Helicopter Mine Countermeasures Squadron Twelve (HM-12) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Station Norfolk Aug. 8.

Cmdr. Patrick E. Gendron was relieved by Cmdr. Patrick J. Murphy as the commanding officer of HM-12 in a ceremony attended by several distinguished visitors, guests and HM-12 personnel.

“I couldn’t have thought of a better person to be stepping up here,” Gendron said. “I’m proud to be passing off to you.”

Gendron is a native of Landstuhl, Germany, but grew up in Skandia, Michigan. He graduated Officer Candidate School in 1997. He previously commanded HM-15 from September 2014 to November 2015.

Before relieving command to Murphy, Gendron gave thanks to and recognized the personnel of HM-12 and their families who support them.

Murphy spoke about Gendron’s successes at HM-12.

“The list of his accomplishments is too long to go over today,” said Murphy. “Needless to say, he has spent the last 20 years striving to make our community one of the best in naval aviation.”

Murphy, a native of New Baltimore, Michigan, graduated the United States Naval Academy in 1999. He said he is honored to take over HM-12 after they were led by such outstanding leaders.

“I’m very excited to join you,” Murphy said. “’I’m very committed to each and every one of you and your individual success and the success of the squadron.”

HM-12 provides MH-53E flight training to pilots and naval aircrew along with aiding in the development of experienced airborne mine countermeasure professionals.

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