroyer Group & DESRON

Captain Michael J. McCamish, USN CHIEF OF STAFF, CRUISER-DESTROYER GROUP ONE Captain Michael J. McCamish enlisted in the Navy in February 1968 after attending the University of California at Los Angeles, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. Enlisted assignments on the staff of Commander, Construction Battalions USS CORPORAL (SS_ 346) were followed by acceptance to Officer Candidate School, where he was commissioned as an Ensign in September 1971. He | completed flight training in Pensacola, Florida, and Glynco, Georgia, and was designated a Navy Flight Officer in August 1972. After completing A-6 training in Virginia, Captain McCamish served in various operations and maintenance assignments with VA-75, deploying to the Mediterranean aboard USS SARATOGA (CV 60). Following a tour as Aide to the Director, Defense Mapping Agency in Washington, D.C., he joined Va-145 aboard USS RANGER (CV 61) where he served as Assistant Maintenance Officer and Administrative Officer. His next assignment was a flight instructor with Va-128, where he served as NATOPS Officer, Administrative Officer, and FRAMP Officer. After a brief tour at NAS Oceana for cross training in the F-4 Phantom, he joined the staff of Carrier Air Wing FIVE aboard USS MIDWAY (CV 41), homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, as Operations Officer. In June 1986, he reported as PXO of the yet-to-be-established “Nighthawks” of VA-185. After 30 months as Executive Officer, he assumed command of VA-185 in November 1988. During his 18 months in command, the squadron won the “Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy,” the “Golden Anchor,” the “Battle ‘E’,” the “Safety ‘S’,” and the “Wade C. McClusky” awards. He departed Japan in June 1990 to assume command of the “Golden Intruders” of VA-128, the West Coast A-6 FRS. After a year of command of VA-128, he was/ reassigned to Washington, D.C., this time to serve as Deputy Director of Navy Program Resource Appraisal in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations. In December 1992, Captain McCamish assumed command of Carrier Air Wing 15 aboard KITTY HAWK (CV 63) enroute to the Indian Ocean. After providing air cover for the opening of UN food distribution centers in Somalia during OPERATION RESTORE HOPE, the | Air Wing took part in OPERATION SOUTHERN WATCH, enforcing UN sanctions against Iraq. During these operations, CVW-15 assumed responsibility for a 116 aircraft coalition strike agaist Iraqi missile sites located in the No Fly Zone in Southern Iraq. In July) 1994, he assumed his current duties as Chief of Staff, Cruiser-Destroyer Group ONE. Captain McCamish is a graduate of the National War College, Washington, D.C., Class of 1986. His awards include the Legion of Merit (with Gold Star), Meritorious Service Medal (with Gold Star), Joint Service Commendation Medal, and various unit and service medals and ribbons. He is married to the former Naomi Faye Hanson Of Manhattan Beach, California. They have four daughters: Noelle, Wendy, Melinda, and Morgan, and one grandson, Dylan. 264