Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic (CSFWL), held a change of command ceremony, May 27, to mark a transition of top command leadership onboard Naval Air Station Oceana.
Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, Rear Adm. John F. Meier served as the presiding officer for the event, as Capt. Ted Ricciardella relieved Capt. Brian C. Becker as the wing’s commodore.
During the ceremony, Becker spoke, giving thanks to many of the individuals, both in uniform and out, who did great work for CSFWL under his leadership. He also looked forward, expressing enthusiasm for where they will take the wing after his departure.
“To be successful, we need true collaborative effort, and I was lucky,” Becker said. “I boarded a moving train when I took over 21 months ago that was heading in the right direction.”
Becker began his time as the commodore for CSFWL in 2019 and held the line for the Navy’s largest wing, consisting of 16 squadrons. He served as an overarching guide for more than 8,000 individuals, who in part operated and maintained more than 300 aircraft.
When the time inevitably came for Ricciardella to take the stage, he too gave thanks to Becker for all the work and mentoring that the outgoing commodore had provided.
“You’ve been a great friend for a long time, and a fantastic boss,” Ricciardella said. “I will endeavor to keep up the great strides we’ve made and the initiatives you’ve emplaced moving forward. It has been a true privilege being your deputy.”
Having held that title of the wing’s deputy, Ricciardella is already familiar regarding the resources and workings of CSFWL. He ensured to Meier and all others that he would uphold the standard of mission readiness and teamwork across all 16 strike fighter squadrons that CSFWL oversees.
“Rear Adm. Meier,” Ricciardella began. “Please know that the men and woman of Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic, active duty, civilian and contractors alike, are ready to roll up our sleeves and continue to move this community forward.”
Ricciardella, after accepting his orders and officially becoming the commodore of CSFWL, concluded the ceremony with a call to action for his command.
“To the men and women of Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic,” Ricciardella said, beginning his conclusion. “I stand before you humbled, and ready to serve you, so that we can continue to serve the men and women on this flight line as they go out and do the nation great.”
The mission of CSFWL, initially established in 1970 as Commander, Light Attack Wing One, is to man, train, and equip strike fighter squadrons with the right capabilities, at the right time, to meet combatant and fleet commander requirements in conducting the nation's military strategy. The wing orchestrates operations, maintenance, training, inspections, administration and safety programs.