Cmdr. Thomas E. Lansley assumed command of the "Chargers" of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 14 from Cmdr. Joseph W. Cortopassi, Dec. 20.

Cortopassi assumed command of HSC-14, a West Coast helicopter squadron stationed at Naval Air Station North Island, California, in September 2015. Upon taking command, HSC-14 completed a rigorous work-up and embarked aboard the USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) for a Western Pacific deployment. The "Chargers" participated in bilateral U.S./Korean Exercises Foal Eagle, Leviathan Lance, and Key Resolve. Additionally, the "Chargers" participated in Balikatan 2016 and ended on a high note supporting the 2016 Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), a multinational naval exercise located in the waters surrounding the Hawaiian Islands. Following their deployment in August, HSC-14 reinvested in their personnel and aircraft through training and preventative maintenance. Most recently, the "Chargers" provided support for the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, on board Stennis.

Cortopassi earned his naval aviator "Wings of Gold" in 2000. Since then, he has deployed to the Arabian Gulf, flying missions in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. His next post will take him to Belgium.

"I'm humbled and truly honored to assume command of HSC-14," said Lansley. "Despite an exceptionally demanding operational tempo while operating in the most dynamic and strategically challenging area of the world, the Chargers have surpassed all expectations, regardless of the challenge, distinguishing themselves as the finest in the fleet. We will undoubtedly carry on this legacy into the next chapter of Charger history."

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