Commander, Helicopter Sea Combat Wing Pacific (CHSCWP) held a change of command ceremony at Naval Base Coronado, Aug. 24.

Capt. Kevin Kennedy relieved Capt. Ben Reynolds as CHSCWP.

Reynolds took command of CHSCWP in March 2016. During his command, he led developments involving the first MQ-8 Fire Scout unmanned autonomous helicopter Mobile Mission Control Station (MMCS) operation on San Clemente Island and reduced MH-60S Seahawk helicopter "ready-for-tasking" deficits by 30 percent across all expeditionary squadrons while achieving Naval Aviation's highest grades for aircraft material inspections.

Reynolds also spearheaded the development and implementation of community improvements for Fleet Synthetic Training (FST), which greatly increased the community's ability to adequately train squadrons for combat and develop necessary levels of readiness.

During the ceremony, Reynolds discussed how helicopter aviation has and will continue to evolve into an incredibly versatile and lethal force through the efforts and innovations of Sailors.

"Our biggest limitation to leveraging this versatility and making our aircraft the most lethal force is our own vision and ability to innovate. And to this, I have to say that we are crushing it," said Reynolds. He further stated, "We needed to have the right people in the right positions and as I look across our Sailors and officers today, I can honestly say, these are the people."

Vice Adm. Mike Shoemaker, commander, Naval Air Forces, presented Reynolds his second Legion of Merit medal for moving the helicopter sea combat squadron (HSC) community forward in lethality and capability, as well as flawlessly executing more than 71,400 flight hours supporting 419 operational requirements for U.S. Third Fleet.

Shoemaker said to Reynolds, "You have the HSC community on a solid upward trajectory as you turn over today. You should be extremely proud of the positive impact you've had on so very many as their commodore, mentor and friend."

Reynolds' previous personal awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal, and other unit and campaign ribbons.

Kennedy, who served as the CHSCWP deputy commodore, is from Southfield, Michigan, graduated from Tulane University and commissioned in 1992. He has more than 3,000 flight hours in the H-60F/H/S. Among his many operational assignments, Kennedy most notably served as the commanding officer for Helicopter Antisubmarine Squadron (HS) 15 and HSC-25.

As Kennedy addressed the crowd for the first time as commodore, he discussed the future role of the HSC community and his stance on operational readiness.

"We must know our strengths and our weaknesses. We must know our breaking points. We must train to prevail in combat conditions... and we must train so thoroughly that we minimize the chance of failure," he said. "Whether you fly, fix or support the HSC community, I need every one of you to be absolutely focused on this pursuit of excellence in warfighting."

Shoemaker welcomed Kennedy by saying, "You are a proven leader and warrior, with a wealth of experience in your time as deputy, and I have complete trust and confidence in your abilities. Your selfless commitment to excellence and teamwork make you the perfect choice to build upon [CHSCWP's] legacy of greatness, and put your personal touch on this community's future."

CHSCWP is responsible for overseeing the operation of nine HSC squadrons, a fleet replacement squadron, a tactical support unit (TSU), an HSC wing weapons and tactics school, and a vertical takeoff and land tactical unmanned aerial vehicle (VTUAV) detachment. These squadrons, school and detachments are located across the Pacific at Naval Base Coronado; Naval Facility Atsugi, Japan; Anderson Air Force Base in Yigo, Guam; and Naval Air Station Point Mugu in Oxnard, California.

CHSCWP manages the administrative, operational, and training requirements of more than 3,700 military personnel and maintenance requirements for more than 150 aircraft, providing operational commanders with combat-ready HSC forces.

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