• Military Menu                       

• Introduction
• Systems
• Facilities
• Agencies
• Industry
• Operations
• Countries
• Hot Documents
• News
• Reports
• Policy
• Budget
• Congress
• Links

• WMD
• Intelligence
• Homeland Security
• Space

Foley Takes Command of Strike Fighter Wing Pacific

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS081209-17
Release Date: 12/9/2008 9:44:00 PM

By Melinda Larson, Naval Air Station Lemoore Public Affairs

LEMOORE, Calif. (NNS) -- Strike Fighter Wing Pacific (CSFWP) hosted a change-of-command ceremony Dec. 5 at Naval Air Sation Lemoore, Calif.

Capt. Stephen R. Foley relieved Capt. Hal Murdock as CSFWP commander, taking the opportunity to celebrate past successes and look ahead to the future of naval aviation.

"His accomplishments and the effect he's had are not limited to the past. The impact of his work will actually extend far into the future," Vice Adm. Thomas J. Kilcline, commander, Naval Air Forces said of Murdock's achievements as commodore. "Years from now when air crew are about to get their wings flying F/A-18 Hornets and Super Hornets, in peace and in war, that's when we'll have a full picture of Doc's success. We will remain the world's premier naval air force in the future, and second to none in combat, thanks to innovative leaders like Doc who made sure we're on a course to success."

The wing's success depends on in its ability to provide the fleet with combat-ready squadrons trained to conduct carrier-based and forward-deployed missions as required by the fleet tactical commander. The wing trains, mans, maintains and supports some 275 F/A-18 C/D/E/F aircraft assigned to 14 operational fleet squadrons based at Naval Air Station Lemoore and four forward-deployed squadrons at Naval Air Facility Atsugi, Japan. Strike Fighter Weapons School Pacific, two fleet replacement squadrons and detachments at Naval Air Facility Fallon, Nev., and Naval Air Facility El Centro, Calif., are also part of the Wing.

Murdock's successes at the wing and throughout the course of his 25-year career earned him the Legion of Merit. Kilcline presented him with the medal during the change of command that also served as Murdock's retirement ceremony.

"None of my accomplishments are my own," said Murdock as he lauded maintainers, trainers, administrators, ombudsmen and his family. "Don't ever forget that the most important job you'll ever have is the one that you're in."

Foley, who has flown more than 6,000 hours in Navy jet aircraft, has served as the wing's deputy commander since June 2007. The incoming commander said he looks forward to working with the aviators, Sailors and Marines who serve in the aviation community.

"I know it's not lost on any of us the national treasure we proudly call United States naval aviation. It's your contributions that make our wing, our naval service and this country great. Thanks for everything you do as great stewards of naval aviation. I look forward to continuing to work with you," Foley said.

For more news from Commander, Naval Air Forces, visit www.navy.mil/local/airpac/.