By Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Barrie Barber, U.S. Fleet Forces Command Public Affairs NORFOLK (NNS)
– Naval Air Force Atlantic held a change of command ceremony Jan. 13 at Naval Air Station Norfolk.
Rear Adm. Richard J. O’Hanlon, former deputy chief of staff of Operational Readiness and Training at U.S. Fleet Forces Command, relieved Rear Adm. John W. Goodwin. Goodwin received the Legion of Merit for his service.
O’Hanlon is a veteran naval aviator who has commanded an aircraft carrier during wartime and piloted more than 30 airplanes. As the new leader of Naval Air Forces Atlantic, he will command an armada of five carriers, over 1,000 aircraft and more than 40,000 Sailors.
O’Hanlon said it was a privilege and an opportunity to lead the aviation and maritime force “at a pivotal time in our history” and to “attack with gusto” issues ahead.
He vowed to keep its mission strong: To “fly, fight and lead.”
O’Hanlon, a New York City native, graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1976. He served at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and completed the nuclear power training program. He has accumulated over 4,000 flight hours and more than 900 carrier-arrested landings.
Among other assignments, O’Hanlon commanded Strike Fighter Squadron 37, the fast combat support ship USS Sacramento (AOE 1) and USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71). During his time as captain of the carrier, the ship completed two combat deployments during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom and earned the Battenburg Cup, the 2001 Battle Efficiency pennant, the Flatley Award for operational excellence and the Navy’s Safety Award.
Adm. Jonathan W. Greenert, commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command, lauded O’Hanlon’s leadership and preparation for his latest role.
“He’s the guy we need in this community to continue to build on the success of [Goodwin],” said Greenert.
Greenert also paid tribute to Goodwin. The aviator managed a force and a budget the size of large corporations, and oversaw the transition of USS George Washington (CVN 73) from Naval Station Norfolk to its forward deployed status in Japan to ensure the security of northeast Asia, Greenert explained.
“He is an inspiration,” Greenert said. “He assured naval aviation was efficient, but more importantly, effective.”
Goodwin said officers and Sailors who wear the cloth of the nation are dedicated and highly trained professionals. Navy civilians, he added, work shoulder-to-shoulder as “shipmates.”
All deserve praise, he said.
“I marvel at their steadfastness and their willingness to serve their country,” said Goodwin. “I’m so proud of what you do every day. You exemplify the Navy ethos.”
Goodwin assumed command of Naval Air Forces Atlantic in May 2007 and was the first commanding officer of USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76). He will serve at the Pentagon as assistant chief of operations at Next Generation Enterprise Network. The computer system will replace the Navy/Marine Corps Intranet.
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