4 JET OBSERVER • September 5, 2013
Career
Photos of recent awards, change of commands, promotions and retirements
MILESTONES Cmdr. Jonathan Wise (l), operations officer for Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic, is presented his certificate of retirement by Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic Capt. Mark Weisgerber. Wise was commissioned following his 1993 graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy with a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering. He earned his wings of gold in 1996. Among his tours, Wise also served locally at VFA-83 and U.S. Joint Forces Command, before reporting to CSFWL in 2010.
Commander, CVW-7 Capt. Terry Morris is presented with a copy of “Mud Flats to Master Jet Base, Fifty Years at NAS Oceana,” by retired Capt. Jim Joyner, Hampton Roads Squadron Association of Naval Aviation commanding officer. Morris was the guest speaker for the HRANA’s monthly luncheon Aug. 14 at the Shifting Sands Club on Dam Neck. Active duty are invited to join ANAHR members for the luncheons, which feature a variety of speakers on topics of interest to the military aviation community. Photo by Troy Snead
Checkmates change of command
Photo by MC2(AW/SW) Ernest R. Scott
Photo by MCSN Kayla King
Lt. j.g. Shakilah Verner watches as her new silver collar device is securely fastened by daughter Miracle, 7, as Verner’s sister Sheneitha Dawson waits for her turn to pin on the other silver bar. Verner, NAS Oceana’s administrative officer, was promoted to her new rank by Oceana Commanding Officer Capt. Kit Chope, Aug. 31, during a ceremony at the Oceana quarterdeck. The promotion was also attended by Verner’s mother Arlene Simmons. Verner, who enlisted in 1996, is a former engineman and Navy counselor before her commissioning Sept. 1, 2011.
PHOTOS, ABOVE: In his red and white checked robe and red tights, VFA-211’s mascot watches as the F/A-18 Super Hornet is redesignated during the “Checkmates” change of command ceremony at CNATTU Oceana. LEFT: Cmdr. David L. Aamodt (r) relieves Cmdr. John R. Bixby as commanding officer of the “Checkmates” as Commander, CVW-1 Capt. Robert Boyle watches the salute. Photos by MC2(AW/SW) Ernest R. Scott