Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
David
Gaynor
Ahern

Home:

, 

Connecticut

David Ahern graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Class of 1964. He retired as a U.S. Navy Captain.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Captain

    Action Date:

    June 1989 – June 1994

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Captain David Gaynor Ahern (NSN: 0-677809), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as the Program Manager for Advanced Tactical Data Link Systems and as Deputy Program Executive Officer for Space, Communications and Sensors, Washington, D.C., from June 1989 to June 1994. Captain Ahern’s outstanding professional skill, leadership, and ceaseless efforts have resulted in the successful development of the Joint Tactical Information Distribution System (JTIDS), the first generational advance in tactical data links in 30 years. He was credited with Navy implementation of JTIDS and with execution of an extensive, multi-service JTIDS testing program. Additionally, Captain Ahern has been the focal point in achieving the entry of the follow-on Multifunctional Information Distribution System – Low Volume Terminal (MIDS-LVT) program, a five Nation Cooperative International Development Program, into Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase. By his distinctive accomplishments, superb initiative, and unsurpassed devotion to duty, Captain Ahern reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant, Junior Grade

    Batallion:

    Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 6 (VA-6)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Constellation (CVA-64)

    Action Date:

    August 15, 1966

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant, Junior Grade David Gaynor Ahern (NSN: 0-677809), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Naval Flight Officer attached to Reconnaissance Attack Squadron SIX (VA-6), in U.S.S. CONSTELLATION (CVA-64), during combat operations conducted against enemy forces in North Vietnam on 15 August 1966. Flying in an unarmed reconnaissance aircraft in actual combat, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ahern obtained photographic coverage of the Quang Nap petroleum site and a new airfield construction site located close to the heavily defended city of Hanoi. Despite intense anti-aircraft fire and a barrage of seven surface-to-air missiles encountered on the outskirts of Hanoi, Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ahern, with cool determination and professionalism rarely shown by a person while under such stress, heroically and skillfully obtained photographic intelligence which was of great value to the planners of future strikes against North Vietnam. He proceeded well beyond the point impelled by duty and accomplished more than reasonably expected while operating under the most adverse circumstances. Lieutenant, Junior Grade, Ahern’s devotion to duty was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.