Tactical Air Control Squadron (TACRON) 22 held a change of command ceremony March 17 at the Brashear Conference Center on Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story, Virginia Beach, Virginia.

Cmdr. James B. Howell relieved Cmdr. Jose L. Garza as commanding officer.

Initially reporting as executive officer (XO) in October 2014, Garza "fleeted up" to commanding officer in December 2015.

"I am grateful that I had the opportunity to lead such an outstanding squadron," said Garza. "Within an ever-changing political and leadership landscape and in a world that continually demands the utmost from its military members, the young men and women of TACRON 22 are and will continue to surpass expectations in their service and remain a vital asset in the continued defense of our nation and the fight against terrorism, more so today than ever before. These young Sailors have made my job easier. It has been a real honor to serve as their commanding officer."

Under Garza's guidance, TACRON 22 provided air control detachments to USS Iwo Jima (LHD 7) and USS Wasp (LHD 1), conducting military operations throughout Europe and the Middle East and were responsible for the safe air control of the embarked aircraft. The squadron supported more than 10,000 operational flight hours in the use of expeditionary air assets to accomplish a wide range of military missions, most notably more than 700 combat sorties flown in the fight against ISIS in Northern Libya in support of Operation ODYSSEY LIGHTNING.

Guest speaker, Rear Adm. Roy I. Kitchener, commander of Expeditionary Strike Group 2, spoke at the ceremony, highlighting his confidence in the squadron.

"Commander Garza, your leadership, guidance and foresight has been extraordinary," said Kitchener. "Thank you for a job well done."

Garza's follow-on assignment is at the Joint Operations Center, Norfolk, Va.

Addressing the squadron for the first time as commanding officer, Howell expressed his excitement at starting his new role.

"It has been an extreme honor to be Commander Garza's XO," said Howell. "TACRON 22 is an amazing group of Sailors and Marines -- I couldn't be more excited to serve as their commanding officer."

Howell graduated from the University of Florida in 1998 with a B.A. in Business Administration. After receiving his commission, Howell went on to become a naval aviator, flying SH-60B Seahawk helicopters, serving in numerous jobs and deploying across the globe.

Home to 63 Sailors and airmen, TACRON 22 trains, deploys and supports combat-ready detachments providing centralized planning, control, coordination and integration of amphibious and expeditionary combat air operations.