Captain Robert J. Gilman
Commanding Officer

Captain Robert J. Gilman was born in Muskegon, Michigan and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1977. He entered the flight training program and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1979.

Upon completion of replacement training at Attack Squadron FORTY-TWO, his first fleet duty was with Attack Squadron SIXTY-FIVE embarked aboard USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69).  His tour with the “Tigers” included one deployment to the Indian Ocean and two deployments to the Mediterranean.  The next assignment was as a student at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, California.  He graduated in 1986 earning a Master’s Degree in Aeronautical Engineering.  Captain Gilman returned to Attack Squadron FORTY-TWO for refresher training.  Afterwards he was assigned to Attack Squadron FIFTY-FIVE embarked aboard USS CORAL SEA (CV 43) where he served as the squadron Administrative and Maintenance Officer, making two deployments to the Mediterranean.

In December 1989, Captain Gilman reported to Attack Squadron FORTY-TWO as the Operations Officer of the East Coast Medium Attack Fleet Replacement Squadron.  In August 1991, he reported to the Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island as a student in the College of Naval Warfare.  He graduated in June 1992 earning a Master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies and was accredited with Joint Professional Military Education Phase I.  Captain Gilman returned to the “Fighting Tigers” of Attack Squadron SIXTY-FIVE in September 1992 for duty as the Executive Officer.

Captain Gilman reported to Attack Squadron THIRTY-FOUR in April 1993 as Executive Officer and assumed command September 1993.  The squadron deployed to the Mediterranean and the Gulf of Arabia under his command.  Following his command tour, Captain Gilman reported to the Armed Forces Staff College completing Joint Professional Military Education Phase II. 

In December 1994 Captain Gilman reported to Commander Cruiser Destroyer Group TWO embarked aboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) as Battle Group Air Operations Officer.  Following nuclear power training, Captain Gilman served as Executive Officer, USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65).  He reported for duty aboard USS ESSEX (LHD 2) and assumed command on May 18, 2000.  In Exchange of Command ceremonies on July 26, 2000, Captain Gilman assumed command of USS BELLEAU WOOD (LHA 3) in Sasebo, Japan, as part of the Navy’s largest hull swap ever accomplished. Captain Gilman assumed command of USS NIMITZ (CVN 68) on May 17, 2002.  Under Captain Gilman’s leadership, NIMITZ participated in Operation Iraqi Freedom during an eight-month deployment to the Arabian Gulf.

Rear Admiral Jon W. Bayless, Jr.
Commander, Navy Region MIDWEST

Rear Admiral Jon W. Bayless, Jr., a native of Dallas, Texas, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in May 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Systems Engineering. He was designated a Naval Aviator in April 1981.

From 1981 to 1986, Rear Adm. Bayless flew the P-3 Orion with the "War Eagles" of Patrol Squadron 16 (VP-16) in Jacksonville, Fla. and served as an Instructor Pilot with the "Boomers" of Training Squadron 27 (VT-27). After transitioning to the Reserve Component, Rear Adm. Bayless was assigned to the "Executioners" of Patrol Squadron 93 (VP-93) at Naval Air Facility (NAF) Detroit, Mich., and served as a Department Head for Administration, Operations, and Maintenance. He led armed patrols for Sharp Guard and Maritime Guard supporting the United Nations (UN) sanctions against the former Yugoslav Republics and also flew sorties during operations Support Democracy and Able Manner supporting the UN sanctioned embargo of Haiti. In 1993, he reported to the "Black Hawks" of Patrol Squadron 68 (VP-68) at Andrews Air Force Base. As the Executive Officer, Rear Adm. Bayless flew multiple detachments in the Mediterranean and counter narcotics operations throughout the Caribbean from Roosevelt Roads, Key West, and Howard AFB in Panama.

In July of 1996, Rear Adm. Bayless took command of Patrol Squadron 6 (VP-66) at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NASJRB) Willow Grove, Pa. During his tenure, the "Liberty Bells" won the MPA community’s international competition for ASW excellence and were recognized with two CNO safety awards. Subsequent command tours have included Naval Reserve (NR) Tactical Support Center 472 (TSC 472), NR Battle Group Staff 8 (BGS-8), and NR Commander, U.S. Naval Forces Europe (COMNAVEUR) Joint Task Force Contingency Unit 413 (CNE JTFCU 413). Rear Adm. Bayless has also served as a Culture Workshop Facilitator for Commander, U.S. Naval Air Force Atlantic (COMNAVAIRLANT), as Deputy Joint Force Air Component Commander (JFACC) for United Endeavor, and Reserve Chief of Staff for Eisenhower Battle Group (IKEBATGRU).

