Photo By Petty Officer 1st Class Austin Ingram | 220517-N-ZZ999-1080U.S. 5TH FLEET AREA OF OPERATIONS (May 17, 2022) Cmdr. Joseph...... read more read more
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 |
| Web Views: | 315 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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