Photo By Petty Officer 2nd Class Scott Wood | 180714-N-KH214-0167 OAK HARBOR, Wash. (July 14, 2018) Cmdr. Scott W. Paul, incoming...... read more read more
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OAK HARBOR, Wash. – Cmdr. Scott W. Paul relieved Cmdr. Peter M. Lauder as commanding officer of Patrol Squadron (VP-69) during a change of command ceremony Jul. 14 for Commander, Patrol and Reconnaissance Wing Ten (CPRW-10) hangar 9 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Whidbey Island.
Lauder had served as VP-69 commander since Apr. 2017, providing exemplary leadership for VP-69 during a deployment to the 7th Fleet Area of Responsibility, in support of global force management.
As commander of VP-69, Lauder ensured the squadron accomplished the safe and effective execution of 329 sorties and 1,270 flight hours resulting in a total of 91,759 mishap free flight hours.
Lauder also managed to lead VP-69 through a fleet and aviation training operation procedure standardization evaluation, initial weapons technical proficiency inspection, maintenance program assessment and a Naval Safety Center visit. These inspections culminated in VP-69 winning the 2017 Golden Wrench Award and two consecutive Battle Efficiency Awards.
These numerous accomplishments were all expressed with gratitude during the reading of the Meritorious Service Medal presented to Lauder by Rear Adm. W. Michael Crane, commander, Naval Air Force Reserve.
After the presentation of the award, Lauder approached the podium and gave his final remarks as commanding officer of VP-69.
“I’ve got to tell you, I have loved every minute of being the skipper here at VP-69. It’s bittersweet that my time here is coming to a close.”
Lauder gave his thanks to all those in attendance, and towards the end of his speech, turned his attention to the “Totems” of VP-69, expressing his enormous gratitude for their service and hard work.
“You have made this tour the best in the Navy for me. You’ve accomplished things that frankly, I didn’t think were possible. When it was time to deploy, you stepped up, leaving your families over the holidays, and for some of you, you left well-paying civilian careers to do dangerous flying in the Pacific theater.”
Lauder went on to recall all of VP-69’s hard-earned recognitions over deployment, citing specifically, “You totally validated the existence and the importance of maintaining a strong reserve force within the maritime patrol community.”
The ceremony then progressed to reading of official orders of Paul as he officially relieved Lauder as commander.
“I consider myself blessed to be a member of such a strong group,” said Paul, in his first speech as commanding officer. “I am blessed to be a member of this family. I trust you, and I look forward to being your skipper for the next 15 months.”
| Date Taken: | 07.14.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 07.15.2018 16:55 |
| Story ID: | 284303 |
| Location: | OAK HARBOR, WA, US |
| Web Views: | 423 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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