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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

Contributed by Mike Smolinski

USS Mount Whitney (LCC-20)

CAPT. Jeffery Scott Ruth

Born in Key West, Florida, Captain Ruth grew up in San Diego CA. and was graduated with distinction from the United States Naval Academy in 1986 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Engineering. He reported to Flight School at NAS Pensacola later that year, and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in January of 1988.

Captain Ruth next reported to VF-124, NAS Miramar, San Diego, CA for training in the F-14 Tomcat. His first fleet assignment was with the Bountyhunters of VF-2, where he made two deployments to the Western Pacific aboard the USS RANGER (CV 61). During his second deployment, Captain Ruth flew 43 combat missions in support of Operation Desert Storm.

In 1992, Captain Ruth was selected for the NPS/TPS Co-op program. From June 1992 to November 1993, he attended the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA and followed the Aeronautical (Avionics) Engineering program. He then reported to Test Pilot School at NAS Patuxent River, Maryland, and upon completion of the course in December 1994 was awarded a Masters Degree in Aeronautical Engineering. Captain Ruth’s next assignment was as the F-14D Project Officer at Naval Air Warfare Center, Point Mugu, CA.

In March of 1997, Captain Ruth reported to VAQ-129 for transition training in the EA-6B Prowler. In January of the next year, he joined the Patriots of VAQ-140 where he served as Administrative, Operations, and Maintenance Officer. While with the Patriots, he completed deployments in both the USS JOHN C. STENNIS (CVN 74) and the USS DWIGHT D. EISENHOWER (CVN 69). Additionally, he deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy where he flew 40 combat missions in support of Operation Allied Force and served as the Operations Officer for Electronic Attack Wing Aviano. Following his tour with the Patriots, Captain Ruth served as an operational planner on the staff of the Commander, Allied Forces North Europe in Brunssum, The Netherlands.

In October 2003, while deployed to the Persian Gulf in USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), Captain Ruth assumed command of VAQ-137. In December of that year the Rooks were the first Navy TACAIR squadron to forward deploy to Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terrorism. For their efforts VAQ-137 was awarded the Association of Old Crows 2004 Board of Directors award as well as both the CVWP 2004 Maintenance Squadron of the Year and Tactical Excellence Squadron of the Year awards. In March 2005 he reported onboard USS GEORGE WASHINGTON (CVN 73) as the Navigator. In July 2006 he entered the Nuclear Power training pipeline and in March 2008 reported aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN where he served as Executive Officer until December 2009.

Captain Ruth’s personal awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Air Medal with Combat “V” (five awards), Strike/Flight Air Medal (eight awards), Navy Commendation Medal with Combat “V”, Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), Joint Service Achievement Medal, and the Navy Achievement Medal (two awards). He also holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Colorado State University.

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