Boyum, John, CAPT

Designated Naval Aviator in May 1943.  In 1944 he commanded the first night fighter unit aboard USS Wasp and was credited with destroying two Japanese planes for which he received the Distinguished Flying Cross.  Following WWII, he served with several aviation training units and attended the second Test Pilot School at Patuxent River NAS, MD.  He then served as Chief Project Officer, Tactical Test.  In 1951, he returned to night fighters as Operations Officer, Composite Squadron 4.  In 1954, he became Director, Test Pilot Training, Patuxent River NAS.  IN June 1956, he assumed Command of Carrier Air Group 2 aboard USS Shangri-La.  July 1957 to June 1959 he was Operations Officer on the staff Commander, Carrier Division 5.  After a tour with the Bureau of Naval Weapons he became Commanding officer, USS Pine Island (AV-12).  In April, 1963, he became Commanding Officer, USS Princeton (LPH-5).