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Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 10 Changes Hands

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080126-03
Release Date: 1/26/2008 11:07:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Tucker M. Yates, Fleet Public Affairs Center Det., Northwest

OAK HARBOR, Wash. (NNS) -- Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing (CPRW) 10 held a change of command ceremony in Hangar 7 on Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island, Jan. 24.

The change of command ceremony is a time-honored tradition that formally restates to the officers and enlisted personnel of a command the continuity of the authority of command. Capt. David M. Taylor was relieved by Capt. Kenneth E. Seliga as commodore of the Wing. Rear Adm. Brian C. Prindle, Commander Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing, was the keynote speaker at the event.

"The tremendous work that has been here at Wing 10 under the exceptional leadership of Commodore David Taylor demonstrates that every member of Wing 10 focused on the team achieving success today, tomorrow, and as we make significant transitions to the future," said Prindle.

Taylor was born in Sheffield, England, and raised in Grosse Pointe Farms, Mich. He received a bachelor's in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological Institute in 1984 and amaster's in National Security and Strategic Studies through the Naval War College in 1996. Taylor was commissioned through Aviation Officer Candidate School in 1985. He is reporting to Commander Carrier Strike Group 11 as chief of staff in San Diego, Calif.

Two commands in CPRW-10 received the 2006 Battle "E", as well as the Wing itself receiving the Arleigh Burke Fleet Trophy Award, and the Chief of Naval Operations Safety Award since Taylor assumed command. Under Taylor's tutelage, Wing 10 has also aligned themselves for success during the transition to the consolidated maintenance organization in the next few months.

"This has been a significant challenge; it has not been easy. Great challenges never are easy, this is one that encompasses nearly a thousand maintenance personnel and every one of them should be proud of what they've accomplished over the last few years, because they're putting safer airplanes out on station while preparing themselves for the future," said Prindle. "No small task; very admirably done."

Prindle went on to laud Taylor's accomplishments across the board in leading Wing 10, including preparing them for breaking new ground by positioning them and the Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance (MPR) Force for greater mission effectiveness.

"Operationally there's no finer team in the MPR Force performing where it matters most and that's the tip of the spear," said Prindle. "I offer my congratulations on a sensational tour as commodore and you can look back with a great deal of satisfaction on the outstanding performance of the Wing 10 team. You were the right man, the right leader, for this wing at a critical time."

Prindle presented Taylor with the Legion of Merit Award and Command Master Chief Brian Hughes, CPRW-10 command master chief, presented Taylor with the broad command pennant on behalf of the Chief Petty Officers' Mess. Taylor gives most of the credit for his success to his Sailors more than himself.

"I know we say it a lot, but I accept this award on behalf of all the men and women in CPRW-10 because it's on their backs that all these (accomplishments) happened," said Taylor.

Taylor was especially appreciative of how effective his maintenance personnel were in allowing the aircraft to perform where and when they are needed.

"I have watched this organization grow in the past 18 months and tackle some very challenging maintenance issues. Your performance while I have been commodore has been awesome," said Taylor. "You have supported an aggressive flight schedule with fewer aircraft and aircraft parts, you have improved your ready-for-training aircraft on the flight line, execution rates have gone up significantly and on time take-off performance has shown remarkable improvement. When air crews show up to fly they now know they will most likely go flying. This was not always the case. I am humbled and awed by the dedication of you troops and you should all be commended for the perseverance you show everyday even in the face of adversity. I salute all of you for a job well done."

Taylor feels that CPRW-10 is going to continue building on its many accomplishments with Seliga assuming command.

"I cannot think of a better person for a leader than Capt. Ken Seliga. Both professionally and personally it has been a pleasure getting to know you. It is clear to me that you are ready for this challenge," said Taylor. "I am looking forward to hearing about all the great things Wing 10 is going to do under your capable leadership."

Seliga, of Hatboro, Penn., was most recently stationed on the Joint Staff, J8 Directorate, as lead combatant commander liaison officer. He graduated from Temple University and, in June 2007, received his Masters of Science in National Resourcing Strategies from the Industrial College of the Armed Services. His awards include a Defense Meritorious Service Medal, two Meritorious Service Medals, three Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, a Joint Service Achievement Medal, and two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals.