Capt. Fred D. Richardson, Jr’s journey as a naval aviation officer began in 1955. He was a senior at Western Michigan College when he saw a navy aviation exhibit on campus depicting the Aviation Officer Candidate Program. He applied, was accepted and, after graduating in June 1955 began preflight training in Pensacola, FL, earning his Navy wings in 1956. He then reported to NAS Alameda (CA) to serve with Fleet Air Service Squadron 8 and VF-24, where he flew the F-3H Demon. He continued flying this aircraft when assigned to VF-151 at NAS Moffett Field (CA). He later became proficient in the F-8J Crusader. Capt. Richardson served several tours at NAS Miramar (CA), with
VF-124 (Combat Flight Instructor), VF-191 (Executive Officer), and became the first African American to command a naval fighter squadron with VF-194. He also served as Reconnaissance Flight Instructor (RF-101 Voodoo) while completing 13 months exchange duty with the US Air Force. Capt. Richardson served aboard several aircraft carriers including the USS Constellation, USS Hancock, USS Lexington, USS Oriskany (won Golden Tailhook Award for highest overall landing grades), and USS Coral Sea (Executive Officer). Some of his duty assignments required no flying, including: Antiaircraft Warfare Training Center (San Diego, CA); Special Assistant to the Chief of the Navy, Minority Affairs, Navy Recruiting Command (Washington, DC); Army War College (Carlisle, PA); Professor of Naval Science (Prairie View A & M University (TX)); and Comptroller, USNAVEUR (London, 1983-86). Capt. Richardson retired on July 01, 1986, following 31 enriching years as a United States Naval Officer.