page_title: Jerry O. Tuttle
section_title: Early Navy Career
hierarchical_section_title: Jerry O. Tuttle / Early Navy Career
caption_attribution_description: English: Captain Jerry O. Tuttle - commanding officer USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67) May 1977-November 1978
context_page_description: Jerry Owen Tuttle was a vice admiral in the United States Navy. He was the second Captain of USS Kalamazoo and commanded the USS John F. Kennedy; Naval Inspector General; Deputy and Chief of Staff for the Commander in Chief, U.S. Atlantic Fleet; Special Assistant to the Chief of Naval Operations; and Deputy Director for Intelligence, Defense Intelligence Agency.
  His awards include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Navy Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, Navy Commendation Medal, and Letter of Commendation from the Japan Defense Agency. He was also a recipient of the Gray Eagle Award.
context_section_description: Tuttle joined the Navy in March 1955 and was soon selected for the Naval Aviation Cadet Program. He was designated a Naval Aviator and commissioned as an Ensign after completing his flight training in October 1956. After studying at the Naval Postgraduate School, Tuttle was awarded a bachelor's degree in Communications Engineering in 1965. He later earned a master's degree in International Relations from George Washington University in 1969.
  In Vietnam, Admiral Tuttle was decorated for personal heroism three times, flying 260 missions in the single-seat light attack A-4. He served in VA-44, VA-15, VA-112 and VA-174. He commanded VA-81 and Carrier Air Wing Three. Admiral Tuttle later commanded the aircraft carrier USS John F. Kennedy and became one of the longest-serving carrier battle group commanders in Navy history.
caption: Tuttle as USS John F. Kennedy commander
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