Impressive framed display presented to Apollo 17 moonwalker Gene Cernan by U.S. Navy Strike Fighter Squadron 83 (VFA-83), a F/A-18E Super Hornet fighter squadron known as the ‘Rampagers.” The display contains a color photo of two airborne VFA-83 fighter jets, gold-tone Naval Aviator Wings, and four engraved plates; the upper and lower plates are marked “Capt Gene Cernan, USN (Ret.)” and “From: Strike Fighter Squadron Eight Three, ‘Rampagers,’ 3 May 2014,” and the left and right plates feature the names and facsimile signatures of 23 Rampagers. Framed to an overall size of 23 x 18.75. In fine condition, with some chips and scuffs to the frame.
Gene Cernan began his naval career as a midshipman in the U.S. Navy ROTC while studying engineering at Purdue University. After graduating in 1956, he was commissioned as an ensign in the U.S. Navy and entered flight training, becoming a Naval Aviator, and was assigned to Attack Squadron 126 (VA-126) at NAS Miramar, flying the FJ-4B Fury, and was later promoted to lieutenant. Cernan was then assigned to Attack Squadron 113 (VFA-113) at NAS Lemoore, flying A-4C Skyhawks, and deployed aboard the USS Hancock (CVA-19). A few years later, Lieutenant Cernan was selected as an astronaut as one of 14 members of NASA Astronaut Group 3, which was announced on October 18, 1963.
