The “Eightballers” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 8 conducted a change of command ceremony aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71), Dec. 2, 2019.
Cmdr. Brian Jamison, from Honolulu, relieved Cmdr. Justin “Average” Issler, from Prospect, Ohio, as the 56th commanding officer of the “Eightballers.” Capt. Steve "JarJar" Jaureguizar, commander, Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 11 oversaw the airborne change of command. Following the change of command, Issler departed for Naval Air Station North Island and Jamison returned to Theodore Roosevelt.
Issler led the “Eightballers” as commanding officer from August 2018 to December 2019. During his tenure, the “Eightballers” executed eight detachments, including supporting Theodore Roosevelt in exercise Northern Edge 2019. The squadron also took part in Phoenix Fire 2018, Air Wing Fallon, completed numerous tactical detachments, the Helicopter Air Readiness Program, and helped the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4) qualify for flight operations.
Jamison assumed command of HSC-8 after serving as the executive officer since August 2018. He enlisted in 1995 and earned naval aircrew wings in 1997 as an aviation warfare systems operator. He was selected for the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training commissioning program in 1999 and commissioned through the University of Washington ROTC program, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in political science. He also graduated from the University of San Diego with a Master of Arts in international relations and the Naval War College with a Master of Arts in national security and strategic studies.
Cmdr. Jamison’s previous assignments include tours with Sea Control Squadron (VS) 38, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 10, Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 6, Expeditionary Sea Combat Unit One, 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (ANGLICO), Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron (HS) 11, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
HSC-8 provides anti-surface warfare, special operations forces support, personnel recovery, search and rescue, vertical lift, logistics, and combat search and rescue capabilities for CVW-11 in support of Theodore Roosevelt and Carrier Strike Group (CSG) 9.