The Flying Eagles of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 122 gathered to celebrate the change of command from Cmdr. Ernest L. Spence to Cmdr. Christopher N. Hurst, May 6.

"Spence led a production effort unseen by any before him. Through a strict philosophy of leading from the front, he developed and maintained an engaged rapport with over 1,100 Sailors and civilians of VFA-122," said Capt. Gregory Keithley. "Capitalizing on this relationship, he brilliantly led the command through significant challenges and enabled the success of its mission: to train future fleet aviators and maintainers of the strike fighter community."

During his tenure, Spence oversaw a complete overhaul and significant course correction that addressed every facet of procedural compliance, culture and leadership at VFA-122. He implemented substantial improvements in maintenance processes, logistical procedures and manpower utilization, enabling the execution of 14,410 flight hours and 11,758 sorties in FY15, a 40 percent increase over the previous year. During his tenure, the Flying Eagles executed eight strike, 10 fighter weapons, and 11 carrier qualification training detachments, often operating at three sites simultaneously.

Spence and maintenance leadership developed a build and restoration plan designed to restore 45 long-term non-mission capable aircraft in 18 months. The plan yielded astounding results as 46 Super Hornets and two Legacy Hornets were back in service in less than nine months. To conduct this volume of maintenance at the organizational level is completely unprecedented and is easily the most significant aircraft maintenance undertaking across the Naval Aviation Enterprise in FY15. The fact that this effort was safely and successfully completed in half the expected time is a true testament to his leadership.

Spence's extraordinary leadership has enabled the VFA-122 Flying Eagles to provide the finest aviators, maintainers and aircraft to the fleet, ready to impact international diplomacy and operations worldwide. Spence is retiring from the United States Navy after 22 years of honorable and dedicated naval service.

Hurst is the former commanding officer of the Kestrels of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 137 and is a 1996 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. Originally from Wausau, Wisconsin, he has amassed more than 3,400 total career flight hours and has 1,002 carrier arrested landings to date.

VFA-122 is the Fleet Replacement Squadron for the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The squadron's mission is to train aircrew and maintenance personnel to fly and fix the Super Hornet. VFA 122 is based out of Naval Air Station Lemoore.

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