Captain Daniel Arthur Pedersen 20 October 1980 - 11 June 1982 Retired with the rank of Rear Admiral Captain Dan A. Pedersen entered the Navy as an enlisted man in the Naval Reserve in 1954. In 1956 he was ordered to Flight training. He was Commissioned and designated a Naval Aviator in 1957. Captain Pedersen's initial tours were with squadrons VFAW-3 and VF-92. In January 1960, he joined VF-213 via VF-121. During this tour he made several cruises aboard USS Hancock (CVA-19). His next two years were spent at Fleet Anti-Air Warfare Center, Fleet Programming Center Pacific. In January 1966, Captain Pedersen returned to VF-121 and subsequently to VF-92. During his next tour he helped establish the Navy Fighter Weapons School [Top Gun] and was its first Director. After a year, he then served as Operation Officer of VF-21. In August 1971 Captain Pedersen attended Naval War College and obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree. On July 1, 1973 he assumed command of VF-143 and flew in direct support of the recovery of the SS Mayaguez. He later served as Commander CVW-15, Assistant Chief of Staff to Commander Task Force 77/Commander CarGru 5 and commanded USS Wichita (AOR-1). During this time the USS Wichita was awarded the Battle "E" for 1979. Captain Pedersen took command of the USS Ranger on 20 October 1980.