Photo By Senior Airman James Johnson | Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) completed a change of command at Naval Air Station Key...... read more read more
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Carrier Air Wing Seven (CVW-7) completed a change of command at Naval Air Station Key West, Boca Chica Field on December 14. Capt. Thomas Bodine relieved Capt. Nathan Ballou during an airborne ceremony featuring an F/A-18E Super Hornet.
“Freedom Fighter Family, thank you for an absolutely fantastic tour. Serving with each of you has been an honor and a privilege,” said Capt. Ballou.
Ballou joined the CVW-7 Freedom Fighters as Deputy Air Wing Commander in 2019 prior to completing a record-setting 295 day around-the-world deployment aboard USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) deterring regional aggression while on station in the Middle East. Capt. Ballou took command in July 2020 and led CVW-7 in their integration with USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77) to form TEAM JACKPOT (777) in preparation for an upcoming deployment.
He waved farewell to CVW-7 at the pinnacle and conclusion of his 26-year Navy career with a record of service which includes more than 4,000 total flight hours and 1,000 arrested landings in naval aircraft with more than 2,900 hours in the F/A-18.
Bodine reported to CVW-7 in July 2020. His previous assignments include time as the Navy’s first Federal Executive Fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 22 “Fighting Redcocks,” and executive officer of VFA 122 “Flying Eagles.” During numerous deployments throughout his career, he supported Operation Enduring Freedom and a wide range of international security cooperation exercises.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to lead such a fine team of warriors,” said Bodine. “The eight squadrons that make up Team Freedom stand at the ready to deliver decisive combat victories should our nation call our number.”
CVW-7 is the offensive air and strike component of Carrier Strike Group TEN (CSG-10) and the George H.W. Bush Carrier Strike Group. The squadrons of CVW-7 are Strike Fighter Squadron 143 “Pukin’ Dogs,” Strike Fighter Squadron 103 “Jolly Rogers,” Strike Fighter Squadron 86 “Sidewinders,” Strike Fighter Squadron 136 “Knighthawks,” Electronic Attack Squadron 140 “Patriots,” Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 121 “Bluetails,” Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 “Nightdippers,” and Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron 46 “Grandmasters.”
To learn more about Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 7, visit https://www.airlant.usff.navy.mil/cvw7/
| Date Taken: | 12.14.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 12.17.2021 21:58 |
| Story ID: | 411470 |
| Location: | KEY WEST, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 1,251 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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