By Denise Deon, TEAM Public Affairs, F/A-18

PATUXENT RIVER, Md. – The F/A-18 Program Management Office (PMA-265) held a Change of Command Ceremony on March 31 at the Hazelrigg Hangar here. More than 600 people were in attendance to witness the time-honored tradition formally restating the continuity of authority of command before an assembled group of honored guests and dignitaries.

During this ceremony, Rear Adm. (select) James B. Godwin, officially turned over the command to Capt. Jeffrey Wieringa. Keynote speakers Vice Adm. John A. Lockard, commander of the Naval Air Systems Command, and Rear Adm. Jeffrey A. Cook, program executive officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs, both bestowed comments about the exceptional work and loyalty the men have shown to the F/A-18 program, to the U.S. Navy, and to the United States of America.

Other highlights of the Change of Command Ceremony included an awarding of a Legion of Merit medal to Rdml.(s) Godwin and a presentation of a first Distinguished Service Award to long time veteran and supporter of the F/A-18 program, Ned Conger. This new award will be presented annually to the person who best exemplifies a long term commitment and dedication to the success of the program.

Godwin had served as program manager of the F/A-18 for three years. Prior tours included serving as executive assistant to commander, Naval Air Systems Command, commanding officer of Strike Fighter Squadron ONE NINE TWO (VFA-192), and co-deputy program manager for Production and Systems Development of the F/A-18 Program Office. He has more than 2,000 hours in the A-7, 2,000 hours in the F/A-18 Hornet and over 915 carrier arrested landings. Godwin will now report to assume the duties of program executive officer for Tactical Aircraft Programs.

Wieringa had recently served as the F/A-18 principal deputy program manager. Prior tours included the office of executive director for Operations in the Research and Engineering Department of the Naval Air Systems Command and also serving as co-deputy program manager of the F/A-18E/F Integrated Program Team.

In addition, he graduated from the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School and consequently served as the Naval Air Test Center, Strike Aircraft Test Directorate Ordnance Systems Department Head.

Wieringa has flown more than 39 different type aircraft, accumulating over 4,000 flight hours and 534 arrested carrier landings.