AE1(AW) BENSON T. MAUGA
22 years of military service
(22 September, 1978 to 22 February, 2001)
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Entered the United States Navy from Fort
Worth Dallas, Texas on 22 September, 1978 and were
assigned to Recruit Training Command, San Diego, CA. First
duty station at Naval Air Station Miramar San Diego, CA,
assignment with F-14 Tomcat aircraft training Fighter
Squadron (VF-124), 1979-1982; reported to Fighter Squadron
(VF-2), which deployed onboard aircraft carrier USS-RANGER
in support of hostage rescue mission in Iran. On
deployment got selected for the Good Morning America
15-second commercial. Liberty ports stopped in; Canada,
Hawaii, Philippines, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Sri
Lanka, Africa.
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In 1982-1989; transferred to Naval Air
Station Barbers Point, HI, to Fleet Composite Squadron
(VC-1), as an Aviation Electrician Technician for: A-4,
H-3, P-3 & C-118 aircraft. Commendation letter from the
Pacific Fleet Admiral for outstanding technician for ‘VIP
aircraft P-3 & C-118.’
1985-1989;
Transferred to Fleet Maritime Patrol Mobile Maintenance
Facility Team; Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, deployed to
Alaska, Diego Garcia, and Misawa, Japan, under CNO Special
Operation Command.
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Returned to sea duty in San Diego, CA, 1989;
for more exciting career. Assigned to LAMPS III
Anti-Submarine Squadron Light 41 for training, 1990-1992;
to Light Squadron 47 for CNO Special Project to Parking
Sand, Kauai, HI testing the MK-50 Torpedo for SH-60
Helicopter. Your technician qualification experience and
skillful, deployed you in a short notice to the Desert
Shield/Storm Operation in the Arabian Gulf war as search
and rescue mission. First team to arrive in Kuwait, and
the last to returned home. On alert operation in the
Philippines and witness the eruption of Mountain Punatupo
volcano. Took part in Rescue Operation for the dependence
evacuation to board ships. Your team on route to the Saudi
Arabian Gulf war; stopped at Bermuda, Azores, Italy,
Malta, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Upon returned home, liberty
ports: UAE, Oman, Thailand, Philippines, Hongkong,
Russian, and Japan.
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Joined the LAMPS III shore training squadron
Light 41 for instructor duty in 1992. In 1993 and 1994,
hand picked by the Chief of Naval Operation Elite team to
instructed Taiwanese, Republic of China (R.O.C.) aviators
on SH-60 helicopter Flight Operational shore/onboard ship.
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Back to sea duty in 1995-2001; assigned to
Light Squadron 45(Wolf Pack), in short week to deploy down
South America and Caribbean Counter Narcotics Operations
in Colombia, Cuba, Chile, Ecuador, Netherlands, Peru, and
Panama. Then again deployed to the Saudi Arabian Gulf
Southern Watch Operation, liberty ports; Hawaii,
Singapore, Thailand, Oman, UAE, Bahrain, Australia,
Tasmania, American Samoa, and Hawaii. Named Sailor of the
Year and COMNAVAIRPAC Sailor of the Quarter 1997.
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Benson T. Mauga outstanding performance,
dedication, and professionalism in his country and
community service have rewarded him with pride of Gold
Stripes decoration of memories as follows: Navy/Marine
Corps Achievement Medal (awarded 6 time), Combat Action
Ribbon, Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, Navy
Unit Commendation Ribbon (awarded 2 time), Battle “E”
Ribbon (awarded 2 time), Good Conduct Medal (awarded 6
time), Navy Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Medal,
Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal (awarded 2 time),
Southwest Asia Service Medal (awarded 2 time),
Humanitarian Service Medal, Sea Service Ribbon (awarded 4
time), Kuwait Liberation Medal, Kingdom of Saudi Arabian
Liberation of Kuwait Medal, Rifle and Pistol Expert
Marksmanship Medal. Enlisted Aviation Warfare Specialist
Wings.
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Mr. Mauga is married to his lovely wife
Mouna Lisa Tiumalu of Lemon Grove, CA, have six sons:
Benson Jr., Dallas, Rainbow, Magnum, & twins: Hutch and
Homer. To end his career chapter, he will always
honor/respect of his ancestors that plant his faith as;
(SAMOA MUAMUA LE ATUA) Place GOD First.
Stephen Greene, CDR, USN
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Benson
Mauga
