The "Stingers" of Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 113 held a change of command ceremony Dec. 4 at Naval Air Station (NAS) Lemoore.

During the ceremony, Cmdr. Eric C. Doyle relieved Cmdr. Brian T. Schrum as commander of VFA-113.

Schrum, a native of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, is a 1996 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy. He assumed command Aug. 24, 2014, at the beginning of the squadron's deployment aboard USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70). During the 10-month deployment, VFA-113 supported Operation Inherent Resolve in Iraq and Syria. Schrum's leadership was essential to the squadron's selection as the 2014 Battle Efficiency Award Winner, which designated the command as the best F/A-18C Hornet squadron on the West Coast.

Since the squadron's homecoming to NAS Lemoore June 4, Schrum has readied the squadron for their upcoming transition from the F/A-18C to the F/A-18E Super Hornet.

When asked about his tour, Schrum said: "It has been an absolute honor to lead and serve the men and women of Strike Fighter Squadron 113 over the past 15 months as their Commanding Officer. The squadron met, tackled, and overcame significant challenges head on during work ups, cruise, and post-cruise - a testament to the focus, drive, and determination of our command to achieve mission success. I could not have asked for a finer group of strike fighter pilots, maintenance and admin professionals to lead through an extensive 10-month deployment in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. I am proud of our team accomplishments, and I wish the 'Stingers' continued success under the outstanding leadership of Cmdr. Doyle."

The "Stingers" wished Schrum fair winds and following seas as he is scheduled to report to Goose Creek, South Carolina, where he will attend training at Navy Nuclear Power Training Command.

Doyle, a native of League City, Texas, and a graduate of Texas A&M University, is a TOPGUN graduate and has been the executive officer of VFA-113 since August 2014. His career as a naval aviator includes assignments with the VFA-115 "Eagles," Navy Fighter Weapons School, VFA-37 "Ragin' Bulls," VFA-15 "Valions," and the 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron. Throughout his career, he has participated in Operations Southern Watch, Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Inherent Resolve.

On assuming command of VFA-113, Doyle said, "I am extremely honored to take command of such an exceptional squadron as that of VFA-113. I am especially thankful to take command from such a great officer and friend, Cmdr. Brian Schrum. Brian has set this squadron up to achieve great things over the past year and a half; I will do my best to maintain the elevated trajectory that he has set."

The "Stingers" are attached to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 17. Cmdr. Adrian Jope assumed duties as the VFA-113 executive officer.

With the motto of "The First and the Finest," VFA-113 was commissioned July 15, 1948. After more than 67 years in service, the "Stingers" remain ready to execute U.S. policy at home and abroad in support of national security requirements; and the "Stingers" do it as the safest tactical aviation squadron in U.S. Naval Aviation history thanks to having achieved 170,000-mishap free flight hours in 2014.

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