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VFA 97 Changes Command

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS091221-05
Release Date: 12/21/2009 10:00:00 AM

By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class (SW/AW) Amara R. Timberlake, USS Nimitz Public Affairs

USS NIMITZ, At Sea (NNS) -- Command of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 97 changes hands in an airborne change of command above aircraft carrier USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Dec. 17.

Cmdr. William C. Shoemaker relieved Cmdr. James M. Preston as commanding officer of the "Warhawks."

Shoemaker will command VFA-97 through its deployment supporting troops on the ground in Afghanistan. The command and mission hand-off occurred several hundred feet over the Nimitz flight deck.

Capt. Bret Batchelder, commander Carrier Air Wing (CVW)11, joined Preston and Shoemaker in formation, each flying an F/A-18. Preston communicated his relief orders over the radio and pulled away from the three-plane formation transferring command to Shoemaker.

"A squadron is always going to be a reflection of its commanding officer," said Batchelder. "And the Warhawks are truly a reflection of you [Preston]."

Preston's commitment to excellence and his inspirational leadership were directly responsible for guiding the Warhawks through the transition from the Marine Corps Unit deployment program to CVW 11.

"When you took the reins back in August 2008, the Warhawks were a very different squadron than they are now," said Shoemaker. "As you depart you can be justifiably proud of your legacy here. You'll leave us a much better squadron than you found us and there is no better measure of success in this business."

Before the flyover Preston gathered the crew members of VFA-97 together in the ship's forecastle one last time to say his goodbyes.

"This is bittersweet for me," said Preston. "It's bitter because all good things come to an end, but it's sweet in the sense that I'm going to be able to take a step back for the first time and reflect on all the great things that you guys have done."

Preston's next assignment is Commander, Strike Fighter Training Group Atlantic.

Nimitz provides 30 percent of the close air support to the coalition force in Afghanistan.

Nimitz Carrier Strike Group (CSG), commanded by Rear Adm. John W. Miller, is comprised of USS Nimitz, embarked CVW 11, embarked Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 23, and USS Chosin (CG 65). Ships assigned to DESRON 23 include USS Pinckney (DDG 91), USS Sampson (DDG 102) and USS Rentz (FFG 46).

Squadrons from CVW 11 include VFA 41, VFA 14, VFA 97, VFA 86, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron 6, Electronic Attack Squadron 135, Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 30 and Carrier Airborne Command and Control Squadron 117.

Helicopter detachments include Helicopter Anti-submarine Squadron Light (HSL) 37, HSL 43, HSL 45, HSL 49 and Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23. Also accompanying the Nimitz CSG are Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit 11 and the USNS Bridge (T-AOE 10).

For more news from USS Nimitz, visit www.navy.mil/local/cvn68/.