Military

Rampagers Bid Farewell to Commanding Officer

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS070817-32
Release Date: 8/17/2007 9:17:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman (SW) Shanika L. Futrell, Fleet Public Affairs Center Atlantic

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- In the presence of distinguished visitors, Sailors and family, the commanding officer bid farewell to the "Rampagers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 83, during a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Oceana Aug. 16.

Cmdr. Michael D. Neumann was relieved by Cmdr. William S. Koyama after serving as the squadron's executive officer since June 2006.

"You have done a great job commanding this squadron and I am ready to take over," said Koyama.

Neumann attached to VFA-83 in April 2005 as executive officer and assumed duties as commanding officer June 2006.

Neumann's next duty will take him to the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center at Naval Air Station Fallon, Nev., where he will serve as the director of the Navy Fighter Weapons School.

"Thanks for your patience and I appreciate everything I have learned from you," said Koyama to his predecessor.

The Rampagers mission is to provide air support from the carrier to ground troops worldwide.

VFA-83 returned from deployment May 2007, flying F/A-18C Super Hornet embarked on the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) from October 2006 to May 2007.