CDR Brian S. Neunaber, USN Commanding Officer, VT-7 U. S. Navy photograph CDR Neunaber was commissioned an Ensign in May 1980 at the U.S. Naval Academy, reported for flight training and received his Wings of Gold in June 1982. CDR Neunaber began initial fleet replacement training in the A-6E Intruder with Attack Squadron FORTY-TWO. In April 1983, he joined Attack Squadron SIXTY-FIVE and completed two seven-and-a-half month Mediterranean deployments aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN-69). Selected for instructor duty, CDR Neunaber reported to Attack Squadron ONE TWENTY-EIGHT in April 1986 and served as Phase Head for Familiarization and Carrier Qualification Training. As Landing Signals Officer (LSO) with Attack Squadron ONE TWENTY-EIGHT, he participated in 20 carrier qualification detachments and conducted experimental field carrier landing practice at several civilian airports in the Pacific Northwest. In December 1988, he reported to Commander, Carrier Air Wing FIFTEEN as Staff LSO. There he deployed aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70), flying with Attack Squadron FIFTY-TWO. In 1990, CDR Neunaber was the first recipient of the U.S. Navy League "Bug Roach - Boss Paddles" trophy as the U.S. Navy's premier LSO. On ten aircraft carriers, he has controlled an estimated 36,000 carrier arrestments. In October 1990, CDR Neunaber transferred to the Naval War College in Newport, RI where he received a Masters of Arts Degree in National Security and Strategic Studies. Additionally, while studying at Salve Regina University, he earned a second Masters of Arts Degree in International Relations. After completing fleet replacement refresher training in April 1992, he rejoined Attack Squadron FIFTY-TWO for his Department Head assignment. There he served as Maintenance Officer, Administrative Officer, Safety Officer and Operations Officer. He participated in Operations RESTORE HOPE and SOUTHERN WATCH. In January 1993, he planned and led attack elements in a 113-plane, multi-national coalition strike against Iraqi radar installations. In March 1994, CDR Neunaber reported as Chief Staff Officer, Attack Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet. Additional duties included assignment as the West Coast Intruder community Night Vision Goggle (NVG) Program Manager. He also represented carrier-based, all-weather attack aviation for 18 months on the multi-service Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) requirements team. CDR Neunaber served most recently as Executive Officer, U.S. Naval Station Rota Spain and as Chief Staff Officer for the Commander, U.S. Naval Activities Spain, serving the needs of over 8000 U.S. personnel and coordinating the mission execution for 39 tenant commands on the Iberian Peninsula. In July 1998, CDR Neunaber reported to Commander, Training Air Wing ONE and in February 1999 assumed duties as the last Executive Officer of Training Squadron TWENTY-THREE. On October 1, 1999, CDR Neunaber assumed command of Training Squadron SEVEN, newly equipped with the T-45C Goshawk jet aircraft. CDR Neunaber has accumulated over 3,400 flight hours and 660 carrier-arrested landings. He has been awarded two Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals and two Navy Achievement Medals. He has been awarded the Naval Merit Cross from the Kingdom of Spain. Also, he proudly wears three 'Battle E' awards and several unit commendations.