Rear Admiral John J. Waickwicz is a native of Spencer, Mass., and a 1974 graduate
of the U.S. Naval Academy. Reporting to Pensacola for flight training in July
1974, he received his wings in August 1975.
Following FRS training at the Coast Guard Air Station (CGAS) Mobile, Ala., he reported to CGAS Corpus Christi, Tex., in November 1975 on a personnel exchange tour. Assigned as Assistant Maintenance Officer, he flew the HH-52A Sea Guard and HU-16E Albatross. After replacement pilot training with HS-1 in November 1978, he reported to HS-3. Serving as Quality Assurance Officer, he deployed twice to the Mediterranean aboard USS Forrestal (CV 59).
Rear Adm. Waickwicz reported to COMSEABASEDASWINGSLANT as personal Aide/Flag Lieutenant in August 1981. Returning to sea in September 1983, he joined USS Inchon (LPH 12) as Navigator. He qualified as Officer of the Deck and earned his designation as a Surface Warfare Officer.
In March 1986, he reported as Maintenance Officer to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Seven aboard USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67). During this tour, he participated in the USS Bonefish (SS 582) rescue and deployed to the Mediterranean. In June 1988, Rear Adm. Waickwicz reported to Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing One in Jacksonville, as Chief Staff Officer.
Rear Adm. Waickwicz reported to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron Fifteen as Executive Officer in June 1989 and as Commanding Officer in September 1990. Making two Mediterranean deployments, the squadron was awarded two Meritorious Unit Commendations, the Battle "E", two Isbell Awards and three CVW-6 Golden Wrenches. In January 1992, Rear Adm. Waickwicz reported to BUPERS, Washington, D.C., as Aviation Commander Assignments Officer (PERS 431B).
In June 1993, he reported to Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron One, the East Coast Fleet Replacement Squadron, as Commanding Officer. From July to October 1993 he simultaneously was Commander, Helicopter Antisubmarine Wing, U.S. Atlantic Fleet. In June 1995, he reported to USS Nassau (LHA 4) as Executive Officer. He assumed command in June 1997. During Rear Adm. Waickwicz's command tour, Nassau was awarded the Battle "E", Golden Anchor and Admiral Flatley Safety Award.
Rear Adm. Waickwicz reported to the Joint Staff in October 1998 as Chief, Joint Requirements Division (J8). In February 2001 he reported to the Navy Staff as Special Assistant for Air Warfare Division, N78.
Rear Adm. Waickwicz reported as Commander, Iceland Defense Force; Fleet Air Keflavík; U.S. Anti-Submarine Warfare Reconnaissance Forces Eastern Atlantic and Island Commander Iceland in June 2001.
On April 8, 2004, Rear Adm. Waickwicz stood up command of the Fleet, Anti-Submarine Warfare Command in San Diego.
His personal awards and decorations include the American Legion Aviation Valor Award, two Defense Superior Service Medals, two Legion of Merit Medals, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Medal (Individual Action), five Navy Commendation Medals, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and the Commander’s Cross with Star of the Icelandic Order of the Falcon presented by the President of Iceland.
Updated: 13 October 2004
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