Senior Naval Science Instructor

Commander Richard Cassara, U.S. Navy (Retired)

rjcassara@fcps.edu

Commander Cassara is a native of Crete, Illinois, and graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1974 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Upon designation as a Naval Flight Officer in June 1975, he reported to Attack Squadron 128 (VA-128) for replacement Bombardier/Navigator training in the A-6A Intruder. Joining VA-145 in May 1976, Commander Cassara served in the Operations and Maintenance departments and deployed to the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans aboard USS RANGER.

Reporting to the Pacific Missile Test Center, Point Mugu, California in December 1978, Commander Cassara was assigned as Flight Test Operations Officer for the Tomahawk cruise missile program. During this tour he earned a Master of Science degree in Systems Management from the University of Southern California and conducted developmental and operational test launches of the Harpoon anti-ship missile and the Tomahawk cruise missile. In December 1981 he reported to the staff of Commander, Carrier Group Seven as Strike Warfare and Weapons Officer, completing deployments aboard USS CONSTELLATION and USS RANGER.

Assigned to VA-128 in June 1984 as Staff Instructor, Commander Cassara served as Personnel, Crew Training and Operations Officer. From July 1986 to October 1988 he served with the Battle "E" and McClusky award winning VA-165 "Boomers" as Administrative, Operations and Tactics Officer, completing an around-the-world cruise on USS KITTY HAWK and a deployment to the North Arabian Sea on USS NIMITZ. Following a short tour on the staff of Commander, Medium Attack Tactical Electronic Warfare Wing, U.S. Pacific Fleet as A-6 Operations Officer, he assumed the duties of Executive Officer for VA-145. In June 1991 he completed a highly successful combat cruise aboard USS RANGER in support of Operation DESERT STORM. During his tenure as Commanding Officer of VA-145, the "Swordsmen" again deployed to the Persian Gulf aboard USS RANGER in support of Operation SOUTHERN WATCH and were awarded the 1991 Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy, the COMNAVAIRPAC Battle "E", the CNO Safety "S" and the RADM C. Wade McClusky Trophy as the best Attack Squadron in the Navy. His last active duty assignment was as a naval forces planner on the staff of the Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff. Following his retirement in 1994, Commander Cassara studied Secondary Education at George Mason University and assumed the duties of Senior Naval Science Instructor for the NJROTC unit at the Walbrook Uniformed Services Academy in Baltimore, Maryland. In September 2000, he began service as the Senior Naval Science Instructor at Herndon High School in Herndon, Virginia.

Commander Cassara has logged over 3800 flight hours and 680 carrier landings in A-6, EA-6, F-14, F-4, RA-3, P-3, TA-7, TA-4, T-39, TC-4, T-2, and T-34 aircraft. His awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” (2), Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal (2), Air Medal with Combat “V” (3), Navy Commendation Medal (3), Navy Achievement Medal as well as other unit and service awards.

He is married to the former Peggy Bimba of Crete, Illinois. They reside in Fairfax Station, Virginia and have two children - Adam, a 2003 graduate of Virginia Tech and architect with the firm of Rust-Orling in Alexandria and Megan, a 2008 graduate of the University of Maryland and assistant women's lacrosse coach at George Mason University.

Naval Science Instructor

MSCS (SW) John C. Maness, U.S. Navy (Retired)

jcmaness@fcps.edu

Senior Chief John Maness was born in Denver, Colorado and attended Denver Mile High School prior to entering the U.S. Navy in June 1976.

His first assignment, after graduation from Basic Training in San Diego, California, was to the guided missile destroyer USS Berkeley (DDG-15), assigned to Desk Division awaiting MS “A” School. He received orders to Pre-com and commissioned the destroyer USS Oldendorf (DD-972) after completing “A” school. In May of 1980 he reenlisted and took orders to Naval Submarine Base Bangor, Washington. After a successful tour, he attended MS “C” school in San Diego, California and promptly accepted orders to Naval Station, Adak, Alaska. In 1984 Senior Chief Maness was transferred to the fast frigate USS McCloy (FF-1038). Senior Chief Maness was selected for staff duty with CINCUSNAVEUR London, England in 1986. He returned stateside with orders to SACLANT in Norfolk, Virginia. Requesting more responsibility, he received orders to the guided missile cruiser USS Yorktown (CG-48) also in Norfolk, Virginia. He was then selected to COMCRUDESGRU Twelve Staff in Mayport, Florida. After finishing his tour, he reported to the guided missile cruiser USS Leyle Gulf (CG-55), also in Mayport.

His last assignment was Naval Station Mayport as Operations Manager CBQ, Leading Chief Petty Officer Supply Department, and Leading MS of the Oasis Dining Facility. Senior Chief Maness retired from active service on June 30, 1998. His decorations include the Navy Commendation Medal (two awards), the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal (5 awards), Southwest Asia Service Medal, and various unit awards.

Senior Chief Maness is married to the former Tammy Hartman of San Diego, California. The Manesses live in Herndon Virginia and have two children, John Paul in the United States Air Force and Jennifer Thompson living in Omaha Nebraska. Senior Chief Maness has been associated with the NJROTC program since 1994.

FORMER SENIOR NAVAL SCIENCE INSTRUCTORS

Captain Frederic Blakeman, USN (Retired), 1983-2000

FORMER NAVAL SCIENCE INSTRUCTORS

First Sergeant Billy Williams III, USMC (Retired), 2007-2009

Master Chief James Buchart, USN (Retired), 2006

Sergeant Major Wilfred Green, USMC (Retired), 1996-2005