COMMANDER DESTROYER
SQUADRON THIRTY-THREE

     Captain Howard J. Kerr Jr. is a native of Des Moines, Iowa. He was graduated from the University of Iowa in 1960, and later that year received his commission from the Officer Candidate School, Newport, Rhode Island. Captain Kerr holds degrees from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University.

      Captain Kerr has served at sea in USS BON HOMME RICHARD (CVA 31), USS WALKE (DD 723), USS LEAHY (DLG 16), and on the staff, Commander Cruiser Destroyer Flotilla NINE. He has commanded USS HAWKINS (DD 873) and USS KINKAID (DD 965). Assignments ashore have been on the Staff, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Vietnam, in the Office of the Chief of Naval Operations, the Office of the Vice President and the White House. Captain Kerr assumed command of Destroyer Squadron THIRTY-THREE in November 1979 following a one year assignment as Military Fellow, The Council on Foreign Relations, New York.

      Captain Kerr and his wife Patricia have four children.



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