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Navy Squadron Holds Change of Command During Northern Edge 2011

Navy News Service

Story Number: NNS110628-06
6/28/2011

By Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Ron Kuzlik, Naval Air Station Oceana Public Affairs

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (NNS) -- Fighter Squadron Composite (VFC) 12 held a change of command ceremony aboard Elmendorf Air Force Base during Northern Edge 2011, the premier joint military training exercise throughout Alaska, June 17.

Cmdr. John Mooney relieved Capt. Zach Henry as commanding officer of the adversary squadron based at Naval Air Station Oceana, Va.

During the ceremony, Henry was presented with the Meritorious Service Medal for his time of service as commanding officer of The Fighting Omars.

He was cited for, "Demonstrating exceptional leadership as the squadron completed all operational tasking while exceeding Chief of Naval Operation's goals for readiness, retention and aircraft availability."

While Henry was commanding officer, VFC-12 won the coveted Secretary of the Navy Safety Excellence Award in 2010, which recognizes Navy and Marine Corps commands that have demonstrated exceptional and sustained safety excellence.

Henry will assume duties as Deputy Commander (DCAG) for Tactical Support Wing. He has served 22 years as a naval aviator.

Cmdr. Mooney was commissioned an Ensign and designated a naval aviator at Beeville, Texas, in 1991.

He has more than 3,000 flight hours and more than 350 arrested landings in the F/A-18 Hornet. He previously commanded the Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 125 Squadron Augment Unit.

"I'm looking forward to working with the fine men and women of this squadron," Mooney said. "Their dedication and commitment to each other, our mission and our Navy is what makes VFC-12 such an outstanding squadron."

VFC-12's mission is to provide advanced tactical air combat training for Navy, Marine Corps and other aviation units. As a Navy Reserve adversary squadron, VFC-12 provides threat tactics training to Navy strike fighter squadrons, ensuring combat readiness for carrier strike groups preparing for deployment.