CDR Randy Laws, USN (Ret.)

Randy Laws, a native of Zillah, Washington, received his Bachelor's Degree in English Literature from the University of Washington in June of 1978 and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Upon completion of The Basic School, he reported to flight training at NAS Pensacola, Florida, where he received his "Wings of Gold" in December 1979.

 

Following his designation as a Naval Flight Officer he reported to VMAT (AW) 202 at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina, for fleet replacement training in the A-6E Intruder. In December 1980 he joined VMA (AW) 533 where he completed one six-month WESTPAC deployment to MCAS Iwakuni, Japan, and one Mediterranean deployment aboard USS SARATOGA (CV-60). In December 1984 he was assigned as a Fleet Replacement Instructor in VMAT (AW) 202 and was instrumental in the stand down of the squadron and the transition of the USMC A-6E training to VA-128 at NAS Whidbey Island, Washington, in 1986.

 

On 1 July 1986, he accepted a Commission as a Lieutenant, USN, while still serving as a FRS Instructor with VMAT (AW) 202. In August 1986 he was ordered to NAS Whidbey Island for Category II refresher training with VA-128. In January 1987 he joined the Milestones of VA-196, completing two WESTPAC / Indian Ocean deployments aboard USS CONSTELLATION (CV-64). During this tour he was designated a Carrier Airwing Fourteen Strike Leader and twice selected as Carrier Air Wing Fourteen's nominee for the COMNAVAIRPAC Attack Aviator of the Year Award.

 

In October 1989 he returned to VA-128, serving as both Instructional Systems Development and Administrative Officer. In March 1991 he was assigned to the Green Lizards of VA-95, serving as both Operations and Maintenance Officer and completing a deployment to the Western Pacific / Indian Ocean aboard USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72). During this tour he was presented with the 1992 Captain Jerry Rogers Award for Leadership Excellence.

 

In May 1993 he reported to USCINCCENT, MacDill AFB, Florida, as an Air Operations Officer in the Operations Directorate. While assigned to USCINCCENT he participated in the planning and execution of Operations SOUTHERN WATCH and VIGILANT WARRIOR, as well as the UN Humanitarian Operations in Somalia, Yemen and Rwanda. In May 1995 he reported to VAQ-129 for transition training in the EA-6B Prowler and further assignment as Executive Officer of the Scorpions of VAQ-132 in January 1996. He assumed Command of VAQ-132 in May 1997 and served as Commanding Officer until September, 1998. During his tour as CO the squadron was awarded the Battle E, Safety S, Maintenance Squadron of the Year and the Radford Electronic Attack Squadron of the Year Awards. He officially retired from the Navy on 1 December 1998, and began a 16 ½ year career as a NJROTC program Senior Naval Science Instructor.

 

His decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Meritorious Service Medal, two Air Medals, three Navy Commendation Medals, two Navy Achievement Medals and various other service medals and ribbons. He has over 4,700 flight hours, with over 4,000 hours in the A-6E Intruder and EA-6B Prowler aircraft and 877 carrier arrested landings. He is married to the former Constance Laverty of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin. They have two adult children, Ashley and David, and currently reside in Sebastian, Florida.