Air Wing Commander Receives Bronze Star Medal
Story Number: NNS021209-03
Release Date: 12/9/2002 9:17:00 AM
By Lt. j.g. Nicole Kratzer, Carrier Air Wing 5 Public Affairs
ABOARD USS KITTY HAWK, At Sea (NNS) -- In a recent ceremony at sea aboard USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63), the Bronze Star Medal was presented to Capt. Patrick Driscoll, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5.
Capt. Driscoll received this honor for meritorious achievement in connection with combat operations while serving as deputy commander of CVW-5 during Operation Enduring Freedom.
Embarked on Kitty Hawk from October to December 2001, Driscoll, working with a staff consisting of only one landing signal officer and a helicopter coordination officer, ensured that CVW-5 was fully prepared to integrate into Central Command’s area of operations.
During Kitty Hawk’s transit to the Arabian Gulf, Driscoll also devised procedures that enabled the battle group to conduct carrier air strikes in conjunction with U.S. Special Forces rotary wing assault operations. These procedures resulted in the safe conduct of more than 250 combat and combat support sorties and the effective delivery of more than 87,000 pounds of ordnance against al-Qaeda and Taliban targets.
Driscoll, a seasoned F/A-18 "Hornet" pilot with more than 5,000 flight hours in various aircraft, personally flew more than 53 hours of those combat sorties.
The award was presented by Rear Adm. Steven Kunkle, commander, Battle Force 7th Fleet.
“This award is the result of Captain Driscoll's outstanding leadership, consummate operational skills, and superb effectiveness in a combat environment,” said Kunkle. “His innovative tactics and flawless efforts to coordinate fixed wing operations with rotary wing aircraft from the special operations forces, were brilliant in every respect.”
Executive Order 9419, signed by President Franklin D. Roosevelt on Feb. 4, 1944, established the Bronze Star Medal.
It may be awarded to individuals who, while serving in any capacity with the U.S. Armed Forces in a combat theater, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement or meritorious service not involving aerial flight.
