Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 1 held an aerial change of command ceremony in the skies above the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN 65) Aug. 15.
Capt. Robert D. Boyer relieved Capt. Jeffrey L. Trent as Commander. During the ceremony, Boyer flew in an F/A-18C Hornet, assigned to the Thunderbolts of Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 251, while Trent flew in an E2-C Hawkeye, assigned to the Screwtops of Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 123.
After both aviators read their orders, Trent gave the formation lead to Boyer as they flew over Enterprise.
Boyer, the former deputy commander of CVW-1, said he looks forward to his role as the air wing’s final commander aboard Enterprise.
“To become commander of the air wing aboard this ship and to be a part of the namesake of Enterprise is a tremendous feeling,” said Boyer.
The current deployment is the final time any air wing will operate aboard Enterprise. The carrier is slated to be inactivated following its return to homeport in Norfolk, making this the final change of command CVW-1 will hold while attached to the legendary Big E.
There will be two more squadron changes of command.
“ It has been a real pleasure to be a part of this historic ship and this historic cruise, ” said Trent. “ I’m honored to be a part of Enterprise and the entire team.”
Trent’s next assignment will be with the Chief of Naval Operations Strategic Studies Group in Newport, R.I.
“ It was great working for Capt. Trent,” said Boyer. “He was always a very humble, teamwork oriented-leader and just an awesome guy to work for.”
Boyer also said that his motivation comes from the Sailors and Marines of CVW-1. To Boyer, their hard work and dedication are an inspiration.
“The crewmembers of the air wing are really who this day is for,” said Boyer. “It is their sweat, their work and their effort that get the aircraft off of the flight deck. I am truly humbled to be a part of this air wing.”
Following deployment, CVW-1 is scheduled to transition to aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) as the carrier completes it refueling complex overhaul in Newport News, Va.
“The future is bright with another deployment in a couple of years,” said Trent. “The air wing will continue to do great things as a part of another team.”
Enterprise is currently on its 25th and final deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet area of responsibility conducting maritime security operations, theater security operation efforts and support missions as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom.
[mappress] Naval Today Staff, August 16, 2012