David W. Hoffman

By zthanson, 22 November, 2022
First Name
David
Middle Name
W.
Last Name
Hoffman
Birthdate
Hometown
Philadelphia, PA
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Navy suit and cap.
PreCapture Description

Dave Hoffman graduated from Annapolis with a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy on June 6, 1962. Ensign Hoffman next completed flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in December 1963, followed by service as a flight instructor with VT-2 at NAS Whiting Field, Florida. He then attended F-4 Phantom II Replacement Air Group training with VF-121 at NAS Miramar, California, followed by service as an F-4 pilot with VF-96, deploying to Vietnam aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65). His next assignment was as a tactics instructor with VF-121 at NAS Miramar, followed by U.S. Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey, California, to complete his Master's degree in Operations Research. Lieutenant Commander Hoffman then returned to VF-121 for Replacement Air Group training before serving as the Landing Signal Officer on the staff of CVW-15 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Coral Sea (CVA-43) until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on December 30, 1971.

Post Release Image
Man giving speech behind a podium.
Post Release Description

He was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 28, 1973. Commander Hoffman then served as a flight instructor with VF-121. His next assignment was as an F-4 and F-14 Tomcat pilot, and as Operations Officer, Maintenance Officer, and then Executive Officer with VF-142 at NAS Miramar and then at NAS Oceana, Virginia, followed by service as Readiness Officer with Commander Fighter Wing ONE at NAS Oceana. Commander Hoffman served as Executive Officer of VF-33 at NAS Oceana, and then as Executive Officer and Commanding Officer of VF-41 at NAS Oceana. His next assignment was on the staff of the Chief of Naval Operations in the Pentagon, followed by CAG training. Captain Hoffman then served as Commander Carrier Air Wing 8 (CVW-8) at NAS Oceana and aboard the aircraft carriers USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70) and USS Nimitz (CVN-68). After attending Prospective Commanding Officer School, he served as Commanding Officer of the amphibious assault ship USS New Orleans (LPH-11), followed by service as Chief of Staff to the Commander, Cruiser Destroyer Group 5 (CCDG-5). Captain Hoffman next served as Commanding Officer of the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) from February 1986 to February 1987, and then on the staff of Headquarters U.S. Pacific Command at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii, from February 1987 until his retirement from the Navy on July 1, 1988.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Defense Superior Service Medal
  • Legion of Merit
  • Distinguished Flying Cross
  • Bronze Star (2)
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release