Robert L. Leuschner, Jr.

Robert Lee Leuschner Jr. (March 13, 1935 – July 19, 2016) was a rear admiral in the United States Navy. He was Commander of the nuclear-powered carrier from 1983 to 1986. A native of Texas, he was born in Waco, and later moved with his family to San Diego, California, where he graduated from high school. In 1953, he was admitted to Rice Institute in Houston, where he enrolled in the chemical engineering curriculum. He also joined the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), so that immediately after receiving his bachelor's degree, he was also commissioned as ensign in the U.S. Navy.

Early years Leuschner Jr was one of three children of Captain Robert Leuschner, who served aboard USS South Dakota during the Second World War and was present at Tokyo Bay for the Armistice. Leuschner, known as "Skip" by most of his school classmates, attended high school in San Diego, California. He was then admitted to Rice University, then named Rice Institute, where he joined the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC), majored in chemical engineering and graduated with a bachelor's degree in May 1957. He was immediately commissioned as ensign in the U.S. Navy, which would set his life career course.

Naval career In September, 1957, he began flight training at Corpus Christi, Texas, becoming designated as a naval aviator in December, 1958. He was then posted to Naval Air Station Miramar, California.

Awards, honors and medals Leuschner's individual awards include the: Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (28 awards). Navy Commendation Medal with Gold Star and Combat " V ", Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Unit Commendation Medal, Joint Services Commendation Medal

He also received various theater and campaign ribbons. Captain Leuschner has been selected for promotion to the rank of commodore.