VP-46 Change of Command

Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Austin Ingram | 220517-N-ZZ999-1080U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (May 17, 2022) Cmdr. Joseph Snyder (right), the commanding officer of the "Grey Knights" of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46, deployed with Commander, Task Force (CTF) 57, presents Cmdr, Frank Verducci with his commanding officer patch during VP-46’s change of command ceremony, May 17. CTF 57 aircraft conduct missions in support of maritime operations to ensure security and stability in the Middle East region. (U.S. Navy photo by Lt. j.g. Colton Key)  

KEFLAVIK, ICELAND

05.17.2022

Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Austin Ingram 

Patrol Squadron 46

NSA Bahrain --
The ‘Grey Knights’ of Patrol Squadron (VP) 46 welcomed a new Skipper during their change of command ceremony in Keflavik, Iceland followed by a flight in a P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, May 17.
Cmdr. Frank P. Verducci III relieved Cmdr. Joseph W. Snyder as the 87th commanding officer of VP-46 in the ceremony, presided over by Capt. Timothy Thompson, Commodore,Task Force 67.

During his farewell speech, Snyder praised the efforts of VP-46 and expressed his gratitude to the team.
“I want to say what a privilege is has been to serve as your 86th commanding officer. A command tour in VP-46 is a reward of a lifetime because of our legacy. Our legacy is known across this great community, and knowing that we serve a purpose greater than ourselves, it makes this squadron extraordinary. We serve alongside each other like a family and viewing the command through that lens has enabled us all to build the comradery that we need to help the lineage grow.”


VP-46, homeported in Oak Harbor, Washington, has the distinction of being the oldest American maritime patrol squadron and the second oldest squadron in the entire United States Navy. VP-46 is currently deployed to the U.S. Fifth and Sixth Fleet Areas of Responsibility.

The Grey Knights’ successes under Snyder included the squadron’s first deployment upon its transition from the P-3C Orion to the P-8A Poseidon, two successful search and rescue missions during Homeland Defense Operations from Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, and the Battle ‘E’ award from Commander Naval Air Forces, all while preparing VP-46 for deployment during an expedited 11-month home cycle.

After accepting command of VP-46, Verducci reflected on his term so far.

“Over the last year, I have watched the Grey Knights of VP-46 excel in a fast changing and dynamic environment. The Grey Knights have performed remarkably with every challenge we have faced. We will continue to be a high functioning squadron focused on ASW excellence and building relationships that help our team succeed on and off station.”

• Date Taken: 05.17.2022
• Date Posted: 06.02.2022 06:57
• Story ID: 422009
• Location: KEFLAVIK, IS