Board Members 2007-2011
REAR ADMIRAL Lew CHATHAM USN (Ret)
BIOGRAPHY
Rear Admiral (Retired) Chatham was born in Houston, Texas on October 26, 1934. A graduate of Rice University, he received his commission as a naval officer in June 1956. He was designated a naval aviator upon completion of flight training in August 1957.
As an aviator, Chatham served in both fighter and attack squadrons. He has flown approximately 5,000 hours in over 30 different aircraft types and logged 1100 carrier arrested landings – 300 at night. During the Southeast Asia conflict he flew 366 combat missions into Vietnam.
Chatham commanded Attack Squadron FIFTY-SIX, Carrier Air Wing FIVE, USS HASSAYAMPA (AO145), USS KITTY HAWK (CV-63), Carrier Group SIX, and Task Force SEVENTY/SEVENTY-SEVEN/Carrier Group FIVE.
Chatham also served on the staffs of the Chief of Naval Operations, Commander-in- Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet, Commander SEVENTH Fleet, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Japan, and Commander Light Attack Wings Pacific.
His awards include the Legion of Merit (6), the Distinguished Flying Cross (4), the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal (10), the Strike/Flight Air Medal (35), the Navy Commendation Medal w/”V” (4), and the Navy Achievement Medal.
Chatham retired in June 1987 after 31 years of naval service. He and his wife, Ann, now reside in Tucson, Arizona.