Commander, Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic (CSFWL) held a change of command ceremony in the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training Unit ceremonial hangar at Naval Air Station (NAS) Oceana, Feb. 22.

During the ceremony, Capt. Kevin McLaughlin relieved Capt. Chris Boyle as CSFWL.

Rear Adm. Roy Kelley, commander, Naval Air Force Atlantic, was the guest speaker and also presented Boyle with a Legion of Merit Award on behalf of the president for exceptionally meritorious conduct and the performance of outstanding service as CSFWL.

"Since Capt. Boyle took command here, he has meticulously taken care of the more than 4,500 officers, enlisted and civilian personnel, not to mention the over 200 aircraft and 15 squadrons," said Kelley. "Congratulations to you, and thank you for your many contributions to the Navy and naval aviation over the years."

The ceremony also served as Boyle's retirement after 26 years of service.

"I leave the Navy with no regret and no resentment, and have only been made better for it," said Boyle. "And when I say 'it,' I mean 'you.' All the folks here in small part and in large made the Navy I lived in, and I have nothing but absolute gratitude for each and every one of you."

Capt. Boyle, a native of Boston, attended the United States Naval Academy, graduating and receiving his commission as an ensign with the class of 1992. He has amassed over 3,000 flight hours and 600 carrier arrested landings, and his decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, Strike Flight Air Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, among other unit and campaign awards.

Speaking directly to McLaughlin, Kelley had this to say. "You've been a great deputy commodore for the past year and a half, and I have absolutely every confidence that you will be a superb commodore."

McLaughlin, a Newport Beach, California native, enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1989 and completed nuclear power training and served as a nuclear electronics technician before being selected for the Naval Aviation Cadet (NAVCAD) Program in 1991. A graduate of the University of Nevada, he was commissioned and designated a naval aviator in August 1993.

During his first speech as CSFWL, McLaughlin reminisced on his time working under Boyle, while looking toward the future of leading the wing.

"I could not have learned the man, train and equip ins and outs better from a better officer or better leader," said McLaughlin. "[Boyle] leaves Strike Fighter Wing Atlantic in fantastic shape. Capt. Becker and I will work hard to attain his standard and carry his legacy forward."

CSFWL, headquartered at NAS Oceana, effectively mans, trains and equips 15 strike fighter squadrons with the right capabilities, at the right time, to meet combatant and fleet commander requirements in conducting the nation's military strategy, and orchestrates wing operations, maintenance, training, inspections, administration and safety programs.

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