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New Commanding Officer for 'Blacklions'

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS080519-24
Release Date: 5/19/2008 10:49:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman John Suits, USS Theodore Roosevelt Public Affairs

THEODORE ROOSEVELT, At Sea (NNS) -- The "Blacklions" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 213 recieved a new commanding officer May 15, during a change of command ceremony in the foc'sle aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71).

Cmdr. William "Waldo" Ewald relieved Cmdr. Paul "Groner" Gronemeyer as commanding officer.

The ceremony was made official afterward in the skies above the carrier, when both naval flight officers flew next to each other in F/A-18F Super Hornets and exchanged command via communications while in the air, before landing at Naval Air Station Oceana.

"This reflects the better spirit of the squadron," said Ewald. "What better place to change command than in the air? It's such an awesome responsibility to take command of 280 Sailors who look to me for guidance and leadership, as they progress into the future of the Navy."

After serving as commanding officer of the Blacklions for 15 months, Gronemeyer's next orders are to the National War College in Washington, D.C., studying strategic operations and policy for one year.

"It's been an honor to have been the CO [commanding officer] of such a fine squadron, full of the best and the brightest Sailors," said Gronemeyer. "The Blacklions are the most amazing group of junior and senior Sailors I've ever had the pleasure of serving with."

"It's an aviation tradition for the XO [executive officer] to 'fleet up' to CO," said Blacklions Command Master Chief (AW/SW/FPJ) John Heck. "Cmdr. Ewald is the kind of warfighter VFA-213 needs and the kind of leader we need. He does things expeditiously and by the book. Under his leadership, the accomplishments of the Blacklions will be boundless."

Under Gronemeyer's leadership, Sailors took part in programs to keep themselves out of trouble, and have stayed DUI free for 390 days.

"I believe Cmdr. Ewald will do as good a job as CO as he did as XO," said Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class (AW) Vincent Aloia. "We ran a tight ship at VFA-213 with Cmdr. Gronemeyer as CO, and I believe we will continue to strive towards being top notch as Cmdr. Ewald takes over."

Ewald recalled advice given to him by his former CO while assigned to the "Diamondbacks" of VFA 102, which embarked Roosevelt in 2001.

"It's now time to train your relief," Ewald remarked.

For more news from USS Theodore Roosevelt, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn71/.