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    VP-8 Fighting Tigers jost change of command ceremony

    JACKSONVILLE , FLORIDA, UNITED STATES

    05.31.2024

    Story by Petty Officer 2nd Class Marques Franklin 

    Patrol Squadron EIGHT (VP-8)

    JACKSONVILLE, Fl.- Cdr. A.J. Dierks relieved Cdr. James Reeves as the
    commanding officer of squadron VP-8 fighting tigers during a change of
    command ceremony, May 31.
    Reeves served as the commanding officer during VP-8’s first deployment
    as an AAS squadron, while deployed to Kadena, Japan they flew over 4,100
    hours in ASW, ISR, ASUW, and search and rescue missions.
    “My time with VP-8 has been Incredible! I am so proud of the women and
    men of this squadron. This is a selfless group of professionals focused on
    building a winning culture that makes our team, our sister squadrons, and
    our force better every day. “
    Reeves has been a member of the fighting tigers for two years serving as the executive officer from 2022-2023 prior to taking over
    as commanding officer.
    CDR Reeves is a native of Orient, NY, and a 2006 graduate of the State University of New York Maritime College, where he earned
    a Bachelor of Engineering in Marine Electrical Engineering. Additionally, he holds a Master of Science in Global Leadership
    from Duquesne University. He was designated a naval aviator in 2007 and completed fleet replacement training with Patrol
    Reconnaissance Squadron (VP) 30 in 2008.
    Reeves said upon taking over as the Commanding Officer of VP-8 some of his goals were, “Building connected teams through
    Sailor and family resiliency. Our Tiger Thrive initiative was built to infuse fulfillment and meaning opportunities into every
    organizational task and commitment. Literally bake nurturing the mind, body, and spirit into our plan just like we plan for tactical
    excellence or precision maintenance. I’m proud of our progress and excited to see where the Tiger team takes the process moving
    forward into year three.“
    Dierks takes over as the 76th Commanding Officer in the squadron’s history. CDR AJ Dierks is a native of Hot Springs, Arkansas,
    and a 2007 graduate of the United States Naval Academy, where he received a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology. CDR
    Dierks has served as Naval Flight Officer Training Officer for the P-3C Fleet Replacement Squadron, Patrol Squadron THIRTY, as
    the MPRA Sea Detailer at PERS-43 in Millington, Tennessee, and as a Congressional Liaison for the Navy to the House and Senate
    Appropriations Committees as part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Navy for Financial Management and Comptroller.
    He has served at sea as part of Patrol Squadron SIXTEEN, Patrol Squadron ONE, and aboard USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70).
    “I could not be more honored to take command of VP-8. The culture we have created together over the past year, and that has been
    in work since before my time, is what bonds our team together and will continue to propel this unit to new heights. Our focus
    will be to continue to infuse relevant and impactful mind, body, and spirit training into our plan, improve safety and sailor care
    at work, and aggressively pursue tactical excellence in all mission areas. I am excited for this next year and seeing all of the great
    accomplishments our team will achieve!“
    Dierks has served as the Executive Officer for VP-8 for the past year and has the complete support of CDR Reeves.
    “As his final words to the VP-8 Fighting Tigers, Reeves stated “Thank you to the Sailors and families that make up our Fighting
    Tiger Family! You have bought-in to our Teammates, Warfighters, Difference Makers ethos in ways I never thought possible. It has
    been the privilege of my professional career to serve alongside you. Keep charging hard the Tiger way. This team is special because
    of each of you. Fight hard to keep it that way!”
    VP-8 is currently completing its homecycle in Jacksonville, Fl. following their deployment to Kadena, Japan and is training the unit
    to prepare for its next deployment in 2025.

    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 05.31.2024
    Date Posted: 06.10.2024 12:13
    Story ID: 473505
    Location: JACKSONVILLE , FLORIDA, US

    Web Views: 64
    Downloads: 0

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