Rear Adm. Bayless was recalled to active duty from April 2002 to March 2003 as Deputy Commander, Task Force Five 7 (CTF-57) at U.S. Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT) Bahrain in support of operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. His initial Flag assignment included a tour as the Deputy for U.S. Maritime Defense Zone Atlantic while also serving as Commander, U.S. Harbor Defense Forces, Western Pacific. Most recently he served as the Deputy to Navy Region MIDWEST before becoming the Commander in October of 2006.

Among his personal decorations are the Legion of Merit, four Meritorious Service Medals and the Navy Achievement Medal.

In 1954 I joined the US Naval Reserve and trained aboard the Daniel A. Joy, a destroyer escort out of the Navy Pier, Chicago. This was a neat experience as that ship was part of a fleet with 6 other ships that cruised the Great Lakes as training vessels. I graduated from submarine training in New London, CT. and then served active duty aboard the Submarine U.S.S. Sea Leopard SS-483 out of Norfolk, VA. that had been converted to a guppy II class. Prior to this conversion, the Sea Leopard was the same class of submarine that can now be toured in Muskegon. Our duty was anti-submarine warfare in the North Atlantic. When detecting a Russian sub, we would endeavor to follow it undetected until it entered its own waters. In 1957 I was also aboard the Sea Leopard in the Mediterranean Sea where we saw action when ships were being sunk in the Suez Canal. Subsequently the Sea Leopard undertook an ???ambassador cruise??? of Mediterranean ports in Gibraltar, Morocco, Libya, Greece, Malta, Italy as well as Spain and Portugal and the northern European ports in Belgium and the Netherlands. In these ports we opened our boat to local residents for tours in an effort to improve American relations with these countries. Like every other sailor I fell in love in every Port!! In 1958, just prior to completing my tour of duty, we visited Havana, Cuba. My rank on discharge was EM3-SS.

- Harry H Jones EM3-SS

I graduated from high school on Friday and left for Basic Training on Sunday to begin on Monday with the plan to join the United States Air Force Reserve in Mobility at Westover AFB in Massachusetts. After completing Basic and my Tech School I was called up to active duty in support of Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm before setting foot in a college classroom. Working long hours, meeting interesting people, and learning from some great leaders became my college experience. I eventually transferred from Westover AFB to Selfridge Air National Guard Base as my parents had moved to Grand Rapids Michigan. With base restructuring I ended up transferring again to Battle Creek Air National Guard base and going back to Tech School to cross train into Weapons Loading on A-10 Warthog Aircraft. While in Battle Creek we flew all over the United States and World in support of operations, including Operation Deny Flight and Operation Cobra Gold. Being deployed is always an interesting experience as you are half way around the world away from your family and friends working on things you never have a chance to in civilian life and again meeting some interesting people! It was during these times you find your resolve, your physical and mental limits, and build great friendships. I transitioned out of the Michigan Air National Guard/USAF in May of 1998 and miss it every day, but time with my son became more important. When you join the reserve they say it is one weekend a month and two weeks a year, but it is so much more, in a good way! I was able to see the world, over 8 countries, work on multi-million dollar aircraft and equipment, learn discipline, military bearing, and resolve that I use in my everyday life still today. Not only the pride and job skills were bred into me, but I also gained some great friends I still have today.

I have included two pictures for you: one of me and my best friend Jay Ritter right before we deployed for 4 months in support of Operation Deny Flight to Italy for a United Nations peace keeping mission over Bosnia. Long days, cold weather, and fun the whole time! The second is of me at the end of the runway arming an AIM-9 missile while photographers try to get a good shot for an Air Force Times article about the 1st Air National Guard unit there to relieve the Active Duty Air Force.

When I got out a was proud to have made SSgt. and all of the time I spent in the United States Air Force and Michigan Air National Guard.

I saw the world, learned a lot, got to play with explosives (every boys dream), and made some great friends that are still apart of my life today! Jay and I took our sons to Monster Trucks just this last weekend and I sat back and remembered the first time Jay and I met 16 years ago and he didn't like me, at least until later that day when we began working together and have been friends ever since. I only hope his son Lukas and my son Taelor build such great friendships and value the sacrifices all of our military, past and present make for each of us every day to preserve our way of life and our Freedom.

