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Moore Assumes Command of VR-54

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS060527-11
Release Date: 5/27/2006 9:52:00 PM

By Chief Journalist Jay Cope, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans Public Affairs

BELLE CHASSE, La. (NNS) -- Cmdr. John Wadsworth, commanding officer, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR) 54, turned over command of the unit to Cmdr. Wallace F. Moore during a change of command ceremony at the unit's hangar May 20 at 1 p.m.

Capt. Jack Reape, a former commanding officer of the squadron, served as the guest speaker for the event.

While under Wadsworth's command, VR-54 directly supported worldwide operations including Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. The unit flew approximately 150 missions totaling more than 1,000 flight hours with nearly 3 million pounds of cargo delivered in support of forward deployed units. VR-54 made it possible for the U.S. Air Force Air Mobility Command to realize its Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) goal of 72 hours from injury to hometown hospital for all U.S. casualties in the global war on terrorism. Additionally, the squadron maintenance team provided the first Navy presence, and wrote all Standard Operating Procedures paving the way for future Navy C-130 squadrons to participate in this important MEDEVAC mission.

During Hurricane Katrina relief efforts, the command immediately responded with dedicated relief flights, including the initial response flight vital to the quick reopening of the airfield despite the squadron being significantly impacted by the storm. Support included 151 Naval Air Logistics Office (NALO) missions, carrying more than 2.2 million pounds of cargo and 3,216 passengers.

The unit achieved these heights due to the tremendous teamwork of a great many people. Wadsworth took time during the ceremony to express his appreciation to the "Revelers" for their assistance during his tour.

"I want to thank the Sailors, the chiefs, the officers, and most importantly the families of VR-54 for going above and beyond, taking care of each other during this trying time, and doing it in a manner that reflects the best in people," he said. "You did it all with dignity, compassion, patience and grace. I am humbled and grateful that the good Lord blessed this Navy, this squadron, and myself with a pool of talent second to none."

Wadsworth's leadership, professionalism and management abilities during this tour were recognized with the presentation of the Meritorious Service Medal.

Moore played a significant role in these accomplishments as the executive officer of the unit, and stepped into the top spot to help continue the unit's impressive history of achievement.

Moore has been with the command since October 1999, and has served as operations officer, maintenance officer, executive assistant, and transport aircraft commander of the Lockheed C-130T Hercules during his tenure with the squadron.

During his career Moore has flown more than 6,000 hours flying T-34C, TH-57, CH-46, Saab 340, MD-80 and C-130 aircraft.

Moore expressed appreciation for the team that had helped him achieve the new post, and he was excited for the chance to assume the mantle of leadership for such an impressive unit of people.

"I thank the department heads and the officers' mess for working with and for me. I thank the chiefs' mess for grooming me over the years, and the petty officers and seamen for getting the job done," he said. "I am flattered and truly grateful for the opportunity to command VR-54, the finest squadron in the world."

Cmdr. Mike Marlowe will replace Moore as the executive officer. Marlowe transfers to VR-54 from Commander, Naval Reserve Forces Command, where he served as the C-130 Program Manager.

As he prepared to leave the unit for the final time, Wadsworth left the team with a last thought about what sets the Navy apart from other professions, qualities that he felt marked the "most important career work I will ever have."

"The Navy has provided a special culture based on trust and teamwork shared by few," said Wadsworth, "a culture where honor, courage, commitment, and integrity still has meaning. We must protect these tenants of Navy service at all costs, or we risk losing the trust we enjoy and the freedom that we, as a country, have worked so hard to obtain."

Wadsworth, a 21-year naval aviator, has accumulated more than 5,000 flight hours, and retired from active service.