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VR-54 Hosts Change of Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090301-10
Release Date: 3/1/2009 8:29:00 PM

By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class (AW/SW) Shawn D. Graham, Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans

NEW ORLEANS (NNS) -- Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 54 (VR-54), hosted a change of command ceremony at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base (NAS JRB) New Orleans Feb. 28.

Cmdr. Michael Marlowe transferred the authority to command the 'Revelers" to Cmdr. Steven Irvine in a traditional ceremony before hundreds of personnel and invited guests.

Guest speaker for the ceremony was Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Lemmons, who has been assigned to lead the newly formed U.S. Navy Directorate for International Engagement.

Lemmons lauded both men as strong leaders, citing their diverse backgrounds and history of success everywhere they have served.

"We are a Navy that's flexible," said Lemmons. "These men understand this. The Navy needs leaders like them. They are leaders who are capable of preventing wars as well as winning them."

Marlowe led the squadron through a historic time, overseeing the squadron's evacuation and return following Hurricane Gustav.

"The Sailors of VR-54 have performed admirably during my two-year tour," said Marlowe. "Together we have achieved some great things, and during the evacuation from Hurricane Gustav you showed what makes this squadron so great, your professionalism and commitment to excellence."

Marlowe's next assignment is as a student at the United States Naval War College.

"I'm proud to have been given the honor of commanding the Revelers," said Marlowe. "This will definitely serve as the high point of my career. I have continued to learn and grow here, acquiring knowledge from seaman recruit through commander. You have all taught me a lot about leadership, and I commend you."

Irvine served previously as the executive officer of the squadron. He has had a distinguished career, serving with units across the country such as Patrol Squadron 30 (VP-30) located in Jacksonville, Fla., and the "Seahawks" of Patrol Squadron 23 (VP-23) in Brunswick, Maine. Additionally, Irvine has also served as an advanced multi-engine instructor pilot at Training Squadron 31 (VT-31), located in Corpus Christi, Texas.

For more news from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans, visit www.navy.mil/local/nasno.