VFA-102 Change Of Command

Photo By Petty Officer 3rd Class Gabriel Martinez | 201027-N-ZF088-1080 PHILIPPINE SEA (Oct. 27, 2020) F/A-18F Super Hornets, attached to the Diamondbacks of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102, conduct a fly-by maneuver during a change of command ceremony for VFA 102 over the flight deck of the Navy's only forward-deployed aircraft carrier, USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). Ronald Reagan, the flagship of Carrier Strike Group 5, provides a combat-ready force that protects and defends the United States, as well as the collective maritime interests of its allies and partners in the Indo-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Gabriel A. Martinez)  

PHILIPPINE SEA

10.27.2020

Courtesy Story

Commander, Task Force 70 / Carrier Strike Group 5

On Oct. 27 2020, Cmdr. Daniel O’Hara relieved Cmdr. Harry Evans as Commanding Officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 102. The Diamondbacks are the US Navy’s only forward deployed FA-18F Super Hornet squadron. They are currently attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 5 forward deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. The airborne change of command ceremony occurred at sea, while embarked aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76) as part of the 2020 deployment.

When asked about his time as Commanding Officer, Cmdr. Evans said, “It has been an honor and privilege to lead the finest squadron in the U.S. Navy. The men and women of the Diamondbacks have set the standard for all others to follow. I was extremely humbled to serve alongside these tremendous Sailors and I wish Cmdr. O’Hara, Cmdr. Charlebois, and the Diamondbacks the best in all future endeavors. Finally, I want to thank my family for all of their support and sacrifice during the tour. ”

“I am forever grateful to Cmdr. Evans and his wonderful family for their friendship, insightful mentorship, and lasting contributions to the continual success of the Diamondbacks” said Cmdr. O’Hara. “We are blessed to have an exceptionally talented Officer Corps and the world’s finest Sailors. It is truly humbling to be a member of this amazing team, and I cannot wait to see what the future has in store for the Diamondback.”

The squadron congratulates Cmdr. O’Hara on this superb accomplishment, and thanks Cmdr. Evans for his exemplary service as Diamondback One. We welcome Cmdr. Timothy Charlebois as incoming Diamondback Executive Officer.

VFA-102 assigned to CVW 5, Americas only forward-deployed carrier air wing, is embarked aboard Ronald Reagan conducting operations in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific.

• Date Taken: 10.27.2020
• Date Posted: 10.30.2020 02:22
• Story ID: 382062
• Location: PHILIPPINE SEA