Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VRC) 40 the “Rawhides” conducted an aerial change of command above Naval Station Norfolk, Nov. 19.

Cmdr. Andrew R. Beard relieved Cmdr. Adam N. Heil, who while in command of VRC-40 focused on the professional and personal development of all Rawhides.  

During his tenure, the “Rawhides” supported U.S. 2^nd Fleet, U.S. 5^th, and U.S. 7^th Fleet areas of responsibility to include providing detachments supporting USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) deployment; as well as USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75) and USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69) previous work-up cycles and deployments.  Other detachments supported Naval Air Training Command, Fleet Replacement Squadrons, and fleet carrier qualification underway periods.  

Additionally, VRC-40 provided five Carrier Strike Groups with critical uninterrupted logistics support around the globe, flying 2,269 sorties and delivering 14,839 passengers, and more than 2.2 million pounds of cargo and mail to the Fleet.
“To the men and women assigned to VRC-40 I want to thank each and every one of them for their professionalism and service to the fleet,” said Heil. “It has been an absolute honor to lead VRC-40.”

While in command, VRC-40 received the 2018 Battle “E,” 2018 Chief of Naval Operations Safety “S,” 2018 and 2019 Retention Excellence Awards, the 2019 Blue “M”, and Surgeon General’s “H.” 
Beard, who has served as VRC-40’s executive officer since August 2019, discussed the pursuit of excellence his predecessor brought to the position.

“Skipper Heil developed this squadron into a world-class organization, which is reflected in our unit’s awards and outstanding condition and readiness numbers we have enjoyed.  This, our third tour together, has been an honor to realize together the culmination of his experience in the community across an entire squadron; he has imprinted his stamp of excellence across the entire command,” said Beard.

VRC-40’s mission is to provide airborne logistics support to underway aircraft carriers and secondary missions as directed by Commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic. They maintain and fly the squadron's 14 aircraft, and have nearly 400 enlisted personnel, 31 officers, and 21 chief petty officers.