It is hard to believe that three years have passed so quickly. It has truly been my pleasure and my honor to serve as the Air Boss. I am very proud of all that the Naval Air Force has accomplished these past few years in combat, in combat readiness and in transitioning our training and new platforms into the next century of Naval Aviation.
Our Naval Air Force continues to be our Nation’s go-to force. The operational tempo has been intense, and the professionalism and performance has been exceptional. In combat our carrier air wings provide 40 percent of the close air support for our forces and Coalition partners on the ground in Afghanistan. That is an “eye watering” accomplishment — particularly when you factor in the environment, the duration of the flights and the fact that we have been flying these missions nearly 10 years. Our success in supporting the needs of the Combatant Commander is a testament to what Naval Aviation brings to the fight — credible combat power, anytime, anywhere!
It also is a testament to the effort and energy of the entire Naval Aviation team — from the aircrews and maintainers to the flight-deck crew and logisticians. And, especially our families who must endure the long hours and separations and yet continue to support their Sailors whole heartedly. It is this team effort from everyone across the Force that has made me so proud to have served as Air Boss.
By the time you read this, we will have concluded our Change of Command on the flight deck of USS Carl Vinson (CVN-70). I am thrilled that my relief, VADM Allen “Mad Al” Myers, is continuing the charge. Naval Air Forces couldn’t be entrusted to better leadership. He brings a keen operational focus from fleet tours flying fighters to command of VF-32, Sacramento (AOE-1), Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and Carrier Strike Group Eight on board Eisenhower (CVN-69). He was recently freed from the halls of the Pentagon. His experience there as Director of Warfare Integration (OpNav N8F), and Director of the Air Warfare Division (OpNav N88) will serve the Force well as we continue the hard work of balancing resources and requirements to ensure our forces maintain the right levels of readiness to respond when called upon.
I am confident that Naval Aviation will continue its proud legacy of delivering warfighting capability, especially as we begin to transition to a new generation of aircraft and the next generation of aircraft carriers. By the end of July, we will receive the first E-2D Super Hawkeye into the fleet at VAW-120 in Norfolk. Our EA-18G Growlers are poised for their first expeditionary deployment and eventual air wing integration alongside our proven Super Hornets. And just as exciting are the milestones we’re achieving in the Joint Strike Fighter program. I’ve seen the aircraft myself and was thrilled when the first flight of CF-1 was successfully completed in June. I wish I could be there later this year when it arrives at Patuxent River for testing. Just imagine what incredible capabilities this new generation of aircraft will bring when they operate from the deck of the Ford-class aircraft carrier.
The Student Naval Aviators and Student Naval Flight Officers just earning their wings today are beginning a career in Naval Aviation at a great time! In June, Deb and I traveled to Meridian for the winging of 20 new pilots, which included our son. How exciting that, as these new pilots received their wings, we begin to celebrate our yearlong Centennial of Naval Aviation in 2011 and our next century of excellence and service to our nation! The best is truly yet to come.
Fly! Fight! Lead!
Killer sends.