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NavSource Online: Amphibious Photo Archive

Contributed by Frank M. Egger

USS Kearsarge (LHD-3)

CAPT. Lawrence G. Getz III USN
Commanding Officer

Captain Lawrence G. Getz III is a native of New Orleans, Louisiana and was raised in San Diego, California. A graduate of the University of San Diego, he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science in 1988 and went on to receive a Master’s of Science from Tulane University in 1990. He entered the Navy via Aviation Officers Candidate School in 1991, designated a Naval Aviator in June 1993 and has accumulated over 2,500 flight hours in the H-60 F/H.

His sea duty assignments have included tours as NAVOSH Officer and Training Officer in HS-4 “Black Knights,” Assistant Air Operations Officer in Carrier Strike Group 7, Safety Officer, Training Officer and Operations Officer in HS-11 “Dragonslayers” and Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of HS-15 “Red Lions” where he was the first active duty squadron to deploy to Iraq and fly over 500 combat hours. During his Command tour 2008-2010 the squadron received the Commander Naval Air Forces Atlantic Battle “E” Award, CNO Safety Award and the CFFC Retention Honor Roll. He completed his tour as USS KEARSARGE’s Executive Officer and assumed command of USS KEARSARGE (LHD 3) in November 2015.

His shore assignments include Flag Aide and House of Representatives Liaison Officer for VADM Norb Ryan in the Navy Legislative Affairs Office, Fleet Replacement Instructor Pilot and Safety Officer at HS-10, Helicopter Shore Detailer at the Bureau of Naval Personnel, and Junior Military Aide to the Secretary of Defense for Secretaries Gates, Panetta and Hagel. He also attended National War College where he received a Master’s degree in National Security Strategy.

His personal awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal (2), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal (4), Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal (3), and various other unit commendations and service medals. He was selected as HS-11 Pilot of the Year in 2004 and received the Commander Naval Air Forces Atlantic HSC Leader of the Year in 2009.

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