I can't wait to see the show, but I do have one final thing to write:

United States Air Force.....when it absolutely, positively has to be destroyed overnight!

Go Air Force!

- Timothy E Eernisse, SSgt. Weapons Loading

I served on the USS Nimitz for 3 and 1/2 years from Feb 76 to Aug 79. I was the 2nd Corpsman to spend his entire enlistment onboard (except boot camp and A School). I was on the first 2 med Cruises and served under the 1st three skippers. In it's first few years the Nimitz and crew won several awards for being the best in the fleet. We also won the Blue M for the best medical department 2 years in a row.

I spent aout 18 months working on the flight deck during flight ops. I worked with some of the hardest working people you will ever meet. The hours were long and the climate was totally unpredictable. The extreme cold of the North Atlantic to the incredible heat of Cuba. The experience was positive and negative but overall, an experience where I grew up. I am now a member/treasurer of the USS Nimitz Association. Our goal is to keep the memory alive of one of the greatest ships to ever sail.
I am looking forward to your show. I am sure it will bring back many memories, (except we did not have women onboard in the 70s, except Katherine Ross for the Final Countdown and a few USO shows).

Thanks for making this happen!

- John Wilder

Back in 1962 when I graduated from college, the draft was still very much a part of life. Even with a degree, I couldn't get a job because everyone knew I would be drafted soon. So I decided that if I was going to be in the service first I might as well pick the branch myself versus being drafted into the Army, and secondly if I volunteered I could take advantage of my degree and spend my sevice time as an officer.

I ended up in the Navy and spent my first 4 months in Newport, RI in Officer Candidate School (OCS). OCS teaches you to be in ship's company. But while I was in Newport the aviation branch came through recruiting for what we came to call the brown shoe Navy. I had to extend my active duty obligation, but I decided to join the airdales.

So right after graduating from OCS I was stationed in Pensacola, FL to learn about aviation. The aviation part of the Navy was much more physical than the ship's company or Black shoe part of the Navy. So I went through another abbreviated version of OCS (preflight) in FL with a lot of pushups and obstacle courses. After preflight I was assigned to NAO (Naval Aviation Officer) school. This was the next step for those of us going on to be navigators and similiar in various aircraft.
When I earned my wings in NAO school I was then assigned to what they called a RAG. This was a Replacement Air Group, in my case VF-121 in Miramar, CA. We were to learn how to be RIO's (Radar Intercept Officers) in the back seat of F-4 Phantoms. In my case I got a very rushed training as VF-92 was transitioning from the F-3's to F-4's and since the F-3 didn't have an RIO, they needed people to sit in the back seat.

I suddenly found myself doing carrierquals with the pilots so we could learn how to land on and take off of a carrier. I assumed landing would be the worst. Actually when you are strapped into a plane that is suddenly arrested by a wire on a carrier you feel a little like somebody is swinging you by your tail. But the first catapult shot I got almost broke both of my elbows. I leaned back against the seat in preparation for the launch but just laid my hands on my lap. When that catapult accelerated us to approximately 200mph in 150 feet, both my elbows flew back and smashed into "black boxes" that were on each side of me.

As an RIO my main job was directing air to air intercepts in the event the ship or other planes were attacked by enemy aircraft. We spent many hours practicing intercepts at all angles and speeds. After a while you would get to the point where you were unstowing your radar while accelerating down the cat.

During my first cruise on the USS Ranger, our squadron was involving in some of the first bombing raids on North VietNam. We would escort the attack planes in and watch to be sure they were not going to be attacked by any MIGS. Turns out the North Vietnamese had a pretty bad airforce, so after a while we would also carry some rockets that we would fire off as the attack planes rolled in with their big bombs just to get the heads down and reduce the anti-aircraft fire. We were also involved in escorting the totally unarmed photoreconnaissance planes as they took pictures in the area.
I made two 9 month cruises to VietNam (the South China Sea). After my first cruise in VF-92, I was fortunate to be chosen to attend CIC watch office's school in SanDiego. This qualified me to be what we might think of in civilian life as an air traffic controller. As the planes were leaving and returning to the ship, they checked in with us for clearance and guidance. We were also trained in things like man over board drills so that we could navigate the ship back to where the person had falled off.

CIC was also responsible for Electronic Counter Measures. Because I was on the Carrier I became the ECM officer for Task Force 77. This is the part of the 7th fleet involved in fighting the war in VietNam. This second cruise was on the USS Hancock. It was very rewarding being able to understand exactly what those pilots were going through and help them back to the carrier with their often bullet riddled aircraft.
I was released from active duty in 1966. Even that was over 40 years ago now there are many moments during those years that I remember a clearly as if it was yesterday. I will say I was very young, only 21 when I went on active duty, and the Navy really made a man out of me. Looking back on some of experiences in the Navy is scary, but I will never be sorry for a second that I served my country in that way.

- Ralph Logerwell, CPMR

As a former Air Force Sgt. serving during Vietnam in(1968) by the coast, we flew over the Navy guys below quite a bit. It was always comforting to know that they were there in case we went down (and we did) and also for our TAC fighter wing piolts.
They did , and are still doing, an outstanding job. Go Navy

- David Delemme

I served on active duty for 22 years in the U. S. Coast Guard. I entered as seaman recruit in January, 1969, and retired as lieutenant commander (selected for promotion to commander but opted for retirement) May, 1990. Enjoyed my career in the Coast Guard, many "high-seas adventures," great travel, topflight shipmates, and matchless opportunities to develop skills and grow as a person.

My most enjoyable tour of duty was as Commander, Coast Guard Group Muskegon, from 1984 to 1987. Great to serve the maritime community in my home area, reconnect with family and old friends again after 16 years away from West Michigan.

Many tall sea tales to tell, but most memorable was experience as a search and rescue duty officer at Coast Guard's Atlantic Rescue Coordination Center in New York. I was on watch the evening word was received of the tragic loss of Great Lakes freighter EDMUND FITZGERALD, in November 1975. I was involved in marshalling and directing resources to the Lake Superior for search and recovery operations. Did so with a heavy heart, knowing the area and the violence of November storms in the Upper Lakes. The Coast Guard did all it could, but the FITZ was lost before we could get anything meaningful out to her.

During enlisted days was assigned to the Coast guard Presidential Honor Guard in Washington, DC. Stood watch over deceased Presidents Truman and Johnson.

Honored to serve in command on three occasions. Commanded USCG Station Cape May, NJ, 1978-81. Busiest SAR station in the world, statistically, during all three years of my command. Besides group command in Muskegon, also commanded staff enlisted personnel on staff of Commander, Coast Guard Atlatic Area, New York, just prior to retirement.

Still actively interested in Coast Guard affairs, serve as master of ceremonies of National Memorial Service at each annual Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival since 1992.

- Kent Fisher
Lieutenant Commander
U.S. Coast Guard (Retired)
Grand Rapids

With US Navy on LST 347 for Normandy Invasion and then became Flight Surgeon and served with Navy & Marines WW2.

- David Boyce, M.D.

I joined the Unitied States Navy on the delayed entry program back in Jan 1974. When I gradutated from high school, two weeks later I was in boot camp in Orlando fla. from there on to Memphis Tenn. for Class A scool. Then on to my 1st ship the USS John f. Kennedy CV-67, from 1974-1978. I was a ABH3 , working on the flight deck, tieing down the planes, running the ships 4 aircraft elevators and being a member of the crash and salvage crew. The ship made two Med cruises a North Atlantic cruise and a few carribian cruises and many work up deployments while I served on board. Lot of excitement both onboard and and the many places in the world I was able to see. after my enlistment ended I went over to the inactive reserve force for two years. Poor paying jobs and few of them. So I re-enlistend after marring my wife in 1980. Upon re-entry to Navy life I went back to school and became a Ocean systems Technician analyst. (OTA) Our job was anti -submarine warfare. Keeping track of where they all where located. I stayed in the Navy for another 16 years I ended my carreer as a OTA1. I would highly recommend the Navy to any young man or woman whose looking for a adventure.

- Eugene C. Smallegan

My wife recently brought this program to my attention, our son Paul is currently in the Navy aboard the USS Kitty Hawk, he just sent me a video from the South China Sea of a wave washing over the flight deck (90 + Feet) and destroying a HELO that was on the flight deck. In May or June he will be in Hawaii and his Squadron is switching over to the U.S.S. George Washington.(Another Nimitz Class Carrier) We just wanted to take this opportunity to see what life aboard a carrier is all about.

- Bob P.

I joined the US Navy in 1962 with the promise from my recruiter that I "would fly"...Little did I know! Well, after nearly a year of training (which could be another whole story!), I went out to the Fleet ...er,make that sort of....I wound up flying as aircrew in land-based Navy patrol planes out of Hawaii...It was rough, but someone had to do it! I flew over much of the Pacific for 2 years until my squadron was decommissioned. At that time, I had a bit less than a year left to go on my enlistment and I put in for duty on the mainland. Navy logic prevailed and I was assigned to a squadron (VS-38) aboard a carrier (USS Bennington) which was enroute to the Far East. Carrier living and working was much different than being assigned to a land based squadron- crowded and very busy ...with time off only when we were in port. Although I was assigned to an anti-sub squadron, we were utilized as a recon squadron while in VietNamese waters. I made several night recon flights over coastal waters looking for VietCong smuggling ammo and weapons into South VietNam. It was an exciting time and one that I will never forget... nor regret.

- Harry Kooyman

U.S Army Military Police Mar 78- May 87.Geinsheim 78-79, and Mannheim Germany 79-83. Darmstadt Germany 85-87. Most Americans don't realize it but the war on Terrorisim started back in the 70's for the US Military after "RED ARMIE FACTION" a West German Terrorrist Organization, supported by the Warsaw Pact Countries and some Arab factions in the Middle East Attacked the US Military all over Europe. in the 70's and early 80's. Killing and wounding Soldiers as well as dependent men, women and children. We chased after them, engaged them as most were caught, tried and imprisioned for life sentences in Germany ( 25 Years) is a life sentence. Most of them will be getting out of prision if not already withing in the next 3-5 years.

- Tom Cross

Deployed on USS NImitz 1979-1980 & 1986-87. Flew on Iranian hostage rescue attempt off Nimitz in 1980. Ended carrier in Navy as Executive Officer on USS Enterprise

- Captain Don Nestor, USN(Ret)

I was on the Lexington from time to time in the early 70's when it was designated as a CVT (trainer). Quite a difference to todays ships.

- Bill Seyferth

John Barney – ABH3

John is a “yellow shirt” (Director) in Fly Three, located just aft of the island to the fantail. The flight deck on the Nimitz has 3 divisions. His Fly is responsible for catapult 4. He was also a “yellow shirt” aboard the Bonhomme Richard in Fly 2.

John is currently on a West Pacific Surge deployment. Since April of 2007, he has been on two deployments, and he has only been on land for six weeks before each deployment. His one deployment was aboard the LHD 6 Bonhomme Richard. This is the ship that my sister and I traveled on with him for 10 days during the Tiger Cruise – “coming home from war tour”! Now, he is assigned to the USS Nimitz and loving it! He has three people within his division from Muskegon, Michigan and there is one more that he knows in the department. The “Carrier” was filmed under the Muskegon Captain – John has a different one now.

He welcomes any of your questions, etc. You can reach him at the following web address: john.barney@cvn68.navy.mil

- Jackie Ball

Sisters Reunite with Sailor Brother

ABH3 John Barney, a Fruitport Graduate, returned home November 19th from a 7½-month deployment in support of the global war on terrorism. He served this deployment on the USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6) based out of San Diego, California. While John was deployed, his ship and the USS Rushmore (LSD 47), and USS Denver (LPD 9) conducted Maritime Security Operations alongside coalition partners to promote the stability of the Persian Gulf. They completed maritime operations with partner nations such as Australia, Singapore, Kuwait, Guam, and others. The deployment overall was a complete success.

As part of the “Welcome Home” efforts, John’s two sisters, Jannette Bole and Jacquelyn Ball, flew to Honolulu, Hawaii (Pearl Harbor) and greeted him as he arrived in port. They then had the opportunity to board the aircraft carrier for a 10-day voyage back to his home base in San Diego as part of the 2007 Tiger Cruise. John’s sisters were able to see first hand how efficient our armed forces are in times of war. They toured the ship, watched John perform his duties directing aircraft off the flight deck, participated in daily training sessions, slept in the berthing unit, and listened to many memorable stories of tours in Iraq told by the Marines and Sailors. They also made many friends and lived as Navy sailors for the entire trip. It was an experience of a lifetime and one not to be forgotten. Jannette and Jacquelyn are “truly” proud of their brother and all the men and women currently working to preserve our freedom.

As a special end to the trip, ABH3 John Barney came home in December and visited Fruitport Middle School. He shared stories, currencies, video clips, and answered questions from eager 6th graders in Surf City.

THANKS ABH3 BARNEY & Best Wishes on Your Next Deployment Aboard the USS Nimitz - Japan!!

- Jackie Ball