Two Chippies selected for
Command Advancement

Cmdr. Dave Conaway, the Commanding Officer of VFA-195, conducted the promotion while at quarters in the forecastle during a break in the busy pace of flight operations in the Arabian Gulf.

The Commanding Officer is given the prerogative to promote two individuals per year under the CAP Program. This program allows the command the ability to directly reward outstanding performance and particular dedication and commitment to duty. The selection process for this year’s advancement was extremely competitive and the two chosen were taken from a much larger field of candidates.

Hatfield, a native of San Antonio, Texas, joined the Navy in November of 1988. He went through Fleet Readiness Aviation Maintenance Personnel training at Naval Air Station Lemoore, Calf. before reporting to his first squadron, VFA-151 in Japan.

After helping move that squadron back to Lemoore, Hatfield returned to Japan and joined the Dambusters in May of 1994.

"Hatfield has been an invaluable asset to VFA-195, providing innovative leadership and guidance in the AT Shop," Lt. Tim O’Hanlon, AT Shop Division officer said. "His technical abilities made him a standout from day one in the squadron and his contributions have been instrumental in making VFA-195’s AT Shop the best in the Air Wing."

Hatfield’s awards include two Navy Achievement Medals and numerous Letters of Commendation.

Darrough came to the Chippies in March of 1994. From Roswell, N.M. Darrough entered the Navy in ’93. Following initial training, Darrough reported to VFA-195 as his first fleet squadron.

Commonly know as a "jack of all trades," he started out in the Line Division but was soon called upon for Temporary Additional Duty work. Upon returning from his TAD assignment, he quickly established his reputation as a hard worker and dedicated member of Line Division by earning his Plane Captain qualification in only two months.

Darrough was then reassigned to the Airframes Shop where he worked in Corrosion Control for nine months. From there he earned a spot as a Troubleshooter where his expertise and systems knowledge could be fully utilized on the flight deck. Darrough’s awards include four Letters of Commendation.

Hatfield and Darrough have enjoyed their stay in Japan, so much that both have requested orders to VFA-192, where Darrough hopes to report in April, followed by Hatfield in May.