Captain Richard Owen McHarg

Commander
Carrier Air Wing FIVE

Captain Richard O. McHarg, a native of Bedford, Massachusetts, attended Phillips Academy in Andover and the University of Rochester, New York where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Engineering. He received his commission in December 1975 through the NROTC two-year program.

Following Naval Flight Officer Training in Pensacola, Florida, he reported to the A-6 Replacement Training Squadron for Bombardier/ Navigator training. He was assigned to VA-34 aboard USS JOHN F. KENNEDY and completed two Mediterranean deployments from 1977-1981. Captain McHarg was then ordered to VT-86 at Naval Air Station, Pensacola, Florida for duty as an advanced radar and visual navigation flight instructor.

In June 1983 he was selected for Lieutenant Commander, and ordered to the staff of Commander, Carrier Group SEVEN embarked aboard USS KITTY HAWK as the Strike Operations Officer.

In 1986 he moved to Naval Air Station, Whidbey Island, Washington as the Executive Officer of the newly established Medium Attack Weapons School Pacific. While there, he was instrumental in introducing the Medium Attack Advanced Readiness Program (MAARP) to West Coast fleet Intruder and Prowler squadrons.

He joined VA-165 in March 1988 serving as department head for the Administrative, Tactics, and Operations departments. While attached to the "BOOMERS", he deployed to the Western Pacific/ Indian Ocean/South American theaters aboard USS NIMITZ and CONSTELLATION. In October 1990, he was assigned as Executive Assistant to Commander, Medium Attack Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet.

Captain McHarg reported to the EAGLES of VA-115, permanently homeported in Atsugi, Japan in August 1992 for duty as Executive Officer. He took command in September of 1993. The EAGLES were recognized for superior performance through a Meritorious Unit Commendation during this period.

In September of 1994 he reported to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy (Research, Development, and Acquisition) as the Strike Programs Assistant.

He then attended National War College in Washington, D.C., earning a M.S. in National Security Strategy, and reported to Carrier Air Wing FIVE in October 1997 as the Deputy Commander.

During his career, Captain McHarg has accumulated over 3600 flight hours in various aircraft and 800 carrier arrested landings. Awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (2), Strike/Flight Air medal, Naval Commendation Medal (5), Navy Achievement Medal, and numerous other unit and service awards.

Captain McHarg is married to the former Kristin Ann Swanson, Commander, Nurse Corps (retired), of Ellsworth, Wisconsin. They have two children, Molly and Matthew.

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