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BIOGRAPHIES - Class of 1982

CAPT Richard Robert BECK JR USN


No photograph is available.

CAPT Richard Robert BECK JR USN
BS ASE Eng 1982
Warfare Specialty Aviator
Commissioned Ensign USN 1982
Further Education
- MA - National Security and Strategic Studies - Naval War College Career
Address Available
Spouse Paula BECK
Email richard.r.beck@navy.mil -Nov 2003

Military History

- 1982 - 1983: COMNAVAIRPAC - Asst. Air Wing Training
- 1983 - 1983: NAVAVSCOLSCOM, VT-10 - Student NFO
- 1983 - 1984: VAW-120 - Replacement NFO
- 1984 - 1987: VAW-126 - Legal, NATOPS
- 1987 - 1990: VAW-110 - Instructor, Legal, Asst. Training
- 1990 - 1991: VAW-117 - Quality Assurance, Administrative Dept. Head
- 1992 - 1994: Office of Naval Intelligence - Branch Head, Foreign Naval Radar Systems
- 1994 - 1996: VAW-117 - Maintenance Officer
- 1996 - 1997: Naval War College - Student
- 1997 - 2000: VAW-117 - Executive Officer, Commanding Officer
- 2000 - 2002: USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) - OPS
- 2002 - : Naval Strike & Air Warfare Center - C2 Training Dept. Head (N6)
- 2003 : Promotion to Captain

Biography:

Captain Beck was born in Chicago, Illinois. Commissioned through the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit at the University Of Southern California in 1982, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering. Subsequently, he reported to VAW-120 in Norfolk, Virginia and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in April, 1984. Upon completing E-2C Hawkeye training, Captain Beck reported to VAW-126 in Norfolk for his first operational tour, deploying to the Mediterranean aboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67).

Completing his tour with VAW-126 in July 1987, Captain Beck reported as an instructor to VAW-110 in San Diego, California, where he trained Fleet Replacement Naval Flight Officers for future assignment to Pacific Fleet E-2C squadrons.

From May 1990 to November 1991, Captain Beck served with the "WALLBANGERS" of VAW-117 as Quality Assurance Officer and Administration Department Head. During this tour, he deployed aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) on an "Around the Horn" cruise and on her maiden voyage to the Arabian Gulf for Operation Desert Storm.

After his first tour with VAW-117, Captain Beck reported to the Office of Naval Intelligence in Washington DC. He served as Branch Head for the Foreign Naval Radar Systems Branch, coordinating research for numerous projects including Threat Assessments for use in the procurement of new weapon systems.

Captain Beck returned to VAW-117 in June 1994, completing another deployment to the Arabian Gulf aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN 72) in support of Operation Southern Watch. During his two-year tour as Aircraft Maintenance Officer, the squadron was awarded the Secretary of Defense Maintenance award. Additionally, the squadron earned the 1995 Battle Efficiency "E" and AEW Excellence awards.

Captain Beck reported to the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island in August 1996, where he earned a Master's degree in National Security and Strategic Studies.

In October of 1997 Captain Beck reported aboard as the Executive Officer of the "Wallbangers" of VAW-117. In December 1998 he assumed command of the squadron. While in command, the ‘Bangers flew in support of Operation Desert Fox and controlled numerous Response Option strikes in subsequent Operation Southern Watch missions during the 1998-1999 combat deployment aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70). After the deployment, VAW-117 was designated as the Operational Evaluation squadron for the new E-2C Mission Computer Upgrade aircraft, the transitional platform to the Hawkeye 2000.

In May of 2000 Captain Beck reported aboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY (CV 67) as the Operations Officer. He led the ship through a demanding turnaround cycle and the Operational Evaluation of the new Cooperative Engagement Capability system. This tour culminated in the ship’s deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In May of 2002 Captain Beck reported to Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center as Command and Control Training Department Head. He was subsequently promoted to Captain.

Captain Beck has accumulated over 3,300 hours in three different versions of the E-2C Hawkeye. His individual awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (two awards), Navy Commendation Medal (three awards), and Navy Achievement Medal (four awards).

Captain Beck is married to the former Paula Ann Mundy of West Pittston, Pennsylvania. They reside in Fallon, Nevada.

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