Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates. . .
The Forgotten War that Changed American History
This is a little-known story of how a newly independent nation was challenged by four Muslim powers and what happened when America's president decided to stand up to intimidation.
Presented by CAPT Rick "Creature" Creange, USN (Ret.)
Captain Creange, a native of Toms River, New Jersey, attended the Pennsylvania State University and was commissioned an Ensign USN through the NROTC program in 1981. After attending flight training in Pensacola, Florida, he was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1983 flying the F-14 Tomcat. His career spanned 27 years flying the F-14 Tomcat during many deployments. These included combat operations in Desert Storm where he flew 43 combat missions over Iraq. He also participated in combat operations in support of multi-national forces in Lebanon, and later, flew combat missions supporting NATO, UN, and US forces in Bosnia, Somalia, and Iraq. Captain Creange is also a graduate of the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN).
Captain Creange retired from Active Duty on September 1, 2008. After retirement, he joined the team at the Navy’s Operational Test and Evaluation Force (OPTEVFOR) as a government civilian employee as the Director, Advanced Programs and led the operational test and evaluation, fleet integration, and doctrine development for highly classified advanced technology programs. He retired for good in July 2022 after 41 combined years of service to the country. He and his wife Christine moved to Tellico Village in May 2022.
Captain Creange has logged over 3000 flight hours, 200 Combat hours, and 800 carrier arrestments. Captain Creange holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the Pennsylvania State University, a Master of Aeronautical Science Degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Master of Military History Degree from Norwich University.