Released by the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division China Lake Public Affairs Office--

By Desiree Jones

Part of Vice Admiral Wally Massenburg’s visit to China Lake last week included a stop at VX-31 where he took part in a surprise reenlistment ceremony.

ATC (AW/AC) Samuel Wood thought a chief warrant officer would swear him in for another five years. Instead, the NAVAIR Commander did the honors.

The squadron gathered in front of a UH-1 Huey with Wood, his wife, Lisa, and their daughters, Aubrey and Jessica. “This was a great surprise,” Wood said. “I plan on staying in the Navy as long as I can.”

VX-31 Commanding Officer CDR Bill Chubb said the Admiral noted the squadron’s motivation and passion for Naval Aviation. “The sailors were impressed that a three-star was genuinely interested in them and their work, watching them launch two bomb-laden Super Hornets on a close air support mission to Twenty-Nine Palms.”

Sailors who talked with Admiral Massenburg said he asked them what China Lake was really like and where they wanted the Navy to take them.

“He cares about where we’re going,” said AM3 Randall Coleman.

PR3 Graciano Lupercio agreed. “I think it shows that he cares about our squadron. And that’s the kind of leadership we all need.”

###

Cutline: NAVAIR's Commander Vice Admiral Wally Massenburg, left, administers the reenlistment oath to ATC (AW/AC) Samuel Wood from Air Test & Evaluation Squadron VX-31, China Lake.

Official Navy Photo by: Mike McGinnis