A 1958 graduate of Dartmouth College, RADM Harold J. Bernsen USN (Ret) received his wings in March of 1960 and immediately reported to his first squadron, VAW-12. Flying the E-1B, he deployed twice to the Mediterranean in USS SARATOGA. In 1963 he moved with the squadron to Norfolk, Va.

   After two disassociated tours, he returned to the VAW community in 1968 as part of the commissioning crew of VAW-126, flying the E-2A from 1968 through 1971.

   RADM Bernsen attended the Armed Forces Staff College for six months and then returned to VAW-126 as XO in 1972, transitioning to the E-2B and fleeting up to CO the following year. After a tour as Navigator of USS FORRESTAL, during which time he completed his sixth and seventh Mediterranean deployments, he reported to RVAW-120 as CO. During his tour as Skipper, the FRS began its transition to the E-2C. From 1977 to 1979 RADM Bernsen served in the Pentagon as the E2-C Program Coordinator, his last direct relationship with AEW Community.

   RADM Bernsen took command of two ships, USS Lasalle (AGF-3) and USS Lexington (CVT-16), the training carrier. He was promoted to flag rank in late 1984. Subsequently he served as Director, Plans and Policy (J-5), US Central Command (1985-86); Commander Middle East Force (1986-1988); Director of Plans, CINCLANTFLT (1980-1990) and Deputy and Chief of Staff, Commander in Chief US Atlantic Fleet (1991). He received his second star in 1988. Since leaving the service in December 1991, RADM Bernsen has been active as a consultant and businessman. He serves as a director of several non profit organizations. His primary current interests are as Chairman, 21st Century Coatings, Inc., a manufacturer of high tech, industrial coatings; and as the President of the Trustees of Physicians for Peace, a non profit organization which sends volunteer medical providers to countries overseas in need of medical assistance.