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Consolidated Maintenance Organization 11 Disestablished

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS090313-21
Release Date: 3/13/2009 7:22:00 PM

By Clark Pierce, Jax Air News Editor

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (NNS) -- In preparation for transition from the P-3 Orion to the P-8 Poseidon, Consolidated Maintenance Organization 11 was disestablished March 6 at Naval Air Station Jacksonville Hangar 1000.

Capt. Kyle Cozad, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing 11 served as guest speaker.

"Wing Eleven was at the forefront of change in naval aviation in October 2006 when we combined four squadron-level maintenance departments into a single unit of maintainers – established as Consolidated Maintenance Organization 11. From the very start, the 'Black Tips' embraced change and set the example for our maritime patrol and reconnaissance community. Today, the change that you led has come full circle.

"Although the reasons for wing-level maintenance were sound, our return to organic, squadron-level maintenance is consistent with how we intend to operate the P-8 Poseidon in the near future. Today, I want to focus on the enduring qualities that ensured success at CMO-11. The glue that holds every organization together is leadership. When Cmdr. Pat McCormick assumed command of CMO-11 in March 2008, I urged him to let his officers and chiefs focus on fixing airplanes – while he focused on his people. As a result, his priorities of professionalism and putting Sailors first permeated the hangar bays. People saw he was sincere and genuine in his concern for Sailors who work hard to keep P-3s flying safely. In fact, he had the CMO-11 motto painted on the hangar wall for all to see," said Cozad.

According to Cozad, McCormick's professionalism never faltered when the return to squadron-level maintenance was announced last fall. He accepted it as another challenge and kept his focus on his Sailors. McCormick also worked with the wing's VP squadron skippers to create a seamless process that worked safely and effectively – while continuing to fly hundreds of missions locally and around the world.

"I want to thank everyone who has been part of the Black Tip organization since its inception in 2006. Our community owes you a debt of gratitude for accepting the challenge to create such a professional operation. Rear Admiral Bill Moran, commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Group, asked me to convey the following message," said Cozad.

"I know how difficult disestablishment is for the Black Tips. I want to recognize your leadership for its commitment to making CMO-11 a success, and for your everlasting faith in your Sailors' devotion to do the job right during their CMO journey."

McCormick told the audience that Black Tips detachments are still deployed to safely and effectively support global P-3 operations.

"Just this week, I received a Bravo-Zulu from Commodore Moore in Sigonella, Italy for the Black Tips' support of a multinational exercise. Simultaneously, halfway around the world, we still have Black Tips supporting counter-drug missions in Central America, as well as supporting anti-submarine missions deployed from Japan," said McCormick.

For more news from Naval Air Station Jacksonville, visit www.navy.mil/local/nasjax